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How can i become border patrol?
How do I become one or how do I take classes
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2 answers
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Ricardo:
Thank you for your question. Border patrol agents help to safeguard the borders of the United States against illegal trade and protect U.S. citizens from external enemies as well as undocumented immigrants. For this, they maintain, monitor and respond to electronic sensor alarms and use infrared scopes and other technological devices during their patrolling operations. Here are some steps on becoming a border patrol agent to help you get started on your research.
■ HOW TO BECOME A BORDER PATROL AGENT
1) APPLY FOR A BORDER PATROL AGENT POSITION
Apply on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agency website.
2) TAKE THE BORDER PATROL AGENT ENTRANCE EXAM
The CBP allows you to select the location at which you can take the two-part border patrol entrance exam. First, there is the one-hour Experience Record test that you can take online from home. Second, there is the two-hour test for logical reasoning that you must take at a testing center. You don't have to take the entrance test if you qualify at the GL-9 level.
3) INITIATE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
You can file the standard investigative forms—SF 85 for low-risk positions and the SF 86 for security clearance and high-risk public positions — through the e-QIP application. You can enter and transmit your data for investigative purposes to the CBP.
4) UNDERGO A MEDICAL EXAM
A medical exam is necessary to assure the CBP agency that you are physically capable of handling the job functions. It will also establish that you don't have any serious health problems and are unlikely to endanger others. To pass the exam, you must have 20/20 vision with normal peripheral and color vision.
5) TAKE A PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
Due to the rigorous border patrol job requirements, applicants must be physically fit and must take a timed fitness test that consists of performing sit-ups and push-ups. You will also have to do a 14-inch step with 120 steps per minute.
6) ATTEND A JOB INTERVIEW
A three-person panel consisting of current border patrol agents will conduct a face-to-face structured interview. They will ask you hypothetical and probing questions to measure how well you do in four specific competencies necessary for the job:
• Cooperativeness and sensitivity to the needs of others
• Emotional maturity
• Interpersonal skills
• Judgment and decision-making
You must pass all four to move to the next stage of the hiring process.
7) SUBMIT TO A POLYGRAPH TEST
Ever since the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010, a four- to six-hour polygraph test is mandatory. You must answer questions about national security issues and the information you gave in your application and background investigations forms.
8) UNDERGO A DRUG TEST
You will undergo a random drug test during the job application process and will progress to the next stage only if the test is negative.
■ SALARY
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Border Patrol Agent in the United States is $69,549 per year. I hope you find this information useful. Best of luck to you!
How to Become a Border Patrol Agent • https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-border-patrol-agent#
U.S. Customs & Border Protection • https://www.cbp.gov/
Thank you for your question. Border patrol agents help to safeguard the borders of the United States against illegal trade and protect U.S. citizens from external enemies as well as undocumented immigrants. For this, they maintain, monitor and respond to electronic sensor alarms and use infrared scopes and other technological devices during their patrolling operations. Here are some steps on becoming a border patrol agent to help you get started on your research.
■ HOW TO BECOME A BORDER PATROL AGENT
1) APPLY FOR A BORDER PATROL AGENT POSITION
Apply on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agency website.
2) TAKE THE BORDER PATROL AGENT ENTRANCE EXAM
The CBP allows you to select the location at which you can take the two-part border patrol entrance exam. First, there is the one-hour Experience Record test that you can take online from home. Second, there is the two-hour test for logical reasoning that you must take at a testing center. You don't have to take the entrance test if you qualify at the GL-9 level.
3) INITIATE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
You can file the standard investigative forms—SF 85 for low-risk positions and the SF 86 for security clearance and high-risk public positions — through the e-QIP application. You can enter and transmit your data for investigative purposes to the CBP.
4) UNDERGO A MEDICAL EXAM
A medical exam is necessary to assure the CBP agency that you are physically capable of handling the job functions. It will also establish that you don't have any serious health problems and are unlikely to endanger others. To pass the exam, you must have 20/20 vision with normal peripheral and color vision.
5) TAKE A PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
Due to the rigorous border patrol job requirements, applicants must be physically fit and must take a timed fitness test that consists of performing sit-ups and push-ups. You will also have to do a 14-inch step with 120 steps per minute.
6) ATTEND A JOB INTERVIEW
A three-person panel consisting of current border patrol agents will conduct a face-to-face structured interview. They will ask you hypothetical and probing questions to measure how well you do in four specific competencies necessary for the job:
• Cooperativeness and sensitivity to the needs of others
• Emotional maturity
• Interpersonal skills
• Judgment and decision-making
You must pass all four to move to the next stage of the hiring process.
7) SUBMIT TO A POLYGRAPH TEST
Ever since the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010, a four- to six-hour polygraph test is mandatory. You must answer questions about national security issues and the information you gave in your application and background investigations forms.
8) UNDERGO A DRUG TEST
You will undergo a random drug test during the job application process and will progress to the next stage only if the test is negative.
■ SALARY
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Border Patrol Agent in the United States is $69,549 per year. I hope you find this information useful. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sachin’s Answer
Hi Ricardo,
Thanks for the question.
Basic eligibility requirements to be a Border Patrol Agent are as follows:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years (military exception)
- Be eligible to carry a firearm
- Be referred for selection prior to your 40th birthday (waivers available for veterans’ preference or those that have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position)
The minimum starting salary is $52,583 with the possibility of earning more depending on experience and education. Within four years, agents will make at least $97,486 per year. You will also enjoy a challenging but rewarding work environment with many advancement opportunities. Applicants that attend the Open House will find it very beneficial to meet face to face with recruiters and staff.
Source: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/looking-become-border-patrol-agent-0
Hope this helps!