Being a Border Patrol Agent can be both mentally and physically challenging. As a result, the application process to become a Border Patrol Agent is intentionally rigorous to ensure those selected can carry out the duties that are expected of them.

Similarly, Can you be a Border Patrol agent at 18?

You must be at least 18 and at most 37 (exceptions are made for people with military or law enforcement experience). You can then apply at the US CBP (Customs and Border Protection), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security.

Additionally, How long does it take to get hired by Border Patrol? This varies from applicant to applicant. Statistically speaking, it takes an average of six to nine months to get through the process. Some of the things that can increase the amount of time it takes are: health issues, complications in your background investigation, or a lack of sufficient or requested information.

How do you get hired by Border Patrol?


How to become a border patrol agent

  1. Obtain work experience or a bachelor’s degree. …
  2. Apply for a CBP position. …
  3. Pass the entrance examination. …
  4. Complete medical requirements and fitness tests. …
  5. Complete the structured interview. …
  6. Pass the drug and polygraph test. …
  7. Graduate from the Border Patrol Agent Academy.

How difficult is the Border Patrol Academy?

The Border Patrol Academy is one of the toughest law enforcement academies in the nation. The curriculum amounts to 940 hours of rigorous instruction in physical fitness, immigration law, firearms use, and driving, among other areas.

How old do you have to be a border patrol agent?

According to www.usajobs.gov, the official job site of the U.S. Federal Gov- ernment, there are several key requirements you need to meet in order to apply to become a Border Patrol Agent: You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be under the age of 40 when you apply (formerly, this age requirement was age 37).

How many years does it take to become a border patrol?

To apply for a border patrol position, candidates must have a high school diploma and at least three years of work-related experience in a law or investigative capacity.

Do you need college to be a border patrol agent?

While there are no formal education requirements for applying for a job with the border patrol, it is a good idea to have at least an associate’s degree in a subject such as criminal justice.

How long does it take for Border Patrol background check?

Pre-employment investigative screening (such as the collection and review of fingerprints and the Questionnaire for National Security Positions, the polygraph exam, and the background investigation) can take up to 12 months, or longer.

How long does it take CBP to review applications?

If your application is conditionally approved, you will need to schedule an interview with CBP officers at an Enrollment Center. Processing times vary by applicant but on average it can take 6 months to be conditionally approved.

How long does it take to get Border Patrol test results?

The entrance exam takes three to five hours to complete. A passing score of 70 is required. Notification of CBP test results is emailed two to three weeks after an applicant takes the test, according to the CBP website.

What education do you need to be a Border Patrol agent?

While there are no formal education requirements for applying for a job with the border patrol, it is a good idea to have at least an associate’s degree in a subject such as criminal justice.

Can you join Border Patrol without a degree?

As explained in Step 1, applying for a US border patrol agent position does not require a bachelor’s degree, as long as applicants have earned the necessary experience.

How hard is it to become a CBP officer?

Being a CBP Officer can be both mentally and physically challenging. As a result, the application process to become a CBP Officer is intentionally rigorous to ensure those selected can carryout the duties that are expected of them.

What can I expect at Border Patrol Academy?

The 86 hours of instruction is 20% classroom time and 80% practical exercises. Core subjects include searching conveyances, safe driving principles, operation of patrol vehicles, four-wheel drive operations, and emergency driving techniques. Students must pass three practical examinations as a condition of employment.

Is the CBP entrance exam hard?

As mentioned earlier, the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam is a difficult and competitive test, and it is necessary to pass the test in order to qualify for the next step in the hiring process of a Border Patrol Agent job.

How long is Border Patrol training Academy?

Located in Glynco, Georgia within the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), the FOA employs a fully accredited program to prepare new trainees to become CBP Officers. Law enforcement awareness and demeanor are exemplified and reinforced throughout the rigorous 89 day training program.

Is Border Patrol Academy hard?

The Border Patrol Academy is one of the toughest law enforcement academies in the nation. The curriculum amounts to 940 hours of rigorous instruction in physical fitness, immigration law, firearms use, and driving, among other areas.

What are the requirements to become a Border Patrol agent?

The minimum education requirement for a trainee in this position is a high school diploma. Trainees must also have a valid driver’s licence and must have successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) along with the related exams.

Is Border Patrol training paid?

While at the Border Patrol Academy for basic training, you will earn your regular salary. You will also get free lodging and meals at the Academy, plus a small daily allowance for incidental expenses.

How hard is Border Patrol Academy?

The Border Patrol Academy is one of the toughest law enforcement academies in the nation. The curriculum amounts to 940 hours of rigorous instruction in physical fitness, immigration law, firearms use, and driving, among other areas.

What are the requirements to join border patrol?


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.

What qualifications do you need to be a border control officer?


You’ll need:

  • knowledge of public safety and security.
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.
  • excellent verbal communication skills.
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning.
  • the ability to work well with others.

Do you need a degree to work at the border?

A degree is not required to become a Border Patrol agent. … You must successfully pass the CBP Border Patrol entrance exam, a three-part test that assesses your ability to reason, ability to learn a foreign language and the relevance of your past experience.