1 00:00:04,537 --> 00:00:06,006 The Entrance Exam. 2 00:00:06,006 --> 00:00:10,777 Your first step on the road to becoming a Border Patrol Agent or CBP Officer. 3 00:00:11,277 --> 00:00:15,382 We use the Entrance Exam to assess you on skills that our employees use every day. 4 00:00:15,982 --> 00:00:17,050 The good news is, 5 00:00:17,050 --> 00:00:20,820 you don’t need to know how to do the job you’ve applied for to succeed on the exam… 6 00:00:21,388 --> 00:00:24,557 and we have a lot of resources to help you prepare. 7 00:00:25,025 --> 00:00:26,259 Here’s how it all works. 8 00:00:26,693 --> 00:00:29,662 The Entrance Exam is broken down into two parts: 9 00:00:29,996 --> 00:00:33,500 Shortly after submitting your application on USAJobs, 10 00:00:33,500 --> 00:00:37,303 you’ll receive an email inviting you to complete the Candidate Experience Record. 11 00:00:37,504 --> 00:00:40,907 a short questionnaire about your personal and professional background. 12 00:00:41,041 --> 00:00:45,512 You can complete the candidate experience record on your phone, a tablet, or a computer. 13 00:00:45,979 --> 00:00:49,115 After that, you’ll receive an email with instructions on the next step: 14 00:00:49,582 --> 00:00:50,784 the reasoning exams. 15 00:00:51,051 --> 00:00:54,454 You may have the option to take one or more of these exams at home. 16 00:00:54,554 --> 00:00:58,825 If you do, we recommend using a computer or tablet, versus your mobile phone. 17 00:00:59,259 --> 00:01:04,164 Otherwise, you’ll receive instructions on how to schedule an appointment at a local testing center. 18 00:01:04,431 --> 00:01:06,433 If you take the exams at a testing center, 19 00:01:06,433 --> 00:01:09,803 be sure to arrive and check in at least 15 minutes early. 20 00:01:10,170 --> 00:01:14,207 If you’re late, you may have to start your application to CBP over again. 21 00:01:14,674 --> 00:01:15,742 When you arrive, 22 00:01:15,742 --> 00:01:19,879 test administrators will take you to a computer that you’ll use to take the exam 23 00:01:20,146 --> 00:01:27,153 You’ll have to store your cell phone, bag, wallet, and other personal items in a storage area outside the room or in your car. 24 00:01:27,454 --> 00:01:29,656 but you CAN bring in a water bottle, 25 00:01:29,656 --> 00:01:32,826 and the test administrators will provide scratch paper and pens. 26 00:01:33,293 --> 00:01:35,929 All applicants will take a logical reasoning exam 27 00:01:35,929 --> 00:01:42,569 that assesses your ability to make sound decisions and draw logical conclusions based on the information provided in the exam. 28 00:01:42,902 --> 00:01:48,274 If you’re applying for a Border Patrol Agent position, logical reasoning will be your only exam– 29 00:01:48,274 --> 00:01:51,277 but keep listening for some tips that will help you prepare. 30 00:01:51,544 --> 00:01:54,347 If you’re applying for a CBP Officer position, 31 00:01:54,347 --> 00:01:57,784 you’ll also have exams on arithmetic reasoning and writing skills. 32 00:01:57,784 --> 00:02:04,924 The arithmetic reasoning exam assesses your ability to perform basic math and identify strategies to solve numbers-based problems. 33 00:02:05,091 --> 00:02:09,262 If you’re in person, test administrators will provide you with a calculator. 34 00:02:09,562 --> 00:02:15,635 The writing exam uses a multiple-choice format to assess your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing. 35 00:02:16,002 --> 00:02:18,004 So, how can you prepare? 36 00:02:18,371 --> 00:02:21,674 First, there are study guides and practice tests on our website. 37 00:02:21,674 --> 00:02:25,545 at CBP.gov/Study-Guides 38 00:02:25,678 --> 00:02:31,317 Be sure to read the study guides thoroughly and set aside time to take the practice tests before test day. 39 00:02:31,651 --> 00:02:34,487 Beyond that, here are a few important tips: 40 00:02:34,787 --> 00:02:40,693 If you’re applying for a Border Patrol Agent position, your Logical Reasoning exam will take about two hours. 41 00:02:41,094 --> 00:02:46,699 If you’re applying for a CBP Officer position, your three exams will take about four hours total. 42 00:02:46,966 --> 00:02:52,605 Once you start, you have limited time to complete the exams – so focus on time management when you practice 43 00:02:52,605 --> 00:03:00,513 and, if you take one or more exam at home, ensure you have a quiet space where you can focus and complete each exam in a single sitting. 44 00:03:00,747 --> 00:03:04,551 Either way, keep in mind that these exams aren’t like a pen-and-paper test. 45 00:03:04,817 --> 00:03:08,154 You won’t be able to go back and revisit questions you’ve already answered. 46 00:03:08,655 --> 00:03:12,325 You also can’t move forward until you answer the question you’re currently on. 47 00:03:12,792 --> 00:03:17,063 That means sometimes you may have to make a best guess in order to keep going. 48 00:03:17,497 --> 00:03:19,365 And last but not least, 49 00:03:19,365 --> 00:03:21,334 take the exam seriously. 50 00:03:21,334 --> 00:03:27,440 They’re a measure of how well you’ll do on the job, and your score will determine whether your application moves forward. 51 00:03:27,774 --> 00:03:30,743 Preparation and success are up to you. 52 00:03:32,412 --> 00:03:35,315 After you finish, you can relax and go about your day. 53 00:03:35,548 --> 00:03:38,484 We’ll email you your results within about two weeks. 54 00:03:39,219 --> 00:03:43,256 Good next steps after watching this video would be to check out the study guides, 55 00:03:43,256 --> 00:03:45,758 set aside time to take the practice tests, 56 00:03:45,758 --> 00:03:53,199 and make sure you review and understand all the information in the confirmation and scheduling emails we’ll send as you move through the process. 57 00:03:53,533 --> 00:03:59,239 You can find the study guides and practice tests at cbp.gov/study-guides. 58 00:03:59,639 --> 00:04:00,773 If you haven’t already, 59 00:04:00,773 --> 00:04:04,510 join our Talent Network to learn more about positions at CBP, 60 00:04:04,711 --> 00:04:10,283 or head to cbp.gov/careers/apply-now to start your application. 61 00:04:10,283 --> 00:04:13,586 CBPApplicantContactCenter@cbp.dhs.gov (855) 500-3722