Washington ( CNN ) -- The inspector general at the Department of Homeland Security is asking airports to deliver personal information on workers who have access to secure or sensitive areas . A memo sent to airport security badge offices by a senior analyst at the department is asking for the names , Social Security numbers , birthdates and 13 other personal data points in a review of the Transportation Security Administration 's credentialing process . The procedure for obtaining the information and the number or type of workers to be covered were not immediately known Thursday . The request is not timed to the busy Thanksgiving travel season . It appears to be a test of TSA security procedures . The information is due to the Department of Homeland Security by November 22 . Airports Council International , which has 575 members worldwide , is urging its member airports to hold off on sending the information until more guidance is available . A Homeland Security annual performance plan called for the information . `` TSA has the statutory responsibility for requiring employment investigations , including a criminal history record check and a review of available law enforcement databases and other records for individuals who have unescorted access to the secure areas of airports and aircraft , '' it said . A transportation official familiar with the request told CNN it came in late Wednesday afternoon , giving airports just two business days before the busy Thanksgiving week to comply . One major U.S. airport may have as many as 40,000 to 50,000 badged workers , the official said . Airports submit monthly information to the TSA , but the request this week requires additional information and the agency is not being flexible , the official said . `` This is going to require some heavy lifting by the airports , '' the official told CNN . Airports are already dealing with increased security and are preparing to handle the holiday crush , the official said .
NEW : Airports must provide more worker information than usual . Homeland Security seeks personal information on airport employees . Information must be provided on employees with access to secure airport areas . ICAO urges member airports to get more information before ##hand .