","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Aspiring agents should be prepared to work long hours, including overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays, often under difficult conditions. Border patrol agents must be calm and decisive during dangerous situations. 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. Rescue people trapped in the border areas. The answers reflect the applicants' attitude and inclination to the job, and the willingness to be part of a demanding and dangerous work environment. For recruits without Spanish fluency, an additional 200 hours of Spanish language instruction is also required. B.S. The screening and selection procedures for US Border Patrol are exhaustive, including a series of physical fitness tests, and the competition is very high. Program outcomes vary according to each institutions specific curriculum, and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. Possession or use of a firearm is prohibited by the Lautenberg Amendment. The courses will take place online, in-residence, and on the job for the following duration: Four weeks of online facilitated training. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. 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. Border patrol agents are required to be proficient in the use of English and Spanish. By doing so, you will gain a better understanding of the field. Border patrol agents' salary is based on the General Schedule pay scale. That means we patrol the UK coastline, alert security services to people of interest, and gather intelligence. There is also an age restriction for candidacy, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires. There are approximately 18,000 Border Patrol Agents and staff represented by the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) labor union.1. We encourage you to perform your own independent The agency has had difficulty finding qualified candidates, and opportunities for Border Patrol agents are wide open. The agency has changed dramatically since its inception in 1924. 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. 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. Take and pass a written exam. A bachelors degree is required for 63% of border patrol agents, while an associates degree is required for 19% of them. 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. You should speak Spanish. You must be fluent in Spanish to work at the Border Patrol Academy. 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. They had pledged to hire 7,500 new officers for CBP within five years. The five-grade ranking system is used for prioritizing candidates: Best Qualified, Very Highly Qualified, Highly Qualified, Well Quallified, and Qualified. It means emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key. Official websites use .gov Border patrol agents also need to have a strong sense of direction and experience with the geography of wilderness areas. How to become a border patrol agent The following steps describe the typical procedure for becoming a border patrol agent: 1. The call for applications ends exactly on the date specified in the job vacancy, or when the quota (the number of applications to be accepted) is reached, whichever comes first. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Holding US citizenship. Agents with Border Patrol experience can earn more than $80,000 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. Make sure you're fully prepared. In contrast to other professions, BPAs pay and allowances are prorated based on the hours worked, with the higher the number of hours worked, the greater the pay. 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. * Have a valid driver's license. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism, and M.S. If a position becomes available later, you may transfer to Texas if you are not assigned to one at the time. Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the academy. After the interview, you will be given scenarios and asked to think on your feet. After successfully completing the screening requirements, including proficiency and physical tests, they must ace the panel interview. Are you wondering how to become a Border Patrol agent? BPAs have many opportunities to increase their base pay through overtime and other salary incentives, including premium pay for holidays and night shifts. We recruit on merit after a fair and open selection process and support different ways of working, such as flexible working. 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. There is also an age restriction for candidacy, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires. Officers and agents with Customs and Border Protection are currently on the job for 300 days, down from 520 days previously. Get started on an exciting career with a solid future. Eligibility to carry a firearm. If you are not fluent, the Border Patrol will make you complete 40 hours of additional language training once you're hired. Senior Border Force officers can earn between 37,450 and 41,193 per year. 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. Have a valid drivers license. Have lived in the country for at least the past 3 years. If you are looking for a rewarding job that also provides great pay, benefits and job stability, join our team. Check out these related careers: References:1. Home How to Become Border Patrol Agent. Alongside competitive salaries, we also offer a range of excellent benefits from a pension, flexible working and generous holiday allowance, to childcare vouchers and a season ticket loan. To date we have been recognised by the Times Top 50 Employers for Women, named a Stonewall Star Performer, and listed by Business In The Community as an inclusive employer for race. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid drivers license, and be between the ages of 21 and 37. Qualified candidates are required to undergo a 55-day basic resident course at the CBP Border Patrol Academy within the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers network. The data and documents on this system include federal records that may contain sensitive information . Should I Become A CBP Officer or Border Patrol Agent? Disqualifying marks are derogatory information retrieved from police databases and public records, and failed urine drug tests and polygraph tests. Despite the agencys rigorous training process, the Border Patrol is one of the most sought-after law enforcement agencies in the country. Top 10 Universities To Become Border Agents: We challenge you to enroll at one of these top ten schools. For Border Patrol hiring, a thorough evaluation of applicants is required. Complete the structured interview with a board of current border patrol agents. Working as a Border Patrol agent is both rewarding and dangerous. 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 requirements needed for each phase in the recruitment process are listed in said sites, with explanations on waivers and accommodations for persons with special cases (like qualifiable candidates with disabilities). 3. Obtain vital education and experience. They are also involved in the legal field, as they offer input to the courts regarding immigration issues such as citizenship applications. Every day, the BPAs face new threats and challenges as they work to protect our country. Pre-employment fitness tests (or PFTs) must be passed for consideration. A BPA has the ability to earn additional base pay through overtime and other salary incentives. Every newly hired border patrol agent must successfully complete a minimum of 19 weeks of training at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. 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. Border patrol agents are well-respected members of the community and earn a good salary. Reassess the border patrol agent eligibility requirements and work scope. Not be a convicted criminal. Its essential that our organisation reflects the very best of 21st century Britain and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and circumstances. Border patrol agents have multiple levels. In addition to a good salary, border patrol agents also receive health and retirement benefits, as well as paid vacation and sick days. This includes protecting the American public from terrorists and their weapons,preventing dangerous pests from entering the U.S. (agricultural protection), and enforcing laws on immigration, customs, and trade. Steps for Becoming a Border Patrol Agent First, prospective BPAs must meet the following qualifications: Be younger than 40 years of age at the time of hire (unless qualified for an age waiver based on military or federal civilian law enforcement experience) Have a valid driver's license Hold US citizenship What are the requirements for becoming a border patrol agent? Conditions may apply. Successful trainees are then hired, initially on conditional terms (a probationary period). 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. Preparation handouts, study guides, and helpful hints for the entrance examination are also available for viewing and downloading on the CBP site. After completing a 117-day training course, they must pass a rigorous test to be accepted as a Border Patrol Agent. Securing Our Nations Borders Answer the call to secure our national borders. Value strong domestic and international partnerships, Commit to working in collaboration on safety, security and trade, Commit to contributing to global security and commerce, Promote compliance with border, trade, and tax legislation, Prohibit drugs, firearms, and other goods from entering the country, Extensive knowledge of the role of border protection, Deep understanding of theethics that they represent, Create reports and presentations for senior administrative team and other stakeholders, Ensure the countrys security and prosperity, Present support and perspective on complex safety concerns, Engage in and arrange for professional development. United States border patrol agents are federal law enforcers employed by the US Customs and Border Protection, which is a branchof the Department of Homeland Security. They also work to prevent terrorism and smuggling. 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. The decision to refuse coverage for you because of your medical condition will be appealed in 30 days. 1. Show prospective employers that you are well-qualified for a . There is no specific type of degree you should get, but many agents et a degree in criminal justice. The job description involves the conduct of interrogations and arrests, the collection of evidence against suspects, and the development of cases on these actions. The agency wants to make sure that only the most qualified applicants get in. "}}]}; Discover programs youre interested in and take charge of your education. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which What It Takes to Be a Correctional Officer, Step 2 - Obtain a Degree or Accumulate Experience, Border Patrol Agent Jobs & Job Description, B.S. Interdict dugs and other illegal shipments at border crossings. 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. 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. Border patrol agents often deal with dangerous situations, such as coming into contact with armed criminals. Have a bachelors or a masters degree in criminal justice or a related field. The path to become a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. The PFT-2 is administered right before you start the job. 3. You must have lived in the United States for the previous three years, which is equivalent to three years. If you meet the requirements, you will be informed and scheduled for a border patrol entrance examination. 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. This is because GL-7 positions require demonstrable knowledge in the dynamics of law enforcement and criminal justice. Step Two Another important reason for obtaining a degree is in view of a progressive CBP career; there are many opportunities for advancement within the organization. The earliest-submitted applications have the best chances of being considered. In the last 7 years, Ive been covering everything related to the career and job seeking world. Advance in Your Special Agent Career. You take a polygraph as part of your background check. Working for Border Force: audio description version. Border patrol agents are also responsible for preventing illegal immigration, and protecting Americans from human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and agricultural pests. You can specialize in relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal justice, and homeland security. 