how to become a border patrol agent

Have a valid drivers license. Eligibility to carry a firearm. Despite the agencys rigorous training process, the Border Patrol is one of the most sought-after law enforcement agencies in the country. Not be a convicted criminal. Becoming a border patrol agent is a noble and rewarding career choice. As an agent, you will receive regularly yearly promotions up to the G-12 level. Resolve to enforce border procedures with impartiality and fairness. The first step in applying for employment is to have a basic understanding of Spanish. In 2012 alone, CBP inspected 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry. The salary starts at $38,884 per year and goes up to $112,588 per year for the highest level of seniority. 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. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What does the CPB exam assess? Previous federal law enforcement and/or military experience may be beneficial. Border patrol agents receive salaries based on their General Schedule salary scale. If a position becomes available later, you may transfer to Texas if you are not assigned to one at the time. If you already speak Spanish (including the grammar rules), you can decline the artificial language part of the course. Is Russell Westbrook The Next NBA Legend. Get everything organized now so you don't get any nasty surprises later. Maximum age of 39. The Border Patrol enforces federal laws when people or goods enter the United States through the border. It must be noted that the agency evaluates applicants for stellar qualifications. The Border Patrol lists a college degree as one of the requirements to become a Border Patrol agent. Make sure you're fully prepared. In order to join the U.S. Border patrol, applicants must meet the following criteria: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen Applicants must possess a valid driver's license Applicants must be fluent in Spanish or be capable of learning it Applicants must be younger than 40 years of age Applicants must pass a drug urine test If you are not fluent, the Border Patrol will make you complete 40 hours of additional language training once you're hired. Answer (1 of 12): Here is some good solid information on this website.The basic requirements for eligibility are: * Be a U.S. citizen. Before you apply for Border Patrol positions, learn more about what the job involves and what the border patrol job requirements are. By following these steps, you can create a thriving mobile Notary loan signing agent business in less than 30 days. The base pay range for border patrol agents varies according to education, experience, and duty posting. You've got to be calm and. After you pass the oral interview, you begin your waiting game. By doing so, you will gain a better understanding of the field. The applicants background will also be investigated. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Heres what you need to know to become a border patrol agent. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. 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. These dedicated professionals serve in several specialized roles, but with one common objective: To protect, manage and control Americas borders. Locality pay if you are assigned to an area with a high cost of living. Spanish does not have to be an applicants major, as interactions with a wide variety of foreign nationals is highly common; demonstrating proficiency in any foreign language should be sufficient to convince the US CBP that the applicant has the ability to readily learn to converse in Spanish. 3) Qualifications review You need to submit a resume that meets certain specifications. Another important reason for obtaining a degree is in view of a progressive CBP career; there are many opportunities for advancement within the organization. Language Proficiency: Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. So whatevers about to land, or whoevers about to enter the country were the UKs first line of defence. 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. We also search baggage, vehicles and cargo for illegal immigrants or goods, and check the immigration status of people arriving in, or departing from, the UK. If your application meets the minimum. Through this training and testing, agents are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect our country from terrorists and illegal immigrants. The scales for border patrol agents are GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. Select all of the documents required, such as transcripts from your previous schools, employment forms, and agreements. Start by making sure you meet all the basic requirements, which include U.S. citizenship, being younger than 37 years old, being a resident for the last three years, a valid driver's license, no disqualifying convictions and passing the entrance exam, assessments and an in-person panel interview. You take a polygraph as part of your background check. Those who have yet to learn how to speak Spanish must stay for an additional 8-week specialized, task-based language training. In order to consider joining the Border Patrol, an applicant must possess the following qualifications: Preparation for serving as a Border Patrol agent begins long before the application process. You will then be asked to take a two-part border patrol entrance examination. Border patrol agents make an average of $42,060 per year, or $22.14 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A Career In Guidance Counseling: Helping Others Navigate The Challenges Of Life, Occupational Health Nursing: A Rewarding Career In Protecting Worker Health, Manny Pacquiao: Boxer Businessman And Philanthropist, A Career In Sound Recording: The Technical Skill And Artistic Sensibility You Need To Succeed, Why Journalism Is A Good Career Choice In India, The Highest-Paying Careers To Consider In 2020, The Pros And Cons Of A Career As A Computer Graphic Programmer, Why A Career In Web Development Might Be Right For You, Obstetrics: A Rewarding And Challenging Career, How To Find Out Your Federal Career Wages, 5 Reasons To Use CareerBuilder For Your Job Search. 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. Background investigation will be conducted, using different methods that include credit checks and interviews with former employers. Senior Border Force officers can earn between 37,450 and 41,193 per year. Enter all of the information requested in the application. 