Customs and Border Protection Officer
- Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations;
- Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel;
- Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances;
- Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and
- Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Polygraph Examination: You will be required to undergo a polygraph exam and must have favorable results in order to continue in the process. For more information, see . NOTE: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. Certain veterans may be eligible for a polygraph waiver.
Formal Training: You will attend the located in Glynco, GA, for a 101-day training program of intensive instruction in basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, etc. Candidates assigned to certain duty locations may be required to pass a Spanish training program. For more information, please visit . Successful completion of the academy is required for this position.
Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 110-161, this position is covered under enhanced retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to this position before their 40th birthday in accordance with DHS Directive 251-08. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veterans' Preference eligible.
Firearm Requirement: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.
More requirements listed below.
Qualifications
You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, performing duties that required the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts; 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 GS-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, that includes:
- Performing physical inspections of persons, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations.
- Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.
- Making determinations in compliance with laws and regulations that may lead to arrests, seizure of property, fines, and/or penalties based on findings.
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 to see if you qualify under this provision; OR
Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education 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 successfully completed graduate level education. 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
If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GS-9 grade level -
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 .
Uniform/Grooming Standards: While in a duty status, this position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established .
Education
See the Qualifications Section for education substitution.
Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information, visit
Drug Testing Requirements: Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment. For more information, visit our and the
Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Fitness Test. For more information, please see the and the
Interview Process: You will be required to pass a structured interview. For more information, please see the
Primary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a primary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (, Conditions for Coverage; and , Mandatory Separation; and , Immediate Retirement). For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on . If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
The Customs and Border Protection Officer mandatory separation provisions of do not apply to an individual first appointed as a Customs and Border Protection Officer before July 6, 2008.
Additional information
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
Probationary Period: You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment.
Driver's License: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid driver's license is required. Any legal restrictions on a driver's license are not acceptable.
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: The CBP Officer position is a weapons-carrying position. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Therefore, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are not qualified for this position.
Pre-Screening Interview: As part of the suitability process, you may be required to undergo a pre-screening interview.
After you successfully complete all the pre-employment steps, you will be at the final offer step. For more information on the final offer, please see the .
Residency Requirement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years, before completing an application for CBP employment. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two (2) of the last five (5) years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
- Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
- A dependent of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government
- Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant or an intern for the U.S. Government
- Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: To be considered, you must submit the documents listed in the Required Documents section. View information about on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to ensuring that all of our employees act in a manner that embodies the Department's Mission Statement: With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland and our values. As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties.
- Benefits
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the and select "." will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Check out the latest CBP has to offer its employees by liking and following us on X (@CBPJobs) and
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Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, performing duties that required the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts; 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 GS-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, that includes:
- Performing physical inspections of persons, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations.
- Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.
- Making determinations in compliance with laws and regulations that may lead to arrests, seizure of property, fines, and/or penalties based on findings.
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 to see if you qualify under this provision; OR
Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education 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 successfully completed graduate level education. 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
If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GS-9 grade level -
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 .
Uniform/Grooming Standards: While in a duty status, this position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established .
Education
See the Qualifications Section for education substitution.
Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information, visit
Drug Testing Requirements: Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment. For more information, visit our and the
Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Fitness Test. For more information, please see the and the
Interview Process: You will be required to pass a structured interview. For more information, please see the
Primary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a primary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (, Conditions for Coverage; and , Mandatory Separation; and , Immediate Retirement). For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on . If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
The Customs and Border Protection Officer mandatory separation provisions of do not apply to an individual first appointed as a Customs and Border Protection Officer before July 6, 2008.
Additional information
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
Probationary Period: You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment.
Driver's License: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid driver's license is required. Any legal restrictions on a driver's license are not acceptable.
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: The CBP Officer position is a weapons-carrying position. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Therefore, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are not qualified for this position.
Pre-Screening Interview: As part of the suitability process, you may be required to undergo a pre-screening interview.
After you successfully complete all the pre-employment steps, you will be at the final offer step. For more information on the final offer, please see the .
Residency Requirement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years, before completing an application for CBP employment. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two (2) of the last five (5) years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
- Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
- A dependent of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government
- Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant or an intern for the U.S. Government
- Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: To be considered, you must submit the documents listed in the Required Documents section. View information about on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to ensuring that all of our employees act in a manner that embodies the Department's Mission Statement: With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland and our values. As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties.