Border patrol agents are required to be proficient in the use of English and Spanish. 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. In addition, they receive excellent benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits. Border Patrol agents use the same salary scale as other government employees. Once you finish high school, you can enroll in a bachelor degree at an accredited institute. 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. The European Union has a significant and growing role to play in the global economy. In order to join the Border Patrol with a Grade Level 7 rather than the typical Grade Level 5, an applicant must have had at least one year of experience in law enforcement. Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. 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. Courses include Immigration and Nationality Law; Criminal Law and Statutory Authority; Spanish; Border Patrol Operations; Care and Use of Firearms; Physical Training; Operation of Motor Vehicles; Anti-Terrorism Training; Communications; Ethics and Conduct; Report Writing; Introduction to Computers; Fingerprinting; and Constitutional Law. The application process includes a criminal background check, a drug test, and a drivers license check. The challenging curriculum has four components: integrated law, including nationality and immigration laws; physical training, which prepares trainees for the timed running and confidence tests; firearms instruction, which involves range practice sessions and classroom instruction on a wide array of topics (like firearms safety, survival shooting, and instinctive reaction shooting); and driving, even if trainees already possess valid licenses. Disqualifying marks are derogatory information retrieved from police databases and public records, and failed urine drug tests and polygraph tests. How to become a border patrol agent Border patrol agents are focused on securing the nation's international borders between ports of entry. There are approximately 18,000 Border Patrol Agents and staff represented by the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) labor union.1. The government conducts a background investigation. After receiving approval for active duty, a recruit will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for 19 weeks, the longest training period for any law enforcement agency. The first step in this course is to examine the fundamental justifications for and benefits of U.S. patent rights. US Border Patrol agents are routinely exposed to dangerous situationsdue to their role as guardians of the American homeland. Failure to pass all three of the Border Patrol's physical fitness tests. The written and oral versions affirm the vow of carrying out the primary mission of keeping America safe. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and M.S. Acquire the necessary education and/or experience described above. This is the most affordable school for border patrol agents considering in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after 6 years. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and M.S. They are deserving of our respect for their dedication and professionalism, and they should be. The actual application, examination, interview and training process can take from six to eight months, so determination is highly advised. Those who are not fluent in Spanish must complete an additional 40 days of language training. Officers and agents with Customs and Border Protection are currently on the job for 300 days, down from 520 days previously. They are officers of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 18,000 border patrol agents in the U.S. in 2016. The Office of Personnel Management will review the responses to the questionnaire and determine if the applicant is sufficiently qualified to take the written exam. A high school diploma or equivalent 2. A: To become a border patrol officer you need to have at least a bachelor degree or an associate degree. Check out these related careers: References:1. The Border Patrol employs agents at the GL-7 and GL-9 levels. This is to ensure clarity and a concise . Instead, what we have is, from November 2017 to now, only 33 people have been hired under that contract, about 60 million has . Ten of these steps fall within these ranges. An applicant without prior experience must have at least a full year of graduate education in law or a law enforcement-related field, such as criminal justice, justice administration, or police science. You'll be tested on your cardiovascular strength, sit-ups, push-ups and the ability to run 1.5 miles in 13 minutes or less. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. 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. The United States has a great need for border patrol agents, as it is continually increasing security and inspection of people and goods that enter its borders. Make sure you're fully prepared. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Because these jobs may require work in intelligence, the US CBP are seeking applicants who have the intellectual capacity for complex tasks. (The codes are assigned by the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing.). "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What traits might disqualify a prospective border patrol agent? You must have lived in the United States for the previous three years, which is equivalent to three years. The training to start border patrol agents' jobs begins after the application is accepted. You are here: Take a foreign language class, specifically, Spanish; fluency in this language will give you an advantage over other job applicants. Official websites use .gov This video includes what you need to know as you navigate the journey in becoming a Border Patrol Agent. A: To be a border patrol agent, you must have the skill, training, and education needed for this career. Proficiency in Spanish is an asset, considering that Hispanic-initiated illegal border-crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations. While we're unified by our mission our impact is felt in a variety of ways. Rescue people trapped in the border areas. 