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. Next, youll need to complete the required training. This is a two-part aptitude examination. 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. A bachelors degree is not required for GL-7 border patrol agents who have been through the training program. 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. The Border Patrol job requirements are tough. US Border Patrol agents are routinely exposed to dangerous situationsdue to their role as guardians of the American homeland. Your past experience with law enforcement, as well as questions about your past experiences, will be considered in the interview. Another exam component involves logical reasoning. Are you ready to become a Border Patrol Agent or Border Patrol Processing Coordinator? Like most law enforcement agencies, the Border Patrol has tough physical fitness requirements. Employees are usually assigned to positions in Texas, California, Arizona, or New Mexico. Yet when he came face-to-face with the. Instead, what we have is, from November 2017 to now, only 33 people have been hired under that contract, about 60 million has . You can also view a version of the video with audio description. And ultimately, we help to keep people safe. Applicants must have a clean criminal record, pass a physical fitness test, and undergo a thorough background check. 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. 2. Upon successful completion of the written test, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list. You may face some challenges along the way, but the rewards are well worth it. If youre looking for a rewarding and challenging career, becoming a border patrol agent is a great option. You must also have a clean criminal record and be able to pass a background check. Working as a border patrol agent can be a very rewarding career choice. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. 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. The first step in this course is to examine the fundamental justifications for and benefits of U.S. patent rights. 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). Ten of these steps fall within these ranges. Take your first steps toward securing your career and joining our team. By the 1990s, all BPAs wore uniforms and horses. The average Border Patrol Agent works a 10-hour shift, though this can vary depending on their workload. You will have to demonstrate your ability to make sound judgements, use interpersonal skills, and maintain emotional stability to do the job. Clean criminal history 4. This is an APS2 Border Force Officer Recruit salary, and is accurate as at February 2022. 1. Border patrol agents can learn about some of the best universities for low-cost educations. All candidates are interviewed extensively . Not only do you get to help keep your country safe, but you also get to enjoy a good salary and great benefits. Agents carry out their duties by using a variety of technological tools, such as infrared scopes, electronic sensors, low-light television systems, and aircraft. * Have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years (exception granted for those employed overseas with the . Being a minimum of 21 years of age and a US resident for at least the previous three years. Nyack College, located in New York, is one of the most affordable schools to attend for students interested in becoming border patrol agents. One officer - Border Patrol agent Jacob Albarado - was off-duty at the time of the shooting. As part of the Home Office, we carry out crucial immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. Border Patrol agents are among the countrys most dedicated and professional law enforcement officers. What Do Border Patrol Agents Do Border patrol agents protect the United States' borders. This U.S. Federal Government system is to be used by authorized users only. B.S. Heres what you need to know to become a border patrol agent. So whatevers about to land, or whoevers about to enter the country were the UKs first line of defence. Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career! The government conducts a background investigation. Take and pass the CBP Border Patrol Entrance Exam at a location of your choice. The Border Patrol job requirements are tough. The training to start border patrol agents' jobs begins after the application is accepted. Residence in the United States for three out of the last five years, with the exception of military . Basic qualifications for ICE Special Agent jobs: Be under 37 years of age unless applying for veteran's preference. Part of the Home Office, we carry out immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. This. Answer (1 of 3): I am a recruiter for the US Border Patrol. From the fundamental concepts of European Union law to the various specialized areas of law covered in the course, the series is tailored to fit your interests. Must be a United States citizen Must not be older than (37) years old Must have a clean criminal arrest history Must Have a bachelor's degree from an Accredited University Be able to obtain a Top Secret Clearance Bottom Line: if you're not involved in a regular fitness plan, start one now. Border patrol jobs very often involve interactions with non-native English speakers, and just as often individuals who speak no English at all. The first step is to make sure you meet the basic qualifications. Through this training and testing, agents are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect our country from terrorists and illegal immigrants. You are here: They are officers of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. An official website of the United States government. Ensure your resume has been properly formatted and submitted to USAJOBS. 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