Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: One year of general experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; to learn regulations, methods, and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and the ability to gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records;
OR
Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in
any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited or college or university;
OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general experience
AND successfully completed college education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that shows you have the experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrates the skills necessary to:
- Make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms.
- Deal effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters.
- Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions where you will be expected to make arrests after the completion of required training and apply these skills in a law enforcement capacity such as code enforcement, compliance work, corrections, security, military, emergency responders, etc.
The above experience will be applied in connection with the
Border Patrol Individual Occupational Requirement: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with people in a courteous manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership. Submitted transcripts must show the applicant does not have more than 10% pass/fail courses in order to qualify for SAA with GPA. Go to
Superior Academic Achievement to see if you qualify under this provision;
OR
One full year of graduate level education in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology, corrections and rehabilitation) or one year of law school from an accredited or college or university;
OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level
AND graduate level education completed in a field of study related to law enforcement from an accredited college or university . This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
More information on the qualifications can be found on our
CBP.gov Border Patrol Qualifications Aid
If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GL-9 and or GS-11 grade level. Please refer to the BPA GL-9 - 11 announcement:
Apply Here!
National Service Experience: refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience
.
Experience as a CBP Explorer may be qualifying if your resume provides sufficient information to credit your experience. To receive full credit for your experience, please be sure to describe your duties, roles and responsibilities in detail.
Background Investigation: This position is a sensitive National Security position and, upon selection, applicants will be required to undergo, and must successfully pass, a Tier 5 investigation or equivalent for placement and retention. For more information, please see the
Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Background Investigation.
Language Proficiency: Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the academy.
Uniform/Grooming Standards: This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards found
here; as established by the Border Patrol's Uniform and Grooming Standards Policy #IOP-5320-02A-UGSBPA.
Updated guidance: Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings on the head or face are
not permitted. Obscene, derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible.