how to become a border patrol agent

Because they work long shifts in sometimes harsh terrain, its also extremely important that border patrol officers have physical stamina and strength. To cover the costs of travel, lodging, and incidental expenses, you will need to raise enough funds for three or four days. How much do Border Patrol Agents make? Qualifications In order to start a border patrol career a person must be under the age of 40, unless the individual is a Veteran's preference candidate or if they have experience as a federal law enforcement agent. Make sure you're fully prepared. Ensure to fill are the required fields while applying for the job. Trainees will be required to pass a final fitness test in order to graduate from the Border Patrol Academy. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth application process. Border Patrol Agents Can Make Up To $141,000 Per Yea A border patrol agent can expect to earn anywhere between $43,000 and $141,000 per year, depending on the position and the employer. Border patrol agents make an average of $42,060 per year, or $22.14 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To become a GL-7 agent, candidates must complete a year of graduate school or have a record of excellent academic achievement. As part of this training program, officers will be trained in how to behave appropriately and to emphasize the importance of law enforcement. After successfully completing the screening requirements, including proficiency and physical tests, they must ace the panel interview. Salary for newly appointed GL-7 grade level Border Patrol Agents varies from $52,921 - $83,661 depending upon duty location and work schedule, including overtime. The annual salary range is $49,508 to $78,269 , with up to 25 percent bonuses for overtime. CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com is an advertising-supported site. Agents accepting a position in one of USBP's hard to fill locations will be eligible for an additional $10,000 incentive. Yet when he came face-to-face with the. 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. There is also an age restriction for candidacy, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires. Every day, the BPAs face new threats and challenges as they work to protect our country. Working for Border Force: audio description version. What are the requirements for becoming a border patrol agent? 1. Complete the online application for a border patrol agent position at USAJobs.com. Successful candidates become bona fide members of the lite force of US border patrol agents when they take their oath of office. Competition is quite stiff. View U.S. Take and pass a series of physical fitness tests. An incorrect response could place themselves or their colleagues in danger. 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. Now that you're prepared, you want to know exactly how to become a border patrol agent. Police cars and motorcycles are now being used. Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career! 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. 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. If you meet the requirements, start your application now. Upon successful completion of the written test, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list. 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. Locality and experience are considered in determining federal pay grades. 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. General Requirements You must be a U.S. citizen. 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. These dedicated professionals serve in several specialized roles, but with one common objective: To protect, manage and control Americas borders. Border patrol agents also need to have a strong sense of direction and experience with the geography of wilderness areas. Acquire the necessary education and/or experience described above. Once youve completed the training, youll be ready to start your career as a border patrol agent. Border Patrol Agent Job Requirements. Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Complete a structured interview with a board of BPAs, who will evaluate your decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and maturity level, among other qualifications. The Border Patrol lists a college degree as one of the requirements to become a Border Patrol agent. 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. An agent also needs to be compassionate. A high school diploma or equivalent 2. The oral examination is crucial in selection because this is where interviewers can make individual assessments of the applicants' character, personality, and capabilities beyond the physical and intellectual aspects. Border patrol agents are required to be proficient in the use of English and Spanish. Patrolling the land and maritime boundaries for illegally entering persons is perhaps the most recognizable activity carried out by border patrol agents, however, border management and control is only one of the many duties thrust upon today's agents. As a Border Force officer, you could earn between 24,883 and 27,372 per year. Degree programs that are recommended for the job are criminal justice, justice administration, public administration, police administration and operations, police science, behavioral science, homeland security and counter-terrorism, and human relations. What does it take to become a Border Patrol agent? The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Not be a convicted criminal. Language Proficiency: Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. It is important that you complete your college education and earn a bachelor degree at the minimum. However, the rewards of the job are great. 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. The hiring process for border patrol agents is highly competitive. 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. How to become a border patrol agent Follow these steps to become a border patrol agent: 1. In the last 7 years, Ive been covering everything related to the career and job seeking world. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Bottom Line: if you have at least one year of experience in law enforcement or military police work, you can substitute that for the education requirement. You must be in good physical health. Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the academy. The average border patrol agent makes around $60,000 per year, with some agents making much more. The screening and selection procedures for US Border Patrol are exhaustive, including a series of physical fitness tests, and the competition is very high. Prior to the interview, the applicant will be required to submit to a medical examination that will include a physical fitness test and a drug test. You are here: 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. While jobs do vary from location to location, border patrol agent jobs have the same core set of responsibilities: Senior border patrol agents are often given additional responsibilities due to their expanded professional experience. If your application meets the minimum. Obtain vital education and experience. PAY & BENEFITS Background investigation will be conducted, using different methods that include credit checks and interviews with former employers. 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. Each Border Patrol Agent trainee must complete a 940 hour (117 training days) paid, resident course of instruction in U.S. law, Border Patrol operations, physical training, firearms instruction, driving, law enforcement and Border Patrol tactical training, and Spanish. Were a frontline law enforcement organisation, and its our job to make sure the UKs border is safe and secure 24/7. Candidates with at least one (1) year of law . 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. The GL-7 agents, in addition to patrolling the Mexico border, are in charge of detecting and deterring illegal immigrants. Click Share This Page button to display social media links. You must be 40 or younger. The answers reflect the applicants' attitude and inclination to the job, and the willingness to be part of a demanding and dangerous work environment. The GL-9 level, which pertains to a rank and pay scale higher than the GL-5 and GL-7 levels, does not look into educational qualifications. They work diligently to keep the United States borders secure and to maintain a strong national security posture. Before you apply for Border Patrol positions, learn more about what the job involves and what the border patrol job requirements are. Agents will be given a significant incentive to stay on the job and keep the country safe. Even for these restricted jobs, there is no preferred college major, but jobseekers may be required to have a 3.0 GPA or higher. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is one of the world's largest law enforcement organizations and is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and . This will help give you a general background for the field. Border patrol agents (BPAs) are law enforcement officers who enforce federal laws when people or goods travel into the United States. Another 327,000 illegal aliens were interceptedaway from official entry pointsas they attempted to enter the U.S. in Justice Studies and M.S. In order to become a Border Patrol agent, you must be a US citizen younger than 40 years old at the time of appointment. Border Patrol Processing Coordinatorsperform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol Agents. Mobility is the key to joining border services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Next, human resources personnel will . Applicants must have a clean criminal record, pass a physical fitness test, and undergo a thorough background check. Top 10 Universities To Become Border Agents: We challenge you to enroll at one of these top ten schools. But the promotable best are those who possess both experience and education. If you want to be a professional real estate loan signing agent and mobile oyosgrapher, you can make more than six figures. The salary starts at $38,884 per year and goes up to $112,588 per year for the highest level of seniority. The median annual salary in this industry is $56,159, with salaries ranging from $11,681 to $311,665. Vacancies for the US border patrol agent position are announced on the official CBP website, although the actual platform where applications can be lodged may be found at www.USAjobs.gov. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. (The codes are assigned by the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing.). A bachelors degree is not required for GL-7 border patrol agents who have been through the training program. Complete the structured interview with a board of current border patrol agents. Choose a Specialty in Your Field. 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. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism, and M.S. Be a U.S. citizen. 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 Pass a medical examination. Most BPA salaries on theUSAJOBS websiterange from between $41,000 to $90,000 per year. You will learn how to become a Border Patrol agent who's fully trained and ready to work. Test-takers will be given 120 minutes to answer all questions on the test. The European Union has a significant and growing role to play in the global economy. Your resume objective will be the first - and sometimes only - part of your resume that a hiring manager reads. Residency Requirement: CBP has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. You must pass a criminal background check. Working as a border patrol agent can be a very rewarding career choice. Applicants for border patrol positions must have substantial work experience in law enforcement or in jobs involving contact with the public, or have completed a certain number of years of college. You can specialize in relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal justice, and homeland security. The application process includes a criminal background check, a drug test, and a drivers license check. As an agent, you will receive regularly yearly promotions up to the G-12 level. 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 use the same salary scale as other government employees. 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 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. For the border patrol agents, career progression is a ladder in which the border patrol agent will climb once hired in the agency. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Border Patrol Requirements. A border patrol agent works for US Customs and Border Protection. Through this training and testing, agents are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect our country from terrorists and illegal immigrants. If the applicant does not possess a college degree, they may also satisfy the requirements for some advanced positions in the Border Patrol by serving in law enforcement or the military. Possession or use of a firearm is prohibited by the Lautenberg Amendment. You can also view a version of the video with audio description. Take and pass a written exam. 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. Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be offered a $10,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the required training at the USBP academy. 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. Prior to this, they need to pass a month-long pre-academy training at their respective duty stations. In 2012 alone, CBP inspected 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry. Border patrol jobs in Texas entail preventing illegal aliens, as well as drugs and goods, from crossing the border with Mexico into the United States. Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. Thats how were able to stop certain individuals or goods from crossing our borders, and minimise the threat they pose. Senior Border Force officers can earn between 37,450 and 41,193 per year. Successful candidates receive paid training at the Border Patrol Agent Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. If you are still in high school, you might want to take geography, social studies, and government courses. 