If you’re interested in becoming a Border Patrol Agent,
it’s important that you’re prepared to attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico.
The Border Patrol Academy is one of the most demanding Federal law enforcement academies in the United States.
It’s here that new recruits learn the physical, technical, and mental skills they’ll need on the job.
And every recruit goes to the Academy…
…so let’s tell you what you can expect.
You’ll complete 117 days of instruction over the course of 24 weeks
and must pass everything from knowledge-based multiple-choice tests
to field-based scenarios and exercises in order to graduate.
Our Physical Techniques department teaches self-defensive tactics,
will train you on less-lethal equipment,
and will elevate your physical conditioning.
You must meet or exceed these minimum qualifications to pass your Physical Techniques exam.
You’ll also receive Firearms Training,
including work with handguns, shotguns, rifles,
and proper tactics and sound decision-making.
The Driver Training Department will teach you to search vehicles,
conduct patrols and pursuits, and more,
with a mix of classroom time and practical exercises.
Tactical Training will give you the skills to respond to a variety of tense or dangerous situations that field agents face,
including room clearing, active shooters, and riot control.
The Operations Program will teach you how to handle the technology you’ll use on the job
and give you an understanding of the role Border Patrol Agents play in our national security strategy.
And the Law Program will ensure you understand our nation’s immigration laws
and how to properly and legally exercise your authority as a law enforcement professional.
In addition, you’ll receive 182 hours of Spanish language instruction.
That covers what you’ll learn at the Academy.
Next, let’s cover what life will be like during your training.
About a month before your Academy start date, we’ll send you a Welcome Letter with detailed instructions.
Then, a few days before your Academy start date, you'll report to your sector headquaters for pre-Academy orientation.
From there, you’ll travel to the Academy on CBP-provided transportation.
The Academy is rigorous and intense,
and you can’t continue as a Border Patrol Agent without graduating.
That means you’ll need to be mentally and physically present in order to balance your training requirements and succeed.
Let your family and friends know that communication will be limited during training hours:
From 7:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Weekends will be your time to relax and prepare for the coming week.
You’ll be paid your normal salary during your time at the Academy,
and you can request up to 40 hours of leave after you graduate
to reconnect with friends & family,
or take some well-deserved R&R.
So, how can you prepare?
The biggest thing you can do is ensure you’re in good physical condition.
That’ll make the physical components of the Academy easier.
And make sure to prepare your family and personal affairs before you leave
so you can focus on training while you’re there.
Our most successful recruits are the ones that commit, dig deep, and prepare.
For more information about the Border Patrol Academy, visit our website at help.cbp.gov/bp-academy,
check out CBP’s USBP W.I.N. podcast on YouTube or anywhere you find podcasts,
or visit our Instagram at BPAcademyChief, our Facebook at US Border Patrol Academy, and our Twitter at BPAcademyChief.
If you haven’t already, join our Talent Network to learn more about positions at CBP,
or head to cbp.gov/careers/apply-now to start your application.
CBPApplicantContactCenter@CBP.DHS.gov (855) 500-3722