What are border patrol qualifications?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

There are 7 basic qualifications for being a border patrol agent. Applicants must:

Be a U.S. citizen
Have a valid driver's license
Have resided in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years (military exception)
Be eligible to carry a firearm
Referred for selection prior to your 40th birthday (there is a waiver for veterans' preference eligible or those that have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position)
Be willing to travel (you will be required to travel extensively including extended domestic and foreign Temporary Duty assignments)
Pass the application process

Common disqualifiers for a border patrol agent are:

If you are eligible based on the above criteria, there are 9 steps to the application process:

Submit an application on USAJOBS: Create a USA Jobs account and self certify that you are qualified. You can submit your resume, transcripts, and other required documents along with your online application.
Take the Border Patrol Entrance Exam (GL-9 waiver): You will be required to take an entrance exam. This will measure your ability to perform required job functions. It is comprised of 2 parts: the Experience Record and the Logical Reasoning test.

Applicants who qualify at the GL-9 level are not required to take the entrance exam.

Qualifications Review: Human resources will review your resume and other required documents to make sure that you meet the minimum qualifications.
Background Investigation: All applicants that are selected to move forward in the process will have to undergo and pass a background check. The background check will consist of:
1. Preliminary vetting checks
2. Polygraph examination
3. Investigation
4. Final adjudication

The results from the vetting checks, polygraph exams, and investigation will be analyzed and used to make the final determination.

Medical Exam: If tentatively selected, applicants will need to undergo a pre-employment medical examination and be found medically qualified to perform the required duties of the job. Any disease or condition that may potentially interfere with the performance of these duties may result in disqualification.
Fitness Tests: The physical fitness test will ensure that you are physically fit for the job. It will include pushups, situps, and a step test.
Structured Interview: You will be interviewed by a board of current Border Patrol Agents to make sure that you have the competencies necessary for the role.
Polygraph Exam: This is a standardized exam required by the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010. It is 4 to 6 hours in length and requires you to respond to a series of questions relating to national security issues and answers provided on your background investigation forms.
Drug Test: You are subject to a random drug test during the application process. Applicants that have a positive result will be disqualified.

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