|  |  | Basic Qualifications and Medical Requirements for Border Patrol Agents
(04/30/2008)Basic Qualifications1. You must be a United States citizen.2. You must possess a valid automobile driver's license.3. The CBP Border Patrol entrance examination is a three-part test, which covers logical reasoning skill, Spanish Language, or if you don't speak Spanish, an Artificial Language test that predicts your ability to learn Spanish, and an assessment of job related experiences and achievements. 4. To qualify at the GL-5 level, you must have a substantial background of experience (paid, voluntary, full or part-time), of which at least one year must have been comparable in level of difficulty and responsibility to grade GL-4 in the federal service. The work experience does not have to be law enforcement related. (You must describe all work experience in your application for employment in order to gain proper consideration.) orThis type of experience must demonstrate an ability to take charge, make decisions and maintain composure in stressful situations; it must demonstrate an ability to maintain interpersonal relationships with coworkers and the public and it must demonstrate a propensity to learn both on the job and through formal instruction. If you do not have the work experience described above, a 4-year college degree can be substituted for and is fully qualifying for the GL-5 level. There is no requirement that the degree is in any particular field or that it is a recent degree;
orYou may qualify through a combination of education and work experience (assuming you have not completed your degree). Each year of full-time semester or quarter units equates to three months of general work experience. For example, if you had two (2) years of full-time college education, that would equate to six months of experience with an additional six (6) months of generalized work experience, you could qualify for the GL-5 position. Qualifying at the GL-7: It is extremely important for you to provide the documentation described below if you want to be considered for a grade GL-7. Your grade level will be determined based on the information you provide with your application. If you are offered a position as a GL-5 Border Patrol Agent (Trainee), and you accept, you cannot change your grade level once you enter on duty. Your application (Resume, OF-612, or SF-171) must completely and specifically describe your job duties that you want considered in the determination. All transcripts, calculations, and other documentation must be submitted to the CBP Minneapolis Hiring Center within 30 days of notification of selection. Official transcripts must come from the Registrar's office. Failure to provide this documentation will result in you not being found eligible at the GL-7 grade level. If you have one (1) year of Law Enforcement Experience comparable in level of difficulty and responsibility to GL-5 you may qualify for GL-7. The CBP Minneapolis Hiring Center will determine what meets the specialized experience requirement. Experience must have demonstrated the ability to:
- Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms:
- Deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters:
- Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement matters:
- Develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
All four items listed must be met in order to qualify at the GL-7 grade level based on experience. You must address all four of these items in your application
orIf you have one (1) full year of Graduate education in law or a field related to law enforcement (e.g. Criminal Justice, Police Science), you can qualify for the GL-7.
or
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): to qualify for the GL-7 under the SAA provision, you must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4 year college/university. SAA is based on (1) grade point average (GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for all completed undergraduate courses, or courses completed in the last 2 years of undergraduate study, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for all courses in the major field of study, or required courses in the major field completed in the last 2 years of undergraduate study; (2) class standing (applicants must be in the upper third of their graduating class in their college, university or major subdivision; or (3) honor society membership (applicants must have been a member of a national scholastic honor society other than freshman honor societies). 5. You must be physically able to perform strenuous duties, under rigorous environmental conditions. Duties require physical stamina in running long distances, climbing, jumping, etc., withstanding exposure to extreme weather conditions for extended periods; and standing/stooping for long periods of time. Irregular and protracted hours of work are also required. Prior to an offer of employment, you must undergo a pre-employment medical examination and be medically suitable to perform the full range of duties of the position efficiently and without hazard to yourself or others. Binocular vision is required. Uncorrected vision must test 20/100 or better in each eye. Any disease or condition that interferes with the safe, efficient and expected performance of the job duties or required training may constitute ground for medical disqualification. Individualized assessments of each person's medical history, current condition and medical qualifications will be made on a case-by-case basis. Final consideration and medical determination may require additional information and/or testing. If medical information is required beyond the pre-placement examination, it is provided at the applicant's expense. You must pass a urinalysis drug test...all non-CBP selectees for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. This position is designated for testing for illegal drug use; all incumbents are subject to random testing. 6. You must be younger than 40 at the time of selection. The limitation may be waived for applicants who are presently in Federal civilian law enforcement positions covered under the special retirement provisions of P.L. 100-238, or who have been in such positions in the past.
