Education · 1 of 4

The path

No degree required. The gate is a long federal hiring process, then a residential academy.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   You must be a United States citizen, hold a valid driver's license, and normally be under 40 when appointed. Veterans can get that age limit waived.

2. 2

   Apply and sit the entrance exam

   1 day

   Applications go through the federal hiring website. The written test covers logical reasoning, Spanish or an artificial language learning test, and an experience questionnaire.

3. 3

   Clear the background process

   6 to 12 months

   Physical fitness test, medical exam, drug screening, polygraph and a full background investigation. This is the slowest part and where most people drop out.

4. 4

   Border Patrol Academy

   About 5 to 6 months

   A live-in academy in Artesia, New Mexico. Law, firearms, driving, arrest tactics, and Spanish instruction for those who need it. You are paid throughout.

5. 5

   Field training at your station

   About 3 years

   Paired with experienced agents, then on your own. Grade increases follow each year until journeyman level.