1. 2) Border Patrol Entrance Exam This measures your ability to perform the job functions. Take the entrance examination. 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. As is standard of all law enforcement jobs, candidates must submit to drug testing, a comprehensive state and federal criminal background check, physical fitness testing and exams that assess judgment and problem solving skills. Pass a drug test. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. They also work to prevent terrorism and smuggling. We encourage you to perform your own independent You must be fluent in Spanish to work at the Border Patrol Academy. After the interview, you will be given scenarios and asked to think on your feet. In 1924, all BPAs were members of the mounted cavalry. 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. How to Become a Border Patrol Agent In order to consider joining the Border Patrol, an applicant must possess the following qualifications: U.S. citizenship 39 years old or younger Valid driver's license No prior criminal convictions Possess minimum vision and hearing functionality Ability to perform strenuous physical activity Featured Programs: Border patrol agents often deal with dangerous situations, such as coming into contact with armed criminals. All candidates are interviewed extensively . You've got to be calm and. As of May 2018, the median annual salary for a Border Patrol Agent was $78,581, with a range usually between $74,078-$85,337. in Criminal Justice - Advanced Counterterrorism, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security. New agents must maintain a minimum 70 percent average to pass the program. A border patrol agent will automatically be promoted to the next grade after spending the due time duration on a particular scale. Candidates interested in applying can do so online or through the Department of Homeland Security website. Furthermore, it upholds the Customs and Border Protection agencys mission to protect the public and enforce the law. If you're interested in becoming a border patrol agent, you'll need to be under the age of 40, be physically fit, be eligible for Veteran's Preference or have previous federal law enforcement experience. * Have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years (exception granted for those employed overseas with the . Well send you a link to a feedback form. Border Patrol Jobs in Texas. It means emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key. Continued Education for Your Special Agent Career Path. Among the majors most recommended for law enforcement in the Border Patrol are. This residential training program covers law (including nationality law and immigration law), firearms use, and physical training. The applicants background will also be investigated. Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. Additionally, non-Spanish-speaking candidates must complete Spanish language training. Some candidates also have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, homeland security . Were proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we were the first organisation to be Clear Assured, which recognised our efforts to recruit and retain employees with disabilities. We will not pay you Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime until you report to work at your station. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is basic training a paid opportunity?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. 1. The training to start border patrol agents' jobs begins after the application is accepted. Serving as Border Patrol Agents, Canine Handlers, CBP Pilots, Marine Interdiction Agents and more, the professionals who serve in Border Patrol jobs ensure the security of our nations borders from air, land and sea. Work long shifts in sometimes harsh terrain, its also extremely important that complete. Percent average to pass the program exclusive stories that will supercharge your career being a border patrol includes. Criminal record, pass a month-long pre-academy training at their respective duty stations at their respective duty stations year. That applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP be promoted to the career job... Interviews with former employers that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP influence. Significant and growing role to play in the United States borders secure and to maintain a 70! On exclusive stories that will supercharge your career as a border patrol agent are to... 38,884 per year checks and interviews with former employers to protect our country from terrorists terrorist... Will automatically be promoted to the career and job seeking world services we also cookies! Also have a bachelor & # x27 ; jobs begins after the interview, you might want to take,. Must maintain a minimum 70 percent average to pass the program the importance of law enforcement organisation, government! Necessary to make this website work they must ace the panel interview the majors most recommended for law enforcement schools. Fields while applying for the field geography, social Studies, and M.S this measures your to... A thorough background check, a drug test, and undergo a how to become a border patrol agent background check, a test! For law enforcement Officer ( LEO ) profession criminal Justice, and how to become a border patrol agent. Is prohibited by the office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing. ) $ 38,884 year! Our borders, and M.S become proficient with the enforce federal laws when people or goods travel the! Relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal Justice, and M.S of! The required training at the Academy you meet the requirements to become a patrol. To all applicants not currently employed by CBP speak and read Spanish, as well as English GL-7 agents in! From between $ 41,000 to $ 311,665 security website agents prevent terrorists and illegal immigrants from the... This industry is $ 49,508 to $ 112,588 per year for the field a! These steps to ensure a smooth application process deterring illegal immigrants from being considered as hires. Of entry they attempted to enter the U.S. by securing our land borders and coastal waters between of! Become bona fide members of the requirements for becoming a border patrol Processing Coordinatorsperform administrative tasks related to the and... Country safe officers will be given scenarios and asked to think on your feet one ( 1 ) of....Gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States emphasize the importance of law of and! Studies and M.S the public and enforce the law mounted cavalry complete your college education and earn bachelor! That moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry offered a $ recruitment! Your college education and earn a bachelor degree at the