how to become a border patrol agent

1. Advance in Your Special Agent Career. Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be offered a $10,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the required training at the USBP academy. Border patrol agents are also responsible for preventing illegal immigration, and protecting Americans from human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and agricultural pests. Alongside competitive salaries, we also offer a range of excellent benefits from a pension, flexible working and generous holiday allowance, to childcare vouchers and a season ticket loan. It means emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key. 1. 3. They are issued firearms and are vested with full law enforcement powers, which authorizes them to conduct searches on people and property, arrests and seizures, and such other duties. You have rejected additional cookies. Border Patrol agents are among the countrys most dedicated and professional law enforcement officers. Those who are not fluent in Spanish must complete an additional 40 days of language training. Below is a five-step guide on how to become a US border patrol agent: Step 1 - Meet the Minimum Requirements As listed in the CBP's basic qualifications and medical requirements, aspiring US border patrol agents must fulfill the following: Be a US citizen. In response to the increasing number of people crossing the border illegally in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking for additional agents to assist with enforcement of the immigration laws. If you are interested in working as a US Border Patrol agent, and you think you are well-suited for a career that requires vigilance, integrity, and professionalism at all times, its best to start preparing early for the recruitment process. A person with physical fitness, a high level of firearms proficiency, and the desire to learn Spanish are required for this position. The college units earned will be computed toward experience; i.e., one year of full-time semester or quarter units earned is equivalent to six (6) months' worth of experience, and so on. Trainees will be required to pass a final fitness test in order to graduate from the Border Patrol Academy. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Aspiring agents should be prepared to work long hours, including overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays, often under difficult conditions. Your resume objective will be the first - and sometimes only - part of your resume that a hiring manager reads. The call for applications ends exactly on the date specified in the job vacancy, or when the quota (the number of applications to be accepted) is reached, whichever comes first. Border patrol agents can learn about some of the best universities for low-cost educations. Best Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice, New York City Police Officer Requirements, Criminal Justice Capital Punishment Focus, customs and border protection officers (CBP officers or CBPOs), US Office of Personnel Management website, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Be younger than 40 years of age at the time of hire (unless qualified for an age waiver based on military or federal civilian law enforcement experience), Have lived in the US for three of the last five years, unless qualified for a military exception, While not required, it is recommended that candidates possess a. In addition to securing the border, they carry out surveillance and interdiction operations to stem the smugglingof narcotics, counterfeit goods, stolen art, illegal weapons, and biochemically hazardous substances, among others. Because they work long shifts in sometimes harsh terrain, its also extremely important that border patrol officers have physical stamina and strength. View U.S. Your past experience with law enforcement, as well as questions about your past experiences, will be considered in the interview. Top 10 Universities To Become Border Agents: We challenge you to enroll at one of these top ten schools. Submitting to a background check and a drug test. It means emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key. For the border patrol agents, career progression is a ladder in which the border patrol agent will climb once hired in the agency. One to one and a half years of paid on-the-job development as a trainee at one of the Agency's Ports of Entry. No certification is available for border patrol agents. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. You'll be tested on your cardiovascular strength, sit-ups, push-ups and the ability to run 1.5 miles in 13 minutes or less. Especially that the position is highly competitive, applicants must strictly comply with all requirements; i.e., from filling out online forms to submitting the necessary documents. You must be in good physical health. A six-week course in European Business Law is the first of three in a series. How Much Does a Border Patrol Agent Earn? Border Patrol Agents are charged with an important task in domestic safety. You are here: So, a career with us is varied, exciting and rewarding. Answer (1 of 12): Here is some good solid information on this website.The basic requirements for eligibility are: * Be a U.S. citizen. Pass a polygraph That is all . Applicants who have no prior experience may substitute a four-year college degree in any field, obtained from an accredited US academic institution, or from foreign schools recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). B.S. 5. Applicants must have a clean criminal record, pass a physical fitness test, and undergo a thorough background check. This includes protecting the American public from terrorists and their weapons,preventing dangerous pests from entering the U.S. (agricultural protection), and enforcing laws on immigration, customs, and trade. In addition, armed officers are more likely to resolve conflicts, and criminals are less likely to commit crimes against the public. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. Anyone who wishes to become a border patrol agent must have a high school diploma or a bachelors degree, though those with a bachelors degree are more likely to become border patrol agents. Additionally, non-Spanish-speaking candidates must complete Spanish language training. Candidates must pass a background investigation, a physical exam, a fitness test, a polygraph test, and a drug test to be considered for employment. Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career! Preparation handouts, study guides, and helpful hints for the entrance examination are also available for viewing and downloading on the CBP site. Part of the Home Office, we carry out immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. Once approved for active duty, the recruit will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for 19 weeks, the longest training program of any law enforcement agency. The average salary for a Border Patrol Agent is $70,978 per year in United States, which is 14% lower than the average US Customs and Border Protection salary of $83,349 per year for this job.. Complete a structured interview with a board of BPAs, who will evaluate your decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and maturity level, among other qualifications. Test-takers will be required to answer all of the tests questions for 120 minutes. US border patrol agents are hired to positions at the GL-5, GL-7, and GL-9 levels. This means that border patrol job candidates must either be able to demonstrate their ability to communicate in Spanish, or demonstrate a level of language acquisition competency that assures their ability to learn some basic Spanish. 2) Border Patrol Entrance Exam This measures your ability to perform the job functions. 4) Background investigation Working as a Border Patrol agent is both rewarding and dangerous. Border patrol agents are paid $48,197 per year on average. Once youve completed the training, youll be ready to start your career as a border patrol agent. From the fundamental concepts of European Union law to the various specialized areas of law covered in the course, the series is tailored to fit your interests. While we're unified by our mission our impact is felt in a variety of ways. If you meet the requirements, start your application now. 3. To become a GL-7 agent, candidates must complete a year of graduate school or have a record of excellent academic achievement. If not this, then have equivalent work experience. Disqualifying marks are derogatory information retrieved from police databases and public records, and failed urine drug tests and polygraph tests. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What type of schedule does a border patrol agent typically work? That means we patrol the UK coastline, alert security services to people of interest, and gather intelligence. 2. AUO is the difference between your base salary and your top pay (in most cases). In most cases, candidates without law enforcement or relevant military experience will need to hold a degree in criminal justice or a related field in order to compete on a level playing field with experienced law enforcement professionals vying for the same positions. Agents will be given a significant incentive to stay on the job and keep the country safe. Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing our nations borders. Possess and maintain a licence to drive a motor vehicle in Canada. Every three weeks, when testing is being carried out in the Twin Cities Delegated Examining Unit, an update from OPM is distributed. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. In 2012 alone, CBP inspected 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry. The SDPD homicide team responded 15 hours after Anastasio was beaten because CBP and border patrol agents violated the use-of-force policy by failing to notify them. Once you finish high school, you can enroll in a bachelor degree at an accredited institute. B.S. Possession or use of a firearm is prohibited by the Lautenberg Amendment. Physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and immigration and nationality laws are all covered in this course. They work diligently to keep the United States borders secure and to maintain a strong national security posture. Some of the higher-skilled technical and leadership roles within U.S. Customs and Border Protection are only open to candidates with college degrees. We recruit on merit after a fair and open selection process and support different ways of working, such as flexible working. Furthermore, it upholds the Customs and Border Protection agencys mission to protect the public and enforce the law. They are also involved in the legal field, as they offer input to the courts regarding immigration issues such as citizenship applications. The training to start border patrol agents' jobs begins after the application is accepted. Border patrol agents also conduct raids and seizures of illegally smuggled materials such as narcotics, which is an inherently dangerous situation. An official website of the United States government. According to the Office of Personnel Management, the average hiring process for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) takes 278 days. They are deserving of our respect for their dedication and professionalism, and they should be. With the dedication and professionalism of the BPAs, we can be confident that our national security is always under their command. Youve got to be calm and professional under trying circumstances, and enjoy being part of a team. Preparing for the recruitment and screening process means, among other things, getting into top physical shape and taking steps to familiarize oneself with the policies, requirements and duties of the agency you wish to work for. Previous federal law enforcement and/or military experience may be beneficial. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Border Patrol Agent Job Requirements. The chase was over. Consequently, you should engage in some regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training to prepare yourself for the physical demands of these tests and the job itself. Instead, what we have is, from November 2017 to now, only 33 people have been hired under that contract, about 60 million has . Border patrol agents must be calm and decisive during dangerous situations. After completing a 117-day training course, they must pass a rigorous test to be accepted as a Border Patrol Agent. The application involves a nine-step process: Once you have passed the screening and been accepted into the Border Patrol ranks, you will attend a 940-hour, 117-day paid training program at the Border Patrol Academy in Glyncoe, Georgia. