Now part of the new Department of Homeland Security, to become a US Customs agent, you must be a U.S. Citizen of 21 years of age or more, pass both physical and written tests as well as a background check and drug screening. You must also have a 4-year college degree. New customs agents attend fourteen weeks of training.

Types of customs agents

Customs agents investigate money laundering, fraud, narcotics smuggling, child pornography, and Arms Export Control Act laws. They perform physical and electronic surveillances, gain the confidence and make use of informers, and are involved in making sure that importers and exporters adhere to regulations. They also deal with manufacturers and banks. Some customs agents carry out search warrants and work in tandem on investigations other law enforcement agencies. A custom inspector may examine luggage, shipments, persons and clothing, and any transport equipment of any mode of shipment, air, ocean, truck, rail, mail, even hand carried goods, both on the import and export side. Anything that crosses the US border  in either direction is within their jurisdiction.

Educational requirements

A four year year college degree is required. Typically, a customs agent has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Exam preparation

There are many online and classroom courses offered to help you train for the exams.

Salary

Entry level border patrol agents start at GL-5 ($36,658), GL-7 ($41,729) and GL-9 ($46,524) grade levels with non-competitive promotion potential to GL-11 ($54,494). In addition, there is a potential of up to an additional 25 percent of salary per year in overtime. Agents in service three years can earn up to $70,000. Benefits include personal leave days for vacation, illness, and family care, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance and a uniform allowance. Retirement is possible at age 50 or older with 20 years of service or after 25 years regardless of age.

Work schedule

Customs agents typically work an 8 hour day, five days a week, with rotating shifts that also include weekend duty.

Getting started

A good and natural place to start is by getting a criminal justice degree. You should also have a valid driver’s license and be in good physical shape. Being a customs agent can be an extremely interesting and fulfilling life’s work. Contact the US Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection website for application instructions on how to apply. Bear in mind though that it can also be a high stress job, and you should weigh that in your decision to choose it as a career. Discuss this with your guidance counselor and try to talk to some real customs agents, perhaps your parents or friends parents know someone who works for US Customs and they can give you a friendly overview of what the life is like.