7. You must appear before an oral interview panel and demonstrate that you possess the abilities and other characteristics important to Border Patrol Agent positions. Among these are interpersonal skills, judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
Medical Qualification Requirements
The duties of these positions involve physical exertion under rigorous environmental conditions; irregular hours of work; patrol duties on foot, motor vehicle and aircraft; and participation in physical training. Physical training includes firearms training; employing arrest techniques, defensive tactics and weapons techniques; physical conditioning (for example, running, weight training, swimming, sprinting, etc.); completion of a confidence course including practice sessions and a final timed proficiency course (for example, wall climbing, rope and ladder climbing, crawling through a simulated culvert, ditch jumping); and operating a motor vehicle including simulating emergency responses. Individualized assessments of each person's medical history, current condition and medical qualifications will be made on a case-by-case basis. Final consideration and medical determination may require additional information and/or testing. If medical information is required beyond the pre-placement examination, it is provided at the applicant's expense. The following are excerpts from the medical standards and identify frequently occurring conditions. Less common conditions may also be disqualifying. Any disease or condition that interferes with the safe, efficient and expected performance of the job duties or required training may constitute grounds for medical disqualification. Vision
Any disease or condition that interferes with a person's vision may be considered disqualifying. In addition:
- Uncorrected distant vision must be equal to or better than 20/100 in each eye
- Binocular distant vision must be correctable to 20/20
- Depth perception must be equal to or better than 70 seconds of arc
- Peripheral vision must be normal
- Color vision must be normal. X-Chrome lenses are not acceptable as a means for correcting color deficiencies
- Monocular vision is generally disqualifying.
Refractive surgical procedures (such as Radial Keratotomy, Photo-refractive surgery [laser], Keratoplasty, LASIK surgery) are considered acceptable provided the individual's vision meets the above standards post-operatively, and an acceptable recovery time period has occurred. The individual must be free of post-operative complications. The results of an eye examination by a board-certified Ophthalmologist will be required to insure that vision is not impeded due to post-operative complications such as infection, glare and contrast-sensitivity.
Hearing
At the 500, 1000 and 2000 hertz (Hz) levels, the deficit should not exceed 30 decibels in either ear. At 3000 Hz, the deficit should not exceed 40 decibels in either ear. The use of any hearing aid to comply with the medical standards is unacceptable.
Speech
Any disease or condition, which interferes with speech or breathing or bears the potential to render the person suddenly incapacitated, is generally disqualifying. Cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Respiratory System
Any disease or condition, which interferes with respiratory function, may be considered disqualifying. Cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Conditions which may result in disqualification include but are not limited to, these examples: Forced vital capacity (FVC) and/or forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) less than 70% of the expected value (measured by spirometry). The FEV1/FVC ratio should not reflect evidence of a significant obstructive or restrictive disorder. Asthma currently controlled on any medication is generally disqualifying. A history of asthma after the age of 12 years must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Cardiovascular System
Any disease or condition, which interferes with cardiac function, is generally disqualifying. Conditions which may result in disqualification include but are not limited to these examples: - Pacemakers or prosthetic valves
- Coronary artery disease, history of myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure
Hypertension: Systolic blood pressure exceeding 140 and/or diastolic blood pressure exceeding 90 mm Hg may be disqualifying. Confirmation of hypertension will require at least three (3) serial readings of blood pressure taken on different days. Additional diagnostic tests may be required to render a final medical opinion, depending upon the individual's clinical history, treatment, and the results of the pre-placement medical examination. The final medical determination will also consider the pharmacology of medication, dosage and frequency.
Psychiatric Disorders
Any disorder which affects normal perceptual judgment and safe and acceptable behavior or, if there is evidence of serious mental impairment, is generally disqualifying. Disorders that may be disqualifying include, but are not limited to, these examples: - Major Depression
- Panic Disorder and other anxiety disorders
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Personality disorders (Narcissistic, Antisocial, Paranoid, Schizoid)
Musculoskeletal System
Any medical condition, congenital or acquired, which interferes with or adversely impacts on individual's movement; agility; flexibility; strength; dexterity; coordination or the ability to accelerate, decelerate and change directions, efficiently; or the ability to perform the full range of law enforcement duties may be disqualifying. Conditions which may result in disqualification include but are not limited to, these examples: - Arthritis if there is limited joint motion and/or pain.
