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Federal Positions
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND FIREARMS INSPECTOR
Candidates for the position of BATF Inspector must be U.S. citizens and be at least 18 years old. Basic
requirements for this position are a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, three years of
relevant work experience, or credentials as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Education beyond the high
school level may be substituted for work experience at the rate of one year of study for nine months of
experience. Applicants must earn a competitive score above 70 on the Administrative Careers with America
(ACWA) exam. This exam, while no longer part of a centralized Office of Personnel hiring program, is
administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for the benefit of the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, and Firearms to assist in the selection of BATF Inspectors. Possession of a valid driver's license
is also necessary. When the requirements are met, the applicant's name is placed on a certified list of eligibles
by the Office of Personnel Management. Candidates selected from this list by the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, and Firearms undergo a qualifying medical examination to determine physical and mental fitness
and freedom from any conditions that would prevent performance of normal work activities. Finally, a
background investigation is conducted to determine the candidate's suitability for this work.
Newly hired BATF Inspectors undergo intensive training during their first year. This 12-month
program combines one month of classroom instruction with on-the-job training by experienced inspec-
tion personnel. The program of study includes such areas as bureau rules and regulations; inspection
methods and procedures; report writing; legal procedures; federal laws that regulate the production,
storage, processing, packaging, labeling, importation, exportation, distribution, and advertising of
distilled spirits, wine, and beer; and federal statutes pertaining to firearms and explosives. After
successful completion of the first year of training, new BATF Inspectors gradually assume more
responsibilities until they are able to work independently.
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND FIREARMS SPECIAL AGENT
Applicants for the job of BATF Special Agent must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 37 at the
time of appointment to duty. Other requirements include a bachelor's degree in a field of major study from
an accredited college or university or three years of work experience including at least two years of
criminal investigation activity. In some cases, academic study beyond the high school level may be
substituted for work requirements at the rate of one year of study for nine months of specialized
experience. In addition, applicants must get a qualifying score of at least 70 on the Treasury Enforcement
Agent Examination. Individuals who have completed accredited courses in police science or police
administration may have extra points added to their qualifying score on this examination. Those who
qualify are placed on a certified list of eligible candidates. Persons with the highest scores are then further
evaluated by personnel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Extensive panel interviews take
place, during which ratings are given for such factors as appearance, poise, communication skills,
interpersonal skills, and analytical ability. A qualifying medical examination determines physical and
mental fitness for normal work and training activities. Distant vision without correction must test at least
20/40 in each eye. No waiver on these requirements will be granted. Weight must be in proportion to
height. Finally, a comprehensive background investigation of each candidate is made to assess general
character, honesty, stability, and overall suitability for this position.
Newly hired Special Agents enter an intensive training and development program that provides the
special knowledge and skills demanded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The program
combines classroom study with closely supervised on-the-job training. New Agents first receive about
