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and FBI rules and regulations. After successfully completing training, new Agents are appointed on a
probationary basis. They are assigned to FBI field offices and initially team with experienced Agents
under actual field conditions. After one year of satisfactory performance, they receive permanent
employment status as Special Agent, FBI.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE OFFICER
A candidate for this job must be a U.S. citizen and be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment
to duty. Exceptions may be made for veterans who are not yet 21 years old. In most cases, possession of
a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent is necessary. A passing grade on a written examination
developed and administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for the General Services
Administration, a qualifying rating on a personal interview, and a qualifying medical examination to
determine physical and mental fitness are required of all candidates. In addition, a comprehensive
background investigation is conducted to determine general character, honesty, and loyalty to the U.S.
government. Added job requirements include availability for weekend work and rotating shifts as well
as possession of a valid driver's license. In addition, the candidate must have two years of experience
demonstrating the ability to meet and deal with the general public, the ability to understand and apply
various rules and regulations, and the ability to maintain poise and self-control under stress (any type of
military service may be credited toward meeting this requirement); or two years of education at a resident
school above high school; or any combination of education and experience totalling two years.
Newly hired officers are given an eight-week basic training course at the Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center located in Glynco, Georgia. Among the subjects taught during this course are GSA
policies, procedures, and responsibilities; principles of physical security; protective-alarm systems;
operation of the criminal justice systems; understanding human behavior; principles of communication;
laws of arrest, evidence, search, and seizure; arrest and search procedures; patrol methods; safety
procedures; traffic control; bomb searches; riot control; criminal investigation techniques; firearms
training; first aid; and self-defense tactics. After successfully completing this basic training course, new
Federal Protective Officers receive their work assignments and are placed on probation for a one-year
period. After demonstrating satisfactory work performance throughout the probationary period, they are
given permanent employment status. All Federal Protective Service personnel are continually trained in
the latest innovations in the law enforcement and protection areas in order to keep them current.
BORDER PATROL AGENT
Each candidate for the position of Border Patrol Agent must be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and
37 at the time of appointment. The age limitation may be waived for applicants with current or prior federal
law enforcement work experience. The candidate must have a substantial background of experience (paid
or voluntary, full- or part-time) of which at least one year must have been comparable in level of difficulty
and responsibility to grade GS-4 in the Federal Service. (Fully describe all work experience in the application
for employment to gain proper consideration.) The applicant may substitute a full four-year course of college
undergraduate study for experience, provided that the college work indicates the ability to learn the activities
of a Border Patrol Agent. A passing grade on the written Border Patrol Agent exam and a qualifying rating
from a panel of interviewers are also required. Applicants who are able to read, write, and speak Spanish
may have their language skills evaluated during the oral interview instead of taking the written language-
aptitude exam. A good working knowledge of Spanish gives a real competitive edge to the Border Patrol
Agent applicant. Knowledge of Spanish will also make the training period a little less arduous. Spanish
proficiency is mandatory for appointment to a duty station.