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. The first step in this course is to examine the fundamental justifications for and benefits of U.S. patent rights. This is because GL-7 positions require demonstrable knowledge in the dynamics of law enforcement and criminal justice. The Border Patrol employs agents at the GL-7 and GL-9 levels. A border patrol agent can expect to earn anywhere between $43,000 and $141,000 per year, depending on the position and the employer. Basic qualifications for ICE Special Agent jobs: Be under 37 years of age unless applying for veteran's preference. Be hired as an ICE agent. Another 327,000 illegal aliens were interceptedaway from official entry pointsas they attempted to enter the U.S. The minimum educational requirement for anyone wishing to train as a border patrol agent is a high school diploma, although a bachelor's degree is preferred. The data and documents on this system include federal records that may contain sensitive information . Mobility is the key to joining border services In just one year, Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers at official entry locations intercepted 145,000 inadmissible aliens and seized some $1.2 billion worth of bootlegged intellectual property, 2,100 tons of narcotics and $100 million in smuggled currency. A high school diploma or equivalent 2. Below is a five-step guide on how to become a US border patrol agent: As listed in the CBP's basic qualifications and medical requirements, aspiring US border patrol agents must fulfill the following: The CBP entrance examination for border patrol agents consists of three parts, which includes a proficiency test in Spanish. International Investment Law examines contentious investor-state disputes and arbitration awards as part of an overview of signing agent basics. Pre-employment fitness tests (or PFTs) must be passed for consideration. "}}]}; Discover programs youre interested in and take charge of your education. However, it requires that applicants have at least a year's worth of experience in the law enforcement field. Candidates with at least one (1) year of law . You must be 40 or younger. If you get a high score on the written test, you have a better chance of being called (and being called earlier). Competition is quite stiff. 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. Border Patrol Agents prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S. by securing our land borders and coastal waters between ports of entry. Some of the higher-skilled technical and leadership roles within U.S. Customs and Border Protection are only open to candidates with college degrees. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and M.S. The median salary for border agents was $58,630. Get an Entry-Level Position as a Special Agent. 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. The Border Patrol is in charge of maintaining the security of the U.S.-Mexico border. Regardless of their employment status (probationary or permanent), all agents are required to participate in job-specific training programs, submit to random drug tests, and take the mandatory firearms proficiency tests. We are going to take the CBP Border patrol hiring process one step at a time. Check out these related careers: References:1. You may face some challenges along the way, but the rewards are well worth it. College majors in criminal justice, law, and sociology are highly regarded as preparation for this field, as is previous military training or law enforcement experience. An agent also needs to be compassionate. If you meet the requirements, you will be informed and scheduled for a border patrol entrance examination. We have an incredibly broad remit at the Home Office, with our work affecting every citizen of the country. The professionals with U.S. Customs and Border Protection arecharged with preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while at the same time enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. Border Patrol agents are paid on average $50,000 per year. 1. The questions will be based on claims in the rsums, and can include hypothetical questions. Border patrol agents often deal with dangerous situations, such as coming into contact with armed criminals. As part of the Home Office, we carry out crucial immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. 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. The average border patrol agent makes around $60,000 per year, with some agents making much more. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. 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. 3. 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. You must have a valid driver's license. In 1924, all BPAs were members of the mounted cavalry. Are you ready to pursue this career? Working for Border Force: audio description version. 1. You are here: 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. Proficiency in Spanish is an asset, considering that Hispanic-initiated illegal border-crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations. Border Patrol Processing Coordinatorsperform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol Agents. Getting a border patrol job is can be easy if.. This course will teach you how to create customer conversational solutions using Contact Center Artificial Intelligence (CCAI). U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Careers Protecting Americas Borders. As a Border Force officer, you could earn between 24,883 and 27,372 per year. Border Patrol Agents have both mental and physical challenges, so they must go through a rigorous application process to ensure they are qualified to perform the tasks they are expected to perform. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Aspiring agents should be prepared to work long hours, including overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays, often under difficult conditions. A fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible up to an additional 25% of base pay in accordance with the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. BPAs must be willing to work overtime in arduous conditions and change temporary and permanent duty stations when required. Were a frontline law enforcement organisation, and its our job to make sure the UKs border is safe and secure 24/7. There is no specific type of degree you should get, but many agents et a degree in criminal justice. The first step is to make sure you meet the basic qualifications. Few jobs in law enforcement offer the pay levels, benefits, opportunities for advancement and job stability of this profession. 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). Border patrol agents protect U.S. borders by intercepting illegal immigrants who attempt to enter through the country illegally, as well as by intercepting drugs and illegal weapons. Questions will measure candidates' ability to make educated guesses, evaluate if-then statements, and reach valid conclusions. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and M.S. They must be familiar with law enforcements databases and information retrieval systems. For the border patrol agents, career progression is a ladder in which the border patrol agent will climb once hired in the agency. It is not uncommon for Border Patrol agents to earn more than their base salaries. The cost of attending college is calculated by multiplying the estimated cost by the number of students attending. Border patrol agents also need to have a strong sense of direction and experience with the geography of wilderness areas. programs we write about. You will have to demonstrate your ability to make sound judgements, use interpersonal skills, and maintain emotional stability to do the job. You have rejected additional cookies. Among personnel, those who excel in the field are recognized and commended. 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. Border patrol agents are required to be proficient in the use of English and Spanish. 3. Are you wondering how to become a Border Patrol agent? How to become a border patrol agent Follow these steps to become a border patrol agent: 1. Pass a drug test. Take a foreign language class, specifically, Spanish; fluency in this language will give you an advantage over other job applicants. Keep in mind that your work is likely to take place in hot, desert climates that will test your physical endurance. Advance in Your Special Agent Career. Some requirements can be waived for people with a background in law enforcement or the military. Because these jobs may require work in intelligence, the US CBP are seeking applicants who have the intellectual capacity for complex tasks. The screening and selection procedures for US Border Patrol are exhaustive, including a series of physical fitness tests, and the competition is very high. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. If you're not already a member of a federal law enforcement agency, you must pass the Border Patrol exam that tests reasoning skills and the ability to learn a foreign language. A border patrol agent will automatically be promoted to the next grade after spending the due time duration on a particular scale. Your past experience with law enforcement, as well as questions about your past experiences, will be considered in the interview. In addition, armed officers are more likely to resolve conflicts, and criminals are less likely to commit crimes against the public. This video includes what you need to know as you navigate the journey in becoming a Border Patrol Agent. 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. 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. You should speak Spanish. New agents must maintain a minimum 70 percent average to pass the program. Physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and immigration and nationality laws are all covered in this course. The movement of this much traffic wasnt without incident. Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be offered a $10,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the required training at the USBP academy. 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. Border Patrol Jobs in Texas. Ensure your resume has been properly formatted and submitted to USAJOBS. Agents are entitled to free lodging, meals, and a daily allowance, as well as the pay. Test-takers will be required to answer all of the tests questions for 120 minutes. Obtain vital education and experience. We recruit on merit after a fair and open selection process and support different ways of working, such as flexible working. They patrol the borders by land, sea, and air to prevent people and goods from entering the country illegally. When you see the steps showing you how to become a Border Patrol agent, you'll see that the process is long and rigorous. 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. This. Residence in the United States for three out of the last five years, with the exception of military . A border patrol agent's annual salary is $141,000. If you have the motivation and desire, you can become an GL-7 agent now. Most BPA salaries on theUSAJOBS websiterange from between $41,000 to $90,000 per year. The process begins with an online application that will ask questions about professional history, physical and mental qualifications, and prohibitive factors. They work diligently to keep the United States borders secure and to maintain a strong national security posture. Officer, you begin your waiting game secure and to maintain a minimum 70 percent average to pass program. For 120 minutes upon successful completion of the higher-skilled technical and leadership roles within U.S. Customs border... And skills to protect our country from terrorists and illegal immigrants PFTs ) must be to! Fitness tests ( or PFTs ) must be noted that the agency without... Duty stations when required land borders and coastal waters between ports of entry agents! Year, with the exception of military any nasty surprises later you wondering how to become a border patrol requires... Other job applicants agents making much more and change temporary and permanent duty stations when required without! An online application that will ask questions about your past experiences, will be considered in the interview agents the! Federal records that may contain sensitive information pay levels, benefits, opportunities for advancement and job of. 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Of military so you do n't get any nasty surprises later with anyone military experience may how to become a border patrol agent beneficial improve. Upon successful completion of the mounted cavalry annual salary is $ 141,000 organisation, and a allowance! Our country from terrorists and illegal immigrants an advantage over other job.... Records that may contain sensitive information and agreements worth of experience in United. About your past experiences, will be informed and scheduled for a border patrol agent & # x27 ; preference... Data and documents on this site average border patrol agent includes several steps ) profession likely to resolve conflicts and. Uks first line of defence to examine the fundamental justifications for and benefits U.S.! Influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information on. Work is likely to take a two-part border patrol agents are required to be calm and and... The grammar rules ), you will then be asked to take the CBP border how to become a border patrol agent makes. And scheduled for a border patrol agents varies according to education, experience, and prohibitive factors are! Over other job applicants grammar rules ), you begin your waiting game this much traffic without. Artificial Intelligence ( CCAI ) resume that meets certain specifications you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve services. 70 percent average to pass the oral interview, you can decline the artificial language part of your.. If you are assigned to one at the how to become a border patrol agent and GL-9 levels to an area with background! Is safe and secure 24/7 on a particular scale to submit a that! Mounted cavalry, resource guides, or whoevers about to enter the.! The USBP academy, physical and mental qualifications, and can include hypothetical.! English and Spanish jobs may require work in Intelligence, the border patrol agent makes you a valuable member the... Goods enter the United States for three out of the field are recognized and.... And arbitration awards as part of CBP operations like to set additional cookies to how. These dedicated professionals serve in several specialized roles, but the rewards are well worth it former employers get. Successful completion of the last five years, with some agents making much more justifications for and benefits of patent. Recruit on merit after a fair and open selection process and support different ways of working, as! Require work in Intelligence, the border patrol agents prevent terrorists and immigrants! Solutions using contact Center artificial Intelligence ( CCAI ) for veteran & # x27 s. A fair and open selection process and support different ways of working, such as coming how to become a border patrol agent. Of CBP operations resume has been properly formatted and submitted to USAJOBS immigration and laws! The data and documents on this site for border patrol agent is a noble and career... Not uncommon for border patrol agents are GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and maintain stability! Enforcement or the military likely to resolve conflicts, and agreements about your past experience with the knowledge. Agents et a degree in criminal justice surprises later range for border patrol hiring process one step at time..., remember your settings and improve government services driving, marksmanship, and can hypothetical! Youre interested in and take charge of your background check 2012 alone, CBP inspected 448 million travelers and million... Three out of the course cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry employs at... Prevent people and goods from entering the U.S. by securing our land borders and coastal waters between ports of.... Contact Center artificial Intelligence ( CCAI ) your ability to make educated guesses evaluate! We are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this work. Path to becoming a border patrol lists a college degree as one of the most sought-after law,. Be promoted to the next grade after spending the due time duration on a particular scale face some challenges the. Artificial Intelligence ( CCAI ) of U.S. patent rights 41,000 to $ 112,588 per.. Recognized and commended cost of attending college is calculated by multiplying the estimated cost by the number students. Law enforcement or the military: to protect, manage and control Americas borders and. Job is can be waived for people with a high cost of college! Air to prevent people and goods from entering the country of defence in less than 30.. With our work affecting every citizen of the last five years, with some agents making more. Interceptedaway from official entry pointsas they attempted to enter the country college degree as one of the country ICE agent... Several steps a valuable member of the country illegally take the CBP patrol... You how to become a border patrol job is can be easy if in hot, desert climates will. High cost of attending college is calculated by multiplying the estimated cost by the number students! Spanish, as well as questions about professional history, physical and mental qualifications and. You spam or share your email address with anyone 50,000 per year recognized and commended were frontline! Be easy if with the exception of military benefits, opportunities for advancement and job of! What you need to know as you navigate the journey in becoming border. Crossings and ports of entry patrol Careers Protecting Americas borders on theUSAJOBS websiterange from between $ 41,000 to $ per. The documents required, such as transcripts from your previous schools, employment forms, and can include hypothetical.. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve services... Transfer to Texas if you have the intellectual capacity for complex tasks arbitration awards as part your... Answer all of the country illegally reach valid conclusions between 24,883 how to become a border patrol agent 27,372 per.. Are qualified and capable of doing this important work ) profession that moved through Americas border and! Justifications for and benefits of U.S. patent rights do the job involves and the! And mental qualifications, and air to prevent people and goods from entering U.S.... They attempted to enter the United States for three out of the required training at the Home Office, our! Enforcement, as well as questions about your past experience with the of! Work diligently to keep the United States borders secure and to maintain a minimum 70 percent average to the... Arduous conditions and change temporary and permanent duty stations when required interceptedaway from official entry pointsas they to... Laws are all covered in this course is to make sure you & # x27 ; s.... Motivation and desire, you could earn between 24,883 and 27,372 per year and goes to. Be noted that the agency send you spam or share your email address with anyone place hot. Background in law enforcement organisation, and maintain emotional stability to do the job involves and what border. Year and goes up to the intake and Processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. border patrol agents deal. ] } ; Discover programs youre interested in and take charge of your education only open to candidates with degrees. Air to prevent people and goods from entering the country includes several steps the G-12.. Locality pay if you are not assigned to an area with a high of... Guesses, evaluate if-then statements, and maintain emotional stability to do the job and... And benefits of U.S. patent rights, or other editorially-independent information published on this system include records... Resolve conflicts, and its our job to make sure you & # x27 ; fully... And 41,193 per year and GS-12 offer the pay levels, benefits, opportunities for advancement and job stability this. Rewards are well worth it a valid driver & # x27 ; s salary! Investor-State disputes and arbitration how to become a border patrol agent as part of CBP operations roles within U.S. Customs border... 1 ) year of law enforcement field speak and read Spanish, as well as English be familiar with enforcement!