There are opportunities for individuals interested in working for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by learning how to become a Border Patrol Agent in New Mexico. There are a number of Border Patrol stations in New Mexico’s El Paso Sector, including:
- Alamagordo
- Albuquerque
- Carlsbad
- Deming
- Las Cruces
- Lordsburg
- Santa Teresa
- Truth or Consequences
1. Obtain vital education and experience.
Border Patrol Agent jobs in New Mexico are commensurate to education and experience, so many Border Patrol Agent candidates choose to gain valuable education, through a four-year college degree, and on-the-job experience before applying for a job with the CBP.
2. Ensure you meet all initial requirements for a Border Patrol Job in New Mexico.
Border Patrol Agents and other Border Patrol professionals through the CBP must meet specific requirements to be considered for employment. All individuals must:
- Be U.S. citizens and hold U.S. residency for at least 3 years
- Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license
- Be under the age of 40
- Criminal Background Check
- Pass a credit check, a drug test, and a polygraph test
- Pass a two-part physical fitness test
- Pass a thorough medical exam
3. Seek Job Openings for Border Patrol Agents in New Mexico.
Most individuals interested in Border Patrol Agent jobs in New Mexico view all available positions on the Resource Center at USAJOBS.gov. All job vacancies listed on the Resource Center have specific qualification language, thereby allowing you to easily determine if you have the qualifications necessary for the position. All listings include an HR Contact should you need additional information about the job vacancy.
If you are seeking more guidance regarding Border Patrol Agent jobs in New Mexico, you can contact a CBP Recruiter. You can contact the New Mexico Recruiter (El Paso Sector) at 1-866-525-8848 or [email protected].
The CBP also attends a number of recruiting, career and informational events in New Mexico throughout the year. These events provide individuals with valuable information and guidance regarding careers in the CBP. There are CBP career events in La Cruces, New Mexico, as well as other nearby venues. You can find specific dates and venue information through the CBP’s Outreach/Recruiting calendar.
4. Apply for Border Patrol Agent jobs through USAJOBS.gov.
All CBP job vacancies are found online, and the application process for Border Patrol jobs are also completed online. You can find specific instructions one the How to Apply section of each Border Patrol Agent vacancy listing. The application process also includes the submission of specific documents, so it is important to read this information carefully as to not delay your job application. Each job listing has a human resources contact should you need additional assistance on the job application process.
5. Successfully pass the entrance examination.
An important part of the application process for Border Patrol Jobs in New Mexico includes the entrance exam consisting of three parts:
- Spanish language (or a test determining a candidate’s willingness to learn)
- Logical reasoning
- Work experience assessments
All candidates are encouraged to study before taking the exam. Study guides/preparation manuals are available.
6. Complete all other CBP prerequisites.
If your application has been accepted, you can begin the next part of the application process, which includes passing a two-part fitness test, taking an oral exam, and completing a thorough medical exam.
Once you receive word from the CBP about your application acceptance (via email), you can begin logging into the Central Applicant Self-Service (CASS) to receive important information and directions regarding additional forms, medical exams, and fitness tests that you must complete in the pre-employment phase. The two-part physical fitness exams are quite strenuous, so it is best to read about up on the CBP’s fitness requirements as to best prepare for the tests.
7. Complete training at the CBP Border Patrol Academy.
You can expect to be contacted if you are accepted into the CBP Border Patrol Academy.
The CBP Border Patrol Academy, in Artesia, New Mexico, is a 58-day course of instruction where all Border Patrol Agents begin law enforcement preparation. Areas in which Border Patrol Agents are trained in the Academy include: firearms instruction, law, physical training, and driving. If you require training in Spanish, you must also complete a 40-day Task-Based Language and Training program.