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. An incorrect response could place themselves or their colleagues in danger. The BPAs responsibilities include preventing illegal immigration, protecting the country from human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and agricultural pests. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which Some requirements can be waived for people with a background in law enforcement or the military. With the dedication and professionalism of the BPAs, we can be confident that our national security is always under their command. The 20 best online courses for border patrol agents available through Udemy, Coursera, EDX, and Ed2go will help you advance in your career. Preventing the illegal smuggling of drugs and weapons requires vigilance and dedication. It's mentally and physically challenging and requires both courage and compassion. There is also an age restriction for candidacy, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires. In addition to a good salary, border patrol agents also receive health and retirement benefits, as well as paid vacation and sick days. These tests also gauge their capacity to work rotating shifts, irregular hours, and extended periods of time; and to operate under hazardous conditions borne by nature and man (e.g., harsh weather and armed confrontations). You can specialize in relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal justice, and homeland security. Border patrol agents are well-respected members of the community and earn a good salary. This is a two-part aptitude examination. 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. Able to pass a complete background check 5. Have a valid drivers license. Pass a medical examination. Border Patrol agents are paid on average $50,000 per year. Territory information from Guam, Puerto Rico, and The Virgin Islands. A Border Patrol agent makes money when they start working at the Border Patrol Academy. 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. Every new agent gets stationed along the U.S. southwest border, but they may be able to change their duty locations after a certain amount of time. Applicants with experience, and who have earned college units (but who did not graduate), may combine the two requirements. The Border Patrol is in charge of maintaining the security of the U.S.-Mexico border. Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are included in the total costs. A person with physical fitness, a high level of firearms proficiency, and the desire to learn Spanish are required for this position. 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. 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. 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. Are you ready to become a Border Patrol Agent or Border Patrol Processing Coordinator? US border patrol agents are hired to positions at the GL-5, GL-7, and GL-9 levels. The program focuses on legal knowledge, report writing and physical conditioning. The earliest-submitted applications have the best chances of being considered. This is the salary at which half of border patrol agents earn more and half less. Becoming a border patrol agent is a noble and rewarding career choice. 2023 CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com, a Red Ventures Company. For Border Patrol hiring, a thorough evaluation of applicants is required. Test-takers will be given 120 minutes to answer all questions on the test. Take your first steps toward securing your career and joining our team. As an agent, you will begin at either a GS-5 or GS-9 grade level. Successful candidates become bona fide members of the lite force of US border patrol agents when they take their oath of office. View U.S. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The CBP Border Patrol entrance examination measures logical reasoning using several methods. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. Its essential that our organisation reflects the very best of 21st century Britain and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and circumstances. 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. 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. You are required to have . 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. Border patrol agents are paid $48,197 per year on average. In addition, armed officers are more likely to resolve conflicts, and criminals are less likely to commit crimes against the public. Before you apply for Border Patrol positions, learn more about what the job involves and what the border patrol job requirements are. Every three weeks, when testing is being carried out in the Twin Cities Delegated Examining Unit, an update from OPM is distributed. The salary trajectory of a Border Patrol Agent ranges between locations and employers. Border Patrol Agents are charged with an important task in domestic safety. A border patrol agent will automatically be promoted to the next grade after spending the due time duration on a particular scale. Among personnel, those who excel in the field are recognized and commended. They also work in the waters off Puerto Rico and Florida, as well as along the borders of Canada and Mexico. Once approved for active duty, the recruit will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for 19 weeks, the longest training program of any law enforcement agency. The Border Patrol enforces federal laws when people or goods enter the United States through the border. In 2012 alone, CBP inspected 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry. Consequently, you should engage in some regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training to prepare yourself for the physical demands of these tests and the job itself. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The written exam possesses three portions: The Artificial Language Test is primarily for applicants who do not speak Spanish; it tests the applicants ability to learn a foreign language. All applicants must take an entrance exam administered by the Border Patrol. The salary for an Air and Marine Agent begins at the GS-11 level ($55,204 $71,764). The chase was over. Part of the Home Office, we carry out immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. Is Russell Westbrook The Next NBA Legend. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. 2. This is an APS2 Border Force Officer Recruit salary, and is accurate as at February 2022. If a candidate is arrested, uses alcohol excessively, or has been fired from their previous jobs, they may be disqualified from hiring by the US Customs and Border Protection. Be hired as an ICE agent. We have an incredibly broad remit at the Home Office, with our work affecting every citizen of the country. 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. The path to become a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. What are the requirements for becoming a border patrol agent? As part of the Home Office, we carry out crucial immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. They had pledged to hire 7,500 new officers for CBP within five years. A lock ( If youre looking for a rewarding and challenging career, becoming a border patrol agent is a great option. You must be 40 or younger. Defend the border against all illegal activity. The Border Patrol lists a college degree as one of the requirements to become a Border Patrol agent. 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. You must also have a clean criminal record and be able to pass a background check. Next, youll need to complete the required training. The safety of both police officers and the general public must be ensured by this policy. What It Takes to Be a Correctional Officer, Step 2 - Obtain a Degree or Accumulate Experience, Border Patrol Agent Jobs & Job Description, B.S. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Those who have yet to learn how to speak Spanish must stay for an additional 8-week specialized, task-based language training. The language course is best paired with academic training in multicultural understanding and tolerance. The median annual salary in this industry is $56,159, with salaries ranging from $11,681 to $311,665. To qualify become a Border Patrol Agent in Texas, below are the steps to follow: Step One Go to the official website and apply for a job as a border patrol agent. The five-grade ranking system is used for prioritizing candidates: Best Qualified, Very Highly Qualified, Highly Qualified, Well Quallified, and Qualified. The medical requirements for US border patrol agents include clear eyesight (20/20 corrected distance vision; at least 20/100, without correction); hearing in both ears without the use of hearing aids; and the absence of any impairments and illnesses that can be detrimental to the discharge of duties, and which can endanger the work environment. It must be noted that the agency evaluates applicants for stellar qualifications. Obtain work experience or a bachelor's degree Candidates may qualify for a border patrol position with a high school diploma and at least three years of related work experience in a law or investigative capacity. That means we patrol the UK coastline, alert security services to people of interest, and gather intelligence. The scales for border patrol agents are GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. For this part, the test items are hypothetical questions relating to the job being applied for, and the answers are drawn from the information supplied in the exam questionnaire. Should I Become A CBP Officer or Border Patrol Agent? "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What type of schedule does a border patrol agent typically work? Its about blending this knowledge with the skill and intuition of our officers to make informed, swift decisions. 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. The average border patrol agent makes around $60,000 per year, with some agents making much more. Possession or use of a firearm is prohibited by the Lautenberg Amendment. On a typical day, border patrol agents will apprehend approximately 1,100 individuals for suspected violations of U.S. laws, screen nearly one million international travelers, seize nearly six tons of illegal drugs, and prevent over 400 dangerous pests from entering the U.S. Theirs is one of the largest US law enforcement agencies, with the actual manpower strength exceeding 21,000 male and female agents. As part of this training program, officers will be trained in how to behave appropriately and to emphasize the importance of law enforcement. They work along the borders of Mexico and Canada as well as in the coastal waters of Puerto Rico and Florida to facilitate the flow of legitimate trade. If you already speak Spanish (including the grammar rules), you can decline the artificial language part of the course. Physically fit. After the interview, you will be given scenarios and asked to think on your feet. The next step comes after you have already sent your application. They patrol the borders by land, sea, and air to prevent people and goods from entering the country illegally. Complete the structured interview with a board of current border patrol agents. 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. in Criminal Justice - Advanced Counterterrorism, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security, Possess minimum vision and hearing functionality, Ability to perform strenuous physical activity. Those interested in pursuing a career as a border patrol agent should consider the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Texas at El Paso. 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. * Have a valid driver's license. Age waivers are available to those with law enforcement or military backgrounds. 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. If a position becomes available later, you may transfer to Texas if you are not assigned to one at the time. Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. You have rejected additional cookies. Employees have the opportunity to join our vibrant diversity staff support networks, including Gen (gender), The Network (black Asian and minority ethnic), Spectrum (LGBT+) and Able (disabilities). The written and oral versions affirm the vow of carrying out the primary mission keeping. Part of the country illegally Examining Unit, an update from OPM is distributed Rico and Florida as. 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One at the Home how to become a border patrol agent, with some agents making much more, protecting the country.! Less likely to resolve conflicts, and agricultural pests you may transfer to Texas if you speak.