- Amputations of more than one digit if it directly affects the ability to grip and efficiently handle weapons
- Less than five (5) digits on each hand will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
- Amputations of an extremity
- Degenerative disk disease
- Fractures may require orthopedic evaluation to determine whether functional limitations currently exist
- Chronic low back pain without demonstrable pathology
Each case will be reviewed in context to the original history of the injury, the response to therapeutic regimes, frequency or recurrence, exacerbating factors, and length of disability associated with the recurrences, combined with the current clinical presentation. Prosthetic devices will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Cervical neuropathy including numbness, tingling or loss of motor strength in the upper extremities may be disqualifying. A history of chronic sprain or strain of the neck limiting mobility or causing recurring cephalalgia (headaches) may be disqualifying. A condition may be disqualifying if there is evidence that the general body symmetry may directly interfere with the safe utilization of issued standard and specialty equipment, including but not limited to handguns, shotguns, handcuffs, motor vehicles, etc.
Medications
All medication requirements, including psychotropic medication, will be evaluated to ensure that safe and efficient job performance will not be adversely affected. Each of the following considerations will enter the medical recommendations: - Medication(s) and type and dosage requirements
- Potential drug side effects
- Drug-drug interactions
- Adverse drug reactions
- Drug toxicity and any medical complications associated with long-term drug use
- Drug-environment interactions
- Drug-food interactions
- History of patient compliance
Medications such as narcotics, sedative hypnotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, or any drug with the potential for addiction, that is taken for extended periods of time (usually beyond 10 days) or is prescribed for a persistent or recurring underlying condition would generally be considered disqualifying. Anabolic Steroids. Any person currently using anabolic steroids may be disqualified. Note: Anabolic steroids were legislated as a controlled substance on February 27, 1991, and now require a physician's prescription.
Endocrine and Metabolic Systems
Any excess or deficiency in hormonal production can produce metabolic disturbances affecting weight, stress adaptation, energy production, and a variety of symptoms or pathology such as elevated blood pressure, weakness, fatigue and collapse. Any condition affecting normal hormonal/metabolic functioning and response that is likely to adversely affect safe and efficient job performance is generally disqualifying. Cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Conditions which may result in disqualification include but are not limited to, these examples: - Adrenal dysfunction (in the form of Addison’s Disease or Cushing's Syndrome)
- Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperglycemia will require additional tests including, but not limited to, a glycohemoglobin (or hemoglobin A1C), fasting glucose, and a 3-hour glucose tolerance test before a final medical determination. Thyroid disease (uncontrolled or associated with complications). Hypothyroidism adequately controlled by hormone replacement may be considered acceptable.
Gastrointestinal System
Any disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract capable of rendering the individual suddenly incapacitated or incapable of sustaining attention to required tasks, for example, chronic diarrhea, may be considered disqualifying. Conditions which may result in disqualification include but are not limited to, these examples: - Acute and chronic active hepatitis
- Acute viral hepatitis
- Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis/regional enteritis or irritable bowel syndrome
- Colostomies
- Ileitis either recurrent or chronic
Hematopioetic (Blood) System
Any hematopoietic disease or condition which, interferes with the expected performance is generally disqualifying. Conditions which may result in disqualification, include but are not limited to, these examples:- Anemia
- Clotting disorders (such as hemophilia)
- Sickle cell anemia
Conditions of Employment
You must be willing to:
Meet with a Border Patrol oral interview panel and successfully pass the oral examination; and, - Undergo an extensive background investigation.
- Accept appointments at any location on or near the Mexican border.
- Work rotating shifts, many at night.
- Work long and irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.
- Work alone.
- Learn the Spanish language.
- Adhere to grooming and dress standards.
- Carry, maintain, and use a firearm.
- Work under hazardous conditions such as inclement weather, rough terrain, heights, moving trains, high-speed chases, and armed encounters.
- Operate a variety of motor vehicles.
- Submit to a physical examination.
- Fly as a passenger/observer in various types of aircraft.
- Maintain composure and self-control under extremely stressful conditions.
- Bear initial travel and uniform costs (a $480 uniform allowance is provided after entrance on duty).
- Undergo intensive physical and academic training, which includes a 15-week study of study at the CBP Border Patrol Academy, and subsequent training throughout the year.
- Work on operational details away from home for extended periods of 35 days or more.
- Reasonable Accommodation: Reasonable accommodations will be made for applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodations will be made for any part of the hiring process, please notify the servicing personnel office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be rendered on a case-by-case basis.
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