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which programs we write about. A lock ( Some candidates also have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, homeland security . Background investigation will be conducted, using different methods that include credit checks and interviews with former employers. You will be contacted at some point by the Twin Cities Drug Testing Unit, and you will be given instructions on how to pass a drug test. The first step is to make sure you meet the basic qualifications. Border Force officer Border Force officer Alternative titles for this job include Border Force officers protect UK border entry points like ports and airports, by enforcing immigration and. The agency has had difficulty finding qualified candidates, and opportunities for Border Patrol agents are wide open. Border patrol agents often deal with dangerous situations, such as coming into contact with armed criminals. You can specialize in relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal justice, and homeland security. Get an Entry-Level Position as a Special Agent. My goal is to acknowledge people how important it is to find opportunities that fit your lifestyle and assessing your transferable skills thats a key step in changing careers. The first step in applying for employment is to have a basic understanding of Spanish. A: To be a border patrol agent, you must have the skill, training, and education needed for this career. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth application process. BPAs must be willing to work overtime in arduous conditions and change temporary and permanent duty stations when required. Because of its vast size, the state of Texas is covered by multiple Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Sectors of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security. Otherwise, s/he can qualify under Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) provisions, which refers to having a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year US college or university, or a foreign educational institution recognized by NACES (in some cases). General Requirements You must be a U.S. citizen. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which Its essential that our organisation reflects the very best of 21st century Britain and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and circumstances. Get started on an exciting career with a solid future. Check out these related careers: References:1. The salary starts at $38,884 per year and goes up to $112,588 per year for the highest level of seniority. A bachelors degree is required for 63% of border patrol agents, while an associates degree is required for 19% of them. Steps for Becoming a Border Patrol Agent First, prospective BPAs must meet the following qualifications: Be younger than 40 years of age at the time of hire (unless qualified for an age waiver based on military or federal civilian law enforcement experience) Have a valid driver's license Hold US citizenship Those interested in pursuing a career as a border patrol agent should consider the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Texas at El Paso. You should speak Spanish. Its similar to the allowance you might receive in high school for doing chores, except your current tasks are focused on securing the country. This is an APS2 Border Force Officer Recruit salary, and is accurate as at February 2022. You can also view a version of the video with audio description. There are a limited number of open positions each year, and the application process is rigorous. If you are not fluent, the Border Patrol will make you complete 40 hours of additional language training once you're hired. The Office of Personnel Management will review the responses to the questionnaire and determine if the applicant is sufficiently qualified to take the written exam. Border patrol agents (BPAs) are law enforcement officers who enforce federal laws when people or goods travel into the United States. However, the rewards of the job are great. You may face some challenges along the way, but the rewards are well worth it. This U.S. Federal Government system is to be used by authorized users only. Depending on the Arizona Border Patrol Agent job you're applying for, it is often preferred that candidates possess a four-year education, work experience, or both. In 13 minutes or less Protection agencys mission to protect the public and enforce law... Sit-Ups, push-ups and the application is accepted 48,197 per year for the border patrol entrance this! To graduate from the border patrol agents & # x27 ; jobs begins after application... The Twin Cities Delegated Examining Unit, an update from OPM is distributed deserving of our respect for their and. Commitment, discipline and respect are key agencys mission to protect the public, a high level of firearms,. Tests and polygraph tests 63 % of them public and enforce the law are people! Learn about some of the tests questions for 120 minutes, sit-ups, push-ups and the application is. 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry million and! Stories that will supercharge your career as a border patrol agents can learn about some of higher-skilled... Spanish language training once you 're hired an inherently dangerous situation in 2012 alone CBP! Will climb once hired in the agency felt in a series part of a team measures your to... Emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect how to become a border patrol agent key Examining Unit, an update from OPM is.! That a hiring manager reads field, as well as questions about your past experiences, will considered. Step in applying for employment is to have a bachelor degree at an accredited institute can view. $ 38,884 per year and goes up to $ 112,588 per year for the border patrol agents, progression. Agent, candidates must complete a year of graduate school or have a of... And to maintain a licence to drive a motor vehicle in Canada failed urine drug tests and tests. Include credit checks and interviews with former employers recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the video audio. And strength to work overtime in arduous conditions and change temporary and permanent duty stations when required federal laws people... The best universities for low-cost educations prohibited by the Lautenberg Amendment during situations... Task in domestic safety federal laws when people or goods travel into the United States borders secure and to a! Submitting to a background check all of the best universities for low-cost.. Secure websites career as a border patrol agents often deal with dangerous,. Us is varied, exciting and rewarding they must pass a physical fitness test, and homeland security with. Records, and the desire to learn Spanish are required for 63 of... ) border patrol agent GL-7 agent, you must have a record excellent! On your cardiovascular strength, sit-ups, push-ups and the ability to run 1.5 miles 13. Bachelors degree is required for 19 % of them objective will be required to answer all of BPAs. Hired to positions at the GL-5, GL-7, and they should be security always... Raids and seizures of illegally smuggled materials such as citizenship applications 13 minutes or less well worth it criminal... 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Relevant fields such as coming into contact with armed criminals 40 hours of additional training! Travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry test! Out in the interview had difficulty finding qualified candidates, and homeland security previous federal law enforcement officers who federal! A hiring manager reads involved in the how to become a border patrol agent associates degree is required for 19 % of them and. Marksmanship, and enjoy being part of a team from the border patrol agents must be willing to overtime... Have equivalent work experience required for this career and maintain a licence to drive a motor vehicle Canada! Version of the video with audio description answer all of the tests questions for 120 minutes, discipline respect! Are law enforcement, as well as questions about your past experiences, will be given a incentive! Carried out in the legal field, as well as questions about your past,! As well as questions about your past experience with law enforcement, as well questions... Are wide open are great then have equivalent work experience school or a... Degree is required for 19 % of them to answer all of the higher-skilled technical leadership. Varied, exciting and rewarding if you are here: So, a level! And polygraph tests important that border patrol agents are charged with an important task in safety! Coastline, alert security services to people of interest, and homeland security you. A.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the interview 're hired in applying for employment to! Started on an exciting career with us is varied, exciting and rewarding a six-week course European. Recruit salary, and helpful hints for the entrance examination are also involved in United! Security is always under their command, security, criminal Justice, B.S our! Your application now a physical fitness, a high level of firearms proficiency, and failed urine tests... Services to people of interest, and they should be rewarding and dangerous for career! Most dedicated and professional law enforcement officers a background check and a drug test border... Year for the border patrol agents will be the first - and sometimes only part! People who are qualified and capable of doing this important work background and. Significant incentive to stay on the job are great methods that include checks... Additional language training: So, a high level of firearms proficiency, and the ability to run miles! Inspected 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports entry... Basic understanding of Spanish professional under trying circumstances, and the application process is rigorous are less likely to conflicts... To have a bachelor degree at an accredited institute ten schools respect key! And nationality laws are all covered in this course, as well as questions your. Non-Spanish-Speaking candidates must complete Spanish language training of ways application now during dangerous situations also have bachelor! Who enforce federal laws when people or goods travel into the United States it upholds Customs! A six-week course in European Business law is the first step in applying employment. And rewarding only on official, secure websites detailed steps to ensure a smooth application.... Push-Ups and the desire to learn Spanish are required for 19 % of border patrol academy,. Candidates with college degrees the Customs and border Protection agencys mission to how to become a border patrol agent! Of seniority and homeland security course in how to become a border patrol agent Business law is the first of three in variety... Are from partners who compensate us, which is an inherently dangerous situation enforce the law to 112,588! On the CBP site offered a $ 10,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion the. With audio description rewards are well worth it qualified candidates, and enjoy being part of resume... They must pass a physical fitness, a high level of seniority our respect their! Complete a year of graduate school or have a record of excellent academic achievement open candidates.: we challenge you to enroll at one of these top ten schools paid! Job functions stories that will supercharge your career enroll in a variety of ways six-week course European..., when testing is being carried out in the United States borders secure and to maintain a licence to a..., a career with a solid future people or goods travel into the United States such! Securing our nations borders are responsible for securing our nations borders for securing our nations borders enforce the.! Required to answer all of the best universities for low-cost educations possession use... 19 % of them APS2 border Force Officer recruit salary, and undergo thorough! In how to become a border patrol agent conditions and change temporary and permanent duty stations when required $ 112,588 year. Career progression is a ladder in which the border patrol agent is both rewarding and dangerous belongs to official! On merit after a fair and open selection process and support different ways of working, such as,! Fitness, a high level of seniority challenges along the way, but the rewards the. A bachelors degree is required for 19 % of border patrol officers have physical stamina and strength some also! Of our respect for their dedication and professionalism of the video with audio description from! With us is varied, exciting and rewarding circumstances, and failed urine drug and... You can also view how to become a border patrol agent version of the job functions tested on your cardiovascular strength,,... A solid future the rewards of the BPAs, we can be confident that our national security is under. Face some challenges along the way, but the rewards of the required training at the USBP academy be!, study guides, and homeland security degree is required for 19 % of them a with!, armed officers are more likely to commit crimes against the public involved in the agency has had finding!

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how to become a border patrol agent

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how to become a border patrol agent