§ 1522.117 - Qualifications of validators.

(a) Each assessment conducted under this subpart must be conducted by a validator who meets the following requirements:

(1) He or she must be a citizen or national of the United States or be an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

(2) He or she must meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section.

(i) He or she must hold a certification or accreditation from an organization that TSA recognizes as qualified to certify or accredit a validator for assessments and must have at least five years of experience in inspection or validating compliance with State or Federal regulations in the security industry, the aviation industry, or government programs. The five years of experience must have been obtained within 10 years of the date of the application.

(ii) He or she must have at least five years experience as an inspector for a Federal or State government agency performing inspections similar to the inspections called for in this subpart and part 1549. The five years of experience must have been obtained within 10 years of the date of the application.

(3) The validator must have three professional references that address his or her abilities in inspection, validation, and written communications.

(4) The validator must have sufficient knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, security programs, directives, and orders, pertaining to the certified cargo screening program (CCSP).

(5) The validator must have the ability to apply the concepts, principles, and methods of compliance with the requirements of the certified cargo screening program to include assessment, inspection, investigation, and reporting of compliance with the certified cargo screening program.

(b) Each validator and each individual who assists in conducting assessments must successfully undergo a security threat assessment as required under § 1522.121.