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Customs Officer
The customs officer works for the United States department of customs and border patrol, or as it is better known as Homeland Security. Since this is a government agency job, once accepted, you will have the ability to earn not only a higher than average salary, but competitive benefits as well. While no specific college degree is required for this position, experience or a Bachelors degree in criminal justice is recommended before the application is filed. In addition, there are numerous requirements, testing and a long application process set forth by the department of Homeland Security, therefore, the application process may take some time but will eventually pay off when you gain employment in this top career.
Customs Officer
Requirements for those aspiring to become a customs officer do not require a specific college degree, however; it is recommended that you have at least a Bachelors degree in criminal justice if you wish to advance into upper level management positions within the department. This degree can be completed online through one of the best online colleges where you can complete the program online, without the requirement of attending class at a specific time every day. In addition, military experience is also not a requirement, however; if you have prior military experience, you will gain bonus points during your written exam and given preference over those who do not have the military experience. One requirement that the department does not waiver on is the background check. This check is done after you have been given a conditional job offer through the department. The background check cannot have any negative marks especially those associated with violence, terrorism or fraud as these types of marks will eliminate you from the position. In addition, you must also pass a rigorous medical examination which will test your strengths and ensure the department that you are in excellent physical condition which is required due to the harsh physical conditions you may be subjected to throughout your career.
Application Process
Applications for the job of a customs officer are accepted during specific periods of time specified by the department of Homeland Security. Once you have filled out the online application, if selected, you will be notified of when you may take your written exam. This exam takes about five hours to complete and is an in-depth exam that will test various parts of your knowledge and skills. Before you take the exam, you will be given a study guide to assist you to prepare for the exam. After the exam, if you score more than 70 points, you are considered eligible for employment as a customs agent, however; this does not mean that you will be offered employment. If you are not accepted right away, your test score is considered valid for up to one year. If you are accepted, then you will be required to attend a video test, interview with at least two superior officers, after that, if you are offered employment, you will be subjected to a rigorous medical examination, physical test and background check. Once these tests are passed, you will be awarded employment as a customs officer, which is one of the top careers today protecting our nation’s borders from any type of threat.
