DO NOT PURCHASE THE 79$ PREP PACKAGE ONLINE. They addressed this at the interview. They told us that Garda actually purchased this package once to see if it was any good and that all the images are antiquated and a lot of the information is wrong.
A few weeks after applying online, I received an invitation to a screening event in which I would be writing two tests and going through screening interviews.
There are two tests: xray identification and general IQ testing.
The xray identification was comprised of 20 images, each on the screen for 20 seconds. You are to identify if the bag in the xray contains an explosive device, a knife or a gun. They give you a very useful crash course beforehand to help you identify these things. Sit as close to the front as possible and pay attention to the lesson. If you wear glasses, bring them! Once you think you found the device, keep looking until your time is up--use all the time they give you. It's quite easy, however out of 100 applicants, only around 15 passed. Do not take it personally if you do not pass, some of the images are a bit hard to decipher and some people just don't have a knack for that kind of thing and it's ok! If you do not get a grade of 80% or more, you are disqualified from the hiring process and cannot reapply for 6 months.
The second test is a general IQ test of sorts. A lot of grammar and spelling: they're vs their and there, etc. Some pattern identification, some percentages (it's whole numbers though, not something like ''what's 16% of 297.7, lol), some logics. I am hopeless at math, but still managed to pass this test. You need at least 70% to pass this test.
After two tests, they do a pre-screening with you and following that, they do a 15 minute interview in which they give you a medical form to fill out if and when you get a call with a job offer...the medical is all basic, nothing scary.
Be aware that you will need to pay 20$ for parking.
If you are disqualified, please do not be disheartened. It is necessary for them to be strict as you are directly responsible for thousands of passengers' safety in this job.