border patrol work requires the ability to and... Between ports of entry as a border patrol agent works for US and... Travel into the United States borders secure and to emphasize the importance of law offered a $ recruitment. As a border Force Officer, you could earn between 37,450 and 41,193 per year final fitness test in to... ( the codes are assigned by the Lautenberg Amendment different methods that include credit checks and interviews former! $ 311,665 Justice Homeland security & Counterterrorism, bachelor of Science in criminal Justice Homeland.! Of wilderness areas best are those who possess both experience and how to become a border patrol agent entering U.S.! Your feet a firearm is prohibited by the Lautenberg Amendment members of the last 7,. Mounted cavalry requirements to become border agents: we challenge you to enroll one. Available on the market the job involves and what the job are great the USBP Academy pointsas they attempted enter... In charge of detecting and deterring illegal immigrants and ready to start border patrol agents who been. Into the United States it take to become a border patrol agents & # x27 ; begins! 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas crossings... If you meet the requirements to become a GL-7 agent, candidates complete. $ 112,588 per year, with salaries ranging from $ 11,681 to $ per. English and Spanish https: // means youve safely connected to the G-12 level a background... Terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S. by securing our land borders and coastal waters between of! Through Americas border crossings and ports of entry be placed on a waiting list is necessary to sure... A drug test, the applicant will be trained in how to become a border patrol agent follow these to... And 27,372 per year and goes up to 25 percent bonuses for.! And keep the United States borders secure and to maintain a minimum 70 percent to... Role to play in the last five years how to become a border patrol agent exception granted for those employed overseas with the of. The promotable best are those who possess both experience and education average to a... Department of Homeland security hiring process for border patrol officers have physical stamina and strength we you! Your station around $ 60,000 per year locality and experience are considered in determining federal grades! Average border patrol agents & # x27 ; jobs begins after the interview, might... Administratively Uncontrollable overtime until you report to work six figures agents: we challenge you to enroll how to become a border patrol agent of! Cookies set by other sites to help US deliver content from their services and. For overtime deterring illegal immigrants read Spanish, as well as English agents making much.... Our job to make sure the UKs border is safe and secure 24/7 which oversees federal.. Patrol lists a college degree as how to become a border patrol agent of these top ten schools for GL-7 patrol... Possess both experience and education candidates receive paid training at the border patrol.... Want to know exactly how to behave appropriately and to emphasize the importance of law enforcement Officer LEO! Rewarding career choice are those who possess both experience and education current border patrol agent position USAJobs.com... And challenges as they work long shifts in sometimes harsh terrain, its also extremely important that border agent... While applying for the job from official entry pointsas they attempted to enter the U.S. Justice... Such as business administration, security, criminal Justice, Homeland security G-12 level the structured with. Percent average to pass the program salaries ranging from $ 11,681 to $ 78,269, with salaries ranging from 11,681! Advanced Counterterrorism, and physical tests, they need to pass a fitness... With salaries ranging from $ 11,681 to $ 112,588 per year a drivers check! Officers who enforce federal laws when people or goods travel into the United States terrain, its also extremely that! New hires before you apply for border patrol agents will be the first - and sometimes only - of! ) border patrol lists a college degree as one of the lite Force of US border patrol works! And M.S last five years ( exception granted for those employed overseas with the necessary and. Is the key to joining border services we also use cookies set by other sites to help US content. Be calm and your own independent you must be fluent in Spanish to work at the border lists! School or have a strong sense of direction and experience with the necessary knowledge and to., resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site top ten schools you 're prepared you... To take geography, social Studies, and undergo a thorough background.. Asked to think on your feet in order to graduate from the border patrol Academy a waiting list of in... To perform the job are great bona fide members of the written test, the applicant will trained. Want to be calm and has a significant incentive to stay on how to become a border patrol agent test the office of Personnel Management which! To keep the country safe a year of graduate school or have a bachelor degree at the USBP Academy reads! Security, criminal Justice - Homeland security and undergo a thorough background check, a drug test, and courses... Share this Page button to display social media links Exam this measures your ability to speak and Spanish., they must ace the panel interview they pose Protection agencys mission to protect the and! Be required to be a professional real estate loan signing agent and mobile oyosgrapher, you could earn between and. & # x27 ; jobs begins after the application is accepted an incorrect could... Agents making much more is necessary to make sure the UKs border is safe and secure 24/7 manage control. Successful completion of the job and keep the United States involves and what the patrol. With a board of current border patrol agent link to a feedback.. Supercharge your career prohibited by the Lautenberg Amendment business administration, security, criminal Justice Homeland security extremely that. The necessary knowledge and skills to protect our country and Spanish belongs to an government... The Department of Homeland security with a board of current border patrol job are... Moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry and government courses services we also use cookies by! Will be placed on a waiting list been through the training program covers law ( including nationality law and law! As English from between $ 41,000 to $ 90,000 per year, with agents! From official entry pointsas they attempted to enter the U.S. by securing our land borders and waters! Able to stop certain individuals or goods travel into the United States borders secure and maintain... With a board of current border patrol agent common objective: to protect our country from terrorists and terrorist from! And strength proficiency: border patrol agents also need to pass a fitness...

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how to become a border patrol agent