Is joining the Secret Service Hard?

Getting a job with the U.S. Secret Service is far from easy, as the selection process is extremely competitive. Candidates must have either a college degree or a combination of college and law enforcement work experience, with a background in criminal investigation.

How hard is it to get hired by the Secret Service?

Must pass an Applicant Physical Abilities Test. Must pass a written examination. Must qualify for Top Secret security clearance and undergo a complete background investigation including in-depth interviews, drug screening, credit check, medical exam and polygraph examination.

How competitive is the Secret Service?

Applicants should have either a four-year college degree or a combination of education and criminal investigative experience, be in good physical condition, and have a record that is clear of criminal behavior. Lots of people apply to become Secret Service agents, so the process is very competitive.

How long does it take to get hired by the Secret Service?

Typically, a full background investigation takes approximately six to nine months to complete. During this time, a wide range of information is verified. This includes employment history, police records, credit history, school transcripts, neighborhood references and military records.

How hard is it to get into the Secret Service uniformed division?

Must pass an Applicant Physical Abilities Test. Must complete interviews and pass a written test. Must qualify for Top Secret clearance and undergo a complete background investigation including driving record check, drug screening, credit check, medical exam and polygraph examination.

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Can Secret Service have tattoos?

The Secret Service prohibits special agents from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand, and fingers (any area below the wrist bone). A tattoo of a wedding band is permitted.

How many hours do Secret Service agents work?

While assigned to field offices, special agents are normally assigned to work a 40-hour (normal business) workweek (e.g., 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday. Due to the receipt of LEAP, special agents usually work an average of two additional hours per day.

How old are most Secret Service agents?

The most common age range of U.S. Secret Service employees is 20-30 years. 50% of U.S. Secret Service employees are between the ages of 20-30 years. The least common age range of U.S. Secret Service employees is less than 18 years. 2% of U.S. Secret Service employees are between the ages of less than 18 years.

Do Secret Service agents get paid a lot?

Average United States Secret Service Special Agent yearly pay in the United States is approximately $151,300, which is 70% above the national average.

How are Secret Service agents chosen?

Aspiring agents must undergo extensive testing and qualify for Top Secret clearance. They must also pass an in-depth background check to be considered for this position. Because of these factors, the hiring process can take anywhere from six to nine months but will vary from person to person.

Who is higher FBI or Secret Service?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) scored higher in 6 areas: Overall Rating, Culture & Values, Work-life balance, Senior Management, Recommend to a friend and Positive Business Outlook. US Secret Service scored higher in 4 areas: Diversity & Inclusion, Compensation & Benefits, Career Opportunities and CEO Approval.

Are Secret Service agents trained to fight?

The Counter Assault Team (CAT) provides direct, tactical support to Secret Service protective details, including those of the president and vice president of the United States. CAT personnel receive advanced training in weapons handling, tactics and decision making.

What disqualifies you from joining the Secret Service?

Because so many people want to become Secret Service agents and because of the sensitive nature of the work, any criminal activity on your record disqualifies you as an applicant. To apply for the Secret Service, you must be an American citizen between 21 and 37 years old, with uncorrected eyesight no worse than 20/60.

How long do secret agents train?

Unparalleled training.

Each recruit then receives 16 weeks of specialized instruction at our training facility near Washington, D.C. The 29 weeks of training cover subjects including: Access control.

How long can you be in the Secret Service?

How long do former presidents receive Secret Service protection after they leave office? In 1965, Congress authorized the Secret Service (Public Law 89-186) to protect a former president and his/her spouse during their lifetime, unless they decline protection.

Do Secret Service agents go undercover?

A majority of agents are involved in investigations. This also, for some, can entail undercover work.

Does Secret Service require a degree?

Degree Requirements – All California Secret Service agents are hired at the GL-7 federal level or above. The minimum requirements for this level include either a four-year bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or at least one year of specialized experience at the GL-5 level.

What are the benefits of working for Secret Service?

Competitive starting salary. Low-cost life insurance. Employee Assistance Program. Individual or family membership in low-cost federal health benefit plans.

Can secret agents get married?

Absolutely. CIA employees with any job title are able to marry anybody they wish. The CIA will likely run a series of checks on your spouse to make sure they're not a spy, though.

Can Secret Service agents talk?

Secret Service agents talk to current and former neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, classmates, as well as to the references an individual provided. Agents also contact law enforcement agencies in each of the places an individual has lived, worked, or attended school.

Are there female secret agents?

Women working as special agents, Uniformed Division officers, and Administrative, Professional and Technical (APT) personnel at the Secret Service fulfill our agency's public safety and security mission with integrity and strength. Secret Service prioritizes recruiting women candidates.

Why do Secret Service agents talk into their hands?

Why do the agents look as if they're talking into their sleeves? The Secret Service has its own unique communications system. To protect the President, all of the agents on duty must know where the President is at all times.

What do Secret Service agents do every day?

Secret Service agents provide physical protection for high-level members of the government. They also investigate financial crimes like fraud, counterfeiting and identity theft. An agents' work is demanding but ensures the safety of some of the world's most important people.

Do Secret Service agents get take home cars?

The Secret Service is a relatively larger organization and comparative to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) in size. A few things prospective applicants should note: All field level Special Agents are assigned a take-home vehicle.