How to Become A Customs Agent

What does a customs agent do?
The US Department of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and is one of the most complex security and public safety organizations working in the country today. Customs agents working for the CBP are responsible for keeping terrorists and weapons out of the United States and for preventing illegal immigration and smuggling. CBP agents are also responsible for border security. Some customs agents specialize in dealing with immigrants and have an in-depth knowledge of immigration laws, while others receive special training in handling narcotics and drugs. From airports to land border crossings, customs agents are our first line of defence against innumerable risks.


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Why should I consider becoming a customs agent?
With the increased concerns over public safety and immigration, more and more people are asking how to become a customs agent in order to serve their country and the communities which they are a part of. Being a customs agent is a highly rewarding and self-satisfying career.

As federal employees, customs agents are entitle to quite a handsome compensation and hundreds of other benefits in addition to unparalleled advancement opportunities. Entry level customs agents earn median wages of $50,000 per year, much higher than the average income for most entry level jobs. Customs agents receive official vehicles or a transportation allowance; they earn an annual pay increase, cost of living allowance, health insurance and life insurance in addition to fully paid training and a hefty housing allowance.
Additionally, officers of the CBP who wish to continue their education or obtain professional training or a higher degree are sponsored by the government and receive scholarships and a number of educational grants.

What sort of training and education do I need?
Most customs agents generally have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field such as criminal justice, security management or psychology. Graduates in fields such as humanities and the liberal arts are also ideal candidates for the US Customs and Border Patrol. Knowledge of a foreign language especially Spanish, can be especially advantageous for applicants.
After graduation, prospective customs agents must an interview with the CBP, and pass a number of written and oral tests. These tests include general reasoning and language and aptitude tests. An extensive background check is also carried out, before students are called in for a final interview and a medical exam to assess their physical fitness.
Once all these phases have been completed, the recruits then complete a one to two year specialized training program at a state run police academy. Those who successfully complete training are then instantly placed as customs agents at airports, docks and seaports and border crossings.


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Q:After becoming a customs agent how much salary can I expect?

A:You can surely expect anything around $50,000 per annum after becoming a customs agent. This pay scale excludes other benefits, bonuses and remunerations. The salary is sure to increase with apt experience and expertise.

Q:Which degrees are helpful to become a customs agent?

A:Degrees such as an associate's or bachelor's program degree in a field like criminal justice, security management and psychology are quite helpful to become a customs agent. There are also some specialist certifications and diplomas at post graduate level that can specialize you in specific areas.

Q:Can you tell me how to become a customs agent in the United States?

A:There are some key eligibility requisites to become a customs agent. One of the most essential requirement is that you need to be of 21 years of age or older. You have to clear the physical and written tests with exceptional grades. It is compulsory to have a 4 years college degree and attend fourteen weeks of dedicated training.

Q:What do entry level Customs Agents earn annually?

A:The entry level salaries of custom agents have been pre decided by the US government. They are paid according to the set pay grades. Entry level employees will either join at a GL-5 scale, GL-7 scale, or at a GL-9 scale. The salaries are as following: GL-7 entry level salary is $35,672, GL-7 entry level salary is $38,511, and GL-9 entry level salary is $42,948. The level of salary is likely to rise with more experience on the job.

Q:Do the customs agents and policing customs officers in the United States get the customs agent cost of living allowance?

A:In the United States, the customs agents work under the federal and state government. These government institutions and councils may have different policies, but all of them offer robust and quite comprehensive incentives. The Customs Agent cost of living allowance is one of them. In states that border other countries and the oceans, the customs agents also get incentives such as separate accommodations.

Q:I read that to be a custom agent in the United States, you need to have a strong hold on the Criminal Behavior course. What are the contents of this course?

A:To be a Custom Agent in the United States, you need to have a qualification in Criminal Justice. These degree programs have courses on Criminal Behavior, which is a foundation course in the area of criminology and stresses primarily on understanding the criminal minds. Some of the common topics included in this course are causation of the crime, coverage of patterns of crime, white collar crime and smuggling.

Q:How much do Customs agents make within a year?

A:Custom Agents have attractive salaries with a number of fringe benefits. The pay scales of custom agents vary dramatically with their level of experience, education, geographical location of the workplace, and the type of employment (full-time or part-time). However, on an average scale, a customs agent earn approximately $52,500 and above annually within the United States.

Q:What are the job responsibilities of a custom agent?

A:Customs agents are responsible for enforcing federal laws on people and merchandise coming in to the United States. These agents are present at airports and border crossings in order to monitor and protect. Custom agents are federal law officials who work for the Depart of Homeland Security. Students interested are advised to search our website for a list of institutions offering qualifications related to this profession.

Q:Reading about how much do US customs agents get paid mentioned distance learning programs. What are the advantages of these programs?

A:Reading about how much do US customs agents get paid would mention distance learning programs. Online educational programs are specifically designed to help students study at their own pace and convenience. The curriculum for these programs includes every aspect of the subject . With the help of online programs students can also save money on travel and accommodation. Prospective students interested are advised to search our website for an extensive list of online institutions.

Q:My search for how to become a custom police officer mentioned APEC. How is this organization related to custom officers?

A:APEC would be mentioned when searching for how to become a custom police officer. APEC stands for Asian Pacific Economic Corporation. Custom police officers employed to work in the United States work for the Custom and Excise Department. This department is an active member of World Customs Organization and APEC. This relationship allows American custom officers to work in association with overseas custom departments.

Q:As I read an article on how to be a customs agent, there was mention of the course on Business Law. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is common to get to read about the course on Business Law while going through an article on How To Be A Customs Agent. This course is of about 2 credits in total. It is designed to offer students with strong understanding of the basic principles of business law and how that is applied to the various contracts in a business environment.

Q:Custom agents are required to perform what duties on their job?

A:Custom agents are professionals who investigate shipment of goods, luggage, vehicles, and aircrafts. We usually find such professionals working at local and international airports. Their job description comprises of the following main duties: inspect luggage, enforce trade laws, prevent security mishaps, apprehending illegal immigrants, assessing border trade and flow, and deporting illegal immigrants.

Q:Can I find customs agent jobs with a bachelor's degree?

A:With a bachelor's degree you can find entry level customs agent jobs. In this regard no special subject is required but a relevant subject like criminal justice can help. Having a bachelor's degree does not require you to have any experience. But if you do not have a bachelor degree, then a three year experience in the field might be required.

Q:What do custom agents do?

A:United States custom agents are responsible for enforcing more than four hundred custom laws. In addition to this they also enforce laws relating to other federal agencies. Their job duties include making sure that import duties are paid, confiscating illegal items and stopping people without the proper paperwork from entering the country.

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