If you are looking for a career in which your days are spent protecting others from potential harm, consider becoming a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) technician. As part of the United States government, CBP technicians are responsible for guarding America's borders from possible terrorist threats and illegal contraband as well as monitoring the daily happenings that take place along this country's boundary lines. With the proper amount of training, you can begin a career as a CBP technician and help keep America safe.
Application Process
The first step in becoming a CBP technician is filling out an application. As an entry-level position, applicants are chosen based upon their performance in an interview, medical and fitness testing, a video-based test, a screening process and a background check. Once an application is submitted, a grade level is assigned to each candidate based on his qualifications. When the CBP office announces that it is recruiting, it will look for people in particular grade levels.
Fitness Requirements
With the serious work that CBP technicians face, it is essential that they maintain a high level of fitness. The pre-employment fitness test (PFT) requires potential candidates to complete four fitness tests in a particular order. According to CBP.gov, the order is a 220-yard run in 50 seconds or less; 25 proper form sit-ups in one minute; 17 proper form push-ups in one minute; and a 1.5 mile run that is finished in less than 17 minutes and 15 seconds. Before the tests, a candidate's heart rate and blood pressure are also taken.
CBP Field Positions
As part of working with the CBP office, technicians may work in positions that require them to be in out in the field. Agriculture specialists inspect and examine commercial agricultural activity and trading at various entry points throughout the country. These specialists also work as law enforcement in agricultural customs matters. Another area for CBP careers is in the Office of Air & Marine. Technicians work in either Air and Marine Law Enforcement, Air and Marine Domain Security or Air and Marine Interdiction. Employees in these positions monitor the border activities by air and water to intercept and halt any potential illegal actions and ensure the safety of the country's borders by water and air.
Other CBP Positions
CBP also employs import specialists whose responsibilities include monitoring the goods and merchandise that is imported to the United States every day. Import specialists help determine fair trading practices, investigate smuggling cases and ensure all imported goods meet public health and safety standards. Intelligence research specialists work with the CBP to identify potential terrorist threats, trade violations, weapons of mass destruction and human smuggling. Contract specialists work to analyze and find contracts that provide the CBP with the items that are necessary for its day-to-day operations, such as furniture, ammunition, surveillance monitoring equipment, telecommunication and maintenance items.