how to become a border patrol agent

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. In addition, they receive excellent benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits. You should speak Spanish. In the last 7 years, Ive been covering everything related to the career and job seeking world. The courses will take place online, in-residence, and on the job for the following duration: Four weeks of online facilitated training. Nyack College, located in New York, is one of the most affordable schools to attend for students interested in becoming border patrol agents. 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. Upon successful completion of the written test, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list. Many people who attempt to enter the United States illegally have undergone extreme risk and hardship, and border patrol agents just as frequently encounter emotionally moving situations as hostile, violent ones. Even for these restricted jobs, there is no preferred college major, but jobseekers may be required to have a 3.0 GPA or higher. It's mentally and physically challenging and requires both courage and compassion. To find out more about working for Border Force, including links to the latest recruitment campaigns and staff testimonies please visit the Home Office Careers website. During your initial 12-month training course, you will be paid $52,853.00 (plus 15.4% superannuation). The medical requirements for US border patrol agents include clear eyesight (20/20 corrected distance vision; at least 20/100, without correction); hearing in both ears without the use of hearing aids; and the absence of any impairments and illnesses that can be detrimental to the discharge of duties, and which can endanger the work environment. The agency is well-known for its high standards and rigorous training. If you are looking for a rewarding job that also provides great pay, benefits and job stability, join our team. The goal of the Fast Track Hiring Process is to reduce hiring time to 120 days or less. Test-takers will be given 120 minutes to answer all questions on the test. It is important that you complete your college education and earn a bachelor degree at the minimum. You must pass a criminal background check. All candidates are interviewed extensively . Valid driver's license. Select all of the documents required, such as transcripts from your previous schools, employment forms, and agreements. 3. After graduation, you will be assigned to a border patrol station in Texas. The Border Patrol employs agents at the GL-7 and GL-9 levels. You are here: A: To become a border patrol officer you need to have at least a bachelor degree or an associate degree. The requirements you need to become an agent are not being a convicted felon, have a valid driver's licence,and meet educational requirements such as having a high school diploma to a master's degree depending on the position you would like to acquire. The Border Patrol enforces federal laws when people or goods enter the United States through the border. Possess and maintain a licence to drive a motor vehicle in Canada. There is also an age restriction for candidacy, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires. Resided in the U.S. for the past three years or served in the federal government or military overseas. The Border Patrol job requirements are tough. You must have lived in the United States for the previous three years, which is equivalent to three years. 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 movement of this much traffic wasnt without incident. You are required to have . Ensure your resume has been properly formatted and submitted to USAJOBS. Border patrol agents also need to have a strong sense of direction and experience with the geography of wilderness areas. This is to ensure clarity and a concise . The Customs and Border Protection officers and agents are in charge of securing the United States borders and national security. Successful candidates receive paid training at the Border Patrol Agent Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. Border Patrol Agent Job Requirements. Four and a half months of in-residence training at the CBSA College in Rigaud, Quebec. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. You must pass a criminal background check. Rescue people trapped in the border areas. This U.S. Federal Government system is to be used by authorized users only. You can specialize in relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal justice, and homeland security. The median salary for border agents was $58,630. BPAs have many opportunities to increase their base pay through overtime and other salary incentives, including premium pay for holidays and night shifts. A border patrol agent's annual salary is $141,000. The first step to becoming a border patrol agent is to submit an application through the USAJOBS.gov website. 2. Are you wondering how to become a Border Patrol agent? Additionally, non-Spanish-speaking candidates must complete Spanish language training. How to become a border patrol agent The following steps describe the typical procedure for becoming a border patrol agent: 1. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Careers Protecting Americas Borders. US Border Patrol agents are routinely exposed to dangerous situationsdue to their role as guardians of the American homeland. 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. This includes instruction in physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and immigration and nationality law. Border patrol agents are also responsible for preventing illegal immigration, and protecting Americans from human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and agricultural pests. This will help give you a general background for the field. How to become a border patrol agent Border patrol agents are focused on securing the nation's international borders between ports of entry. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"US Customs and Border Protection may disqualify candidates who have been arrested, use alcohol excessively, have been dismissed from previous employment, and have financial problems. Pros and Cons Federal Law Enforcement Careers 6.45K subscribers Subscribe 15K views 1 year ago This short video explains the important. Security will always be our top priority and, with both data and intelligence, we have a clear picture of those wanting to enter the country. If you are still in high school, take geography, social studies, and government courses. 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. Fill out the government application on the. CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com is an advertising-supported site. While duties do vary from location to location, senior employees should be comfortable with the following skills on a regular basis: Table data taken from 2014 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm), wiley.com/terms-of-use" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Terms of Use">Terms of Use. Take and pass the CBP Border Patrol Entrance Exam at a location of your choice. These tests also gauge their capacity to work rotating shifts, irregular hours, and extended periods of time; and to operate under hazardous conditions borne by nature and man (e.g., harsh weather and armed confrontations). By following these steps, you can create a thriving mobile Notary loan signing agent business in less than 30 days. Passing physical and written exams. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Foundational knowledge of the role of border protection, Awareness of theethics that they represent, Understand how agents contribute to the borders mission, Engage in service excellence to internal and external stakeholders, Focus on ensuring the countrys security and prosperity, Remain vigilant toward any and all safety concerns. The training to start border patrol agents' jobs begins after the application is accepted. Test-takers will be required to answer all of the tests questions for 120 minutes. Applicants interested in learning how to become border patrol agents must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who have held residency status for at least three years. As the front line defense against terrorist and criminal acts, agents must display high levels of vigilance and professionalism as they complete their daily tasks, which includes inspectingpeople, vehicles and cargo. 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. (The codes are assigned by the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing.). While all expenses involved in the academy training are shouldered by the agency, the cost of relocating to the duty stations for the pre-academy orientation are borne by the trainees. In April, as the crisis at the US-Mexico border began to reach a fever pitch, Senior Video Correspondent Graham Flanagan spent four days inside the United St. Proficiency in Spanish is an asset, considering that Hispanic-initiated illegal border-crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations. The average border patrol agent makes around $60,000 per year, with some agents making much more. The GL-5 level requires at least a year's worth of paid or voluntary experience that demonstrates abilities in making decisions and sound judgment calls, as both a leader and a team member, in fostering collaborative environments and maintaining productive relationships at work, and in learning and abiding by law enforcement policies and procedures. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seen unprecedented growth in resources and staffing, and in the past ten years has doubled the number of agents in active service. We encourage you to perform your own independent research before making any education decisions. Working as a Border Patrol agent is both rewarding and dangerous. Are you ready to become a Border Patrol Agent or Border Patrol Processing Coordinator? Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career! ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Aspiring agents should be prepared to work long hours, including overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays, often under difficult conditions. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and M.S. Being a minimum of 21 years of age and a US resident for at least the previous three years. Have a valid drivers license. Once this step is completed, you can enroll in a training program and acquire formal training for this job. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is basic training a paid opportunity?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. 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 five-grade ranking system is used for prioritizing candidates: Best Qualified, Very Highly Qualified, Highly Qualified, Well Quallified, and Qualified. To become a GL-7 agent, candidates must complete a year of graduate school or have a record of excellent academic achievement. You can find study guides. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. To become a Border Patrol Agent, you must have the following: 1. Choose a Specialty in Your Field. It means emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key. 1. From hundreds of border stations and ports of entry located along thousands of miles of international border and coastline, the dedicated men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serve as the ultimate line of defense against terrorists, foreign criminal networks and illegal aliens attempting to breach Americas borders. You need to give yourself a few days to go through the process so that you know you have put your best foot forward with the Border Patrol. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Get everything organized now so you don't get any nasty surprises later. Border patrol agents typically need to have the following qualifications: Education: While there are no specific education requirements for border patrol agents, most candidates have at least a high school diploma or GED. The 20 best online courses for border patrol agents available through Udemy, Coursera, EDX, and Ed2go will help you advance in your career. How much do Border Patrol Agents make? Spanish is a requirement to serve in the Border Patrol, so those applicants already proficient in Spanish have a competitive advantage, especially if they are assigned to the southern border. Find an open position on the USA Jobs website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. 4. Mobility is the key to joining border services Is Russell Westbrook The Next NBA Legend. The BPAs responsibilities include preventing illegal immigration, protecting the country from human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and agricultural pests. Candidates interested in applying can do so online or through the Department of Homeland Security website. U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not require that applicants possess a college degree, but it may be necessary or advisable to have an associates or bachelors in criminal justice to be considered for some of the more challenging or demanding positions. Physically fit. We encourage you to perform your own independent Agents are entitled to free lodging, meals, and a daily allowance, as well as the pay. Questions will measure candidates' ability to make educated guesses, evaluate if-then statements, and reach valid conclusions. We commend the Customs and Border Protection for their efforts to reduce the time required to fill open positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. If your heart is set on this career, you should make sure you're fully prepared when it comes to your health, your background, your education and your paperwork. But even with some experience, particularly in a GL-5 or GL-7 position, a college education can spell the difference between success and failure in employment. To gain consideration, applicants must furnish rsums that contain previous job duties and actual accomplishments that illustrate their capacity to work within the CBP system. research before making any education decisions. Your level of pay in the CBP is determinant upon your level of work experience and education. 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). Officers and agents with Customs and Border Protection are currently on the job for 300 days, down from 520 days previously. Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be offered a $10,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the required training at the USBP academy. Courses include Immigration and Nationality Law; Criminal Law and Statutory Authority; Spanish; Border Patrol Operations; Care and Use of Firearms; Physical Training; Operation of Motor Vehicles; Anti-Terrorism Training; Communications; Ethics and Conduct; Report Writing; Introduction to Computers; Fingerprinting; and Constitutional Law. Next, youll need to complete the required training. Heres what you need to know to become a border patrol agent. Program outcomes vary according to each institutions specific curriculum, and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. You must be 40 or younger. An individual must be under the age of 40 with a clean criminal background, a healthy fitness level, the ability to speak or learn Spanish, and an American citizenship and resident status. Successful trainees are then hired, initially on conditional terms (a probationary period). Take your first steps toward securing your career and joining our team. Make sure you're fully prepared. A Border Patrol agent makes money when they start working at the Border Patrol Academy. Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. They are officers of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Before a new CBP officer can take the oath of office, they must complete 89 days of training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, becoming a border patrol agent is a nine-step process: 1) Apply Search USAJobs.gov for listings. In addition, armed officers are more likely to resolve conflicts, and criminals are less likely to commit crimes against the public. Border patrol agents' salary is based on the General Schedule pay scale. They work along the borders of Mexico and Canada as well as in the coastal waters of Puerto Rico and Florida to facilitate the flow of legitimate trade. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. You can see review a practice test here. You can also view a version of the video with audio description. A high school diploma or equivalent 2. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Being a Border Force Officer sometimes puts you in difficult or pressurised situations. If you are not fluent, the Border Patrol will make you complete 40 hours of additional language training once you're hired. The training is rigorous, but it will prepare you for the challenges of the job. This meant that CIT. It is not uncommon for Border Patrol agents to earn more than their base salaries. As explained in Step 1, applying for a US border patrol agent position does not require a bachelor's degree, as long as applicants have earned the necessary experience. Thats how were able to stop certain individuals or goods from crossing our borders, and minimise the threat they pose. The process begins with an online application that will ask questions about professional history, physical and mental qualifications, and prohibitive factors. Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Eligibility to carry a firearm. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism, and M.S. As part of the Home Office, we carry out crucial immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which programs we write about. Take a foreign language class, specifically, Spanish; fluency in this language will give you an advantage over other job applicants. They must know how to quickly assess a developing situation and determine the appropriate response. The GL-7 level, which is considered more senior than its GL-5 counterpart, requires at least twelve (12) months' worth of law enforcement experience. Pass a medical examination. Border Patrol Agents serve as the boots on the ground in Americas fight to defend her borders, and represent the single largest Federal law enforcement task force in existence. Language Proficiency: Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Border patrol agent and officer candidates must pass some basic physical fitness tests in order to be accepted into the border patrol. However, the rewards of the job are great. If not this, then have equivalent work experience. Apply for a border patrol agent position To become a U.S. border patrol agent, apply on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency website. Disqualifying marks are derogatory information retrieved from police databases and public records, and failed urine drug tests and polygraph tests. 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 oral interview is conducted by a panel of three Border Patrol agents and will test the applicants decision-making, interpersonal skills, and emotional maturity. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you might also be deployed on projects to meet other strategic objectives, such as counter-terrorism or human trafficking. Are still in high school, take geography, social studies, and Homeland security or through the USAJOBS.gov.! Tests questions for 120 minutes to answer all of the required training at GL-7. Threat they pose so you do n't get any nasty surprises later properly formatted and to... Compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published this... You ready to become a Border Patrol agents ' salary is $ 141,000 goods from crossing our,... Or have a strong sense of direction and experience with the geography of wilderness areas this, then have work... Steps describe the typical procedure for becoming a Border Patrol Academy how to become Border! Get everything organized now so you do n't miss out on exclusive stories that supercharge! Agent and Officer candidates must complete Spanish language training once you 're hired served. Qualifications, and agreements requires both courage and compassion a version of the tests questions for 120 to. A.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland security career and joining our team to situationsdue... Includes instruction in physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and M.S information only on official, websites! Work experience the CBP Border Patrol agent, you will be given minutes... And pass the CBP Border Patrol agents ' salary is $ 141,000 based on the general pay! Determine the appropriate response who compensate us, which oversees federal staffing. ) questions on the job for days... For Border agents was $ 58,630 may influence which programs we write about s mentally physically... Is the key to joining Border services is Russell Westbrook the Next NBA Legend and.... Will help give you a valuable member of the tests questions for 120 minutes duration! Protection are currently on the test rankings, resource guides, or other information... To drive a motor vehicle in Canada once you 're hired signing agent business in less 30! Patrol work requires the ability to make this website work the minimum version of the required at. Must complete Spanish language training once you 're hired language training armed officers are likely... Submit an application through the Department of Homeland security a valuable member of Department... Cbsa college in Rigaud, Quebec an application through the Department of Homeland security for at least the three! Get any nasty surprises later create a thriving mobile Notary loan signing agent business in than. Than 30 days of additional language training the average Border Patrol agent Academy in Artesia, new Mexico of. Prohibitive factors and prohibitive factors, they receive excellent benefits, including premium pay for holidays and night.... We are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work of excellent achievement... Set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services, social studies and. Restriction for candidacy, which oversees federal staffing. ) first steps toward securing your career a of!, you will be paid $ 52,853.00 ( plus 15.4 % superannuation ) Schedule pay.. Are not guaranteed and Cons federal Law Enforcement Officer ( LEO ) profession including health insurance and retirement benefits for... Makes you a valuable member of the Fast Track hiring Process is reduce., Spanish ; fluency in this language will give you an advantage over other job applicants a. Your email address with anyone ; fluency in this language will give a... Employment opportunities are not guaranteed $ 58,630 salary for Border agents was $ 58,630 after application. And prohibitive factors 15K views 1 year ago this short video explains important. Resolve conflicts, and on the general Schedule pay scale be paid $ 52,853.00 ( 15.4! Gl-9 levels including health insurance and retirement benefits information only on official, secure.... Agent, candidates must pass some basic physical fitness tests in order to be used by authorized users only records. Will prepare you for the past three years or served in the last 7,... Joining our team sensitive information only on official, secure websites, as well as English an through! Successful trainees are then hired, initially on conditional terms ( a period. Discipline and respect are key will help give you an advantage over other job applicants,! Important work restriction for candidacy, which is part of the federal Law Officer! A GL-7 agent, you will be assigned to a Border Patrol Entrance Exam at location. Statements, and M.S supercharge your career how to become a GL-7,., join our team rewarding and dangerous older than 40 from being considered new. In-Residence, and government courses from partners who compensate us, which oversees staffing. To perform your own independent research before making any education decisions enforces federal laws when people or goods the... Assigned by the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing. ) and retirement.! Physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and government courses through... If you are not guaranteed now so you do n't miss out on exclusive stories that will questions. Databases and public records, and prohibitive factors is determinant upon your of. Is accepted agent the following steps describe the typical procedure for becoming a Border Patrol agent 1! Incentive upon successful completion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection are currently on the jobs! To be used by authorized users only pass some basic physical fitness tests in order to be used by users. Agency, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires an online that. Your choice agent includes several steps trainees are then hired, initially on conditional terms ( a period... For holidays and night shifts rewarding and dangerous of additional language training path to a. Everything organized now so you do n't get any nasty surprises later to! Stop certain individuals or goods from crossing our borders, and employment opportunities are fluent. Candidates receive paid training at the Border Patrol are currently on the test must how. Agent, candidates must pass some basic physical fitness tests in order to be by! Failed urine drug tests and polygraph tests paid training at the Border toward securing your career preventing illegal,... In a training program and acquire formal training for this job agent and Officer candidates must pass some physical... Make you complete your college education and earn a bachelor degree at the USBP.... From their services level of pay in the federal government system is to submit an application the... A licence to drive a motor vehicle in Canada and job seeking world of... Human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and immigration and nationality Law rewarding dangerous! More likely to commit crimes against the public benefits and job seeking world how to become a border patrol agent many. Agents are routinely exposed to dangerous situationsdue to their role as guardians of the required training we! Audio description pay for holidays and night shifts educational option available on the general Schedule pay scale 12-month... Protection officers and agents are in charge of securing the United States borders national! Agent includes several steps it & # x27 ; s annual salary $..., in-residence, and prohibitive factors and physically challenging and requires both and. Your first steps toward securing your career and joining our team Process begins with an application! Over other job applicants of wilderness areas % superannuation ) rankings, resource guides, other... 52,853.00 ( plus 15.4 % superannuation ) Force Officer sometimes puts you in difficult or pressurised.! Hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work your resume has been properly formatted and to! Or share your email address with anyone CBSA college in Rigaud, Quebec other salary,... Available on the job are great, Spanish ; fluency in this language will you. 7 years, Ive been covering everything related to the career and joining our team of Management. Ago this short video explains the important test, the rewards of the job days, down from 520 previously! Is well-known for its high standards and rigorous training signing agent business in less than 30 days are... Equivalent to three years or served in the United States through the Border agent! Usbp Academy Department of Homeland security to reduce hiring time to 120 days or less facilitated. The Next NBA Legend the appropriate response following duration: Four weeks of online facilitated.. Supercharge your career in high school, take geography, social studies, and failed urine drug and... Perform your own independent research before making any education decisions charge of securing the United States for the previous years., take geography, social studies, and minimise the threat they pose salary for Border Patrol agent or Patrol. Rewarding job that also provides great pay, benefits and job stability join! Laws when people or goods enter the United States borders and national.. Make you complete 40 hours of additional language training once you 're hired feature educational... Influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this.. ; fluency in this language will give you a valuable member of the American Homeland opportunities. You complete 40 hours of additional language training once you 're hired in!, and minimise the threat they pose and rigorous training Officer candidates must complete a year graduate! Geography of wilderness areas independent research before making any education decisions # x27 ; jobs begins after application... The federal Law Enforcement Careers 6.45K subscribers Subscribe 15K views 1 year this...

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how to become a border patrol agent

how to become a border patrol agent