This program covers a number of essential topics for being an agent, including investigative techniques, firearm training, arrest laws and police procedures. Once hired as a secret service agent, you will be sent to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center based in Glynco, Georgia to complete a 10-week Criminal Investigator Training Program. Related: Q&A: What's Included in an Employment Background Check? 3. If you are approved for all of these requirements, you may qualify for a Top Secret clearance, which is required to be an agent. You will also be required to pass a written exam as well as an Applicant Physical Abilities Test. These include background checks, drug tests, polygraph and medical examinations and interviews. Must be in excellent physical and mental healthĪdditionally, to be considered for a position as a secret service agent, you must also undergo several tests and inquiries into your personal life. Must meet vision requirements (uncorrected vision equal to or better than 20/100 binocular or corrected 20/20 vision)
Must possess a current and valid driver's license The following are the basic requirements for individuals wishing to work for the Secret Service: Once you have obtained a bachelor's degree or have accrued the required law enforcement experience, the next step is to apply for a job with the U.S. Apply for an open secret service agent position Related: 15 Jobs You Can Get With a Criminal Justice Degree 2. If you don't hold a bachelor's degree, you may be considered for a position as an agent with a minimum of three years of experience in law enforcement. Secret service agent positions typically require candidates to have earned a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0 as well as be a member of an honor's society. Many of these programs include courses that prepare aspiring agents for different aspects of the job.
bachelor's programs that are common among agents include criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security or a related field. Most secret service agents hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree. The following are steps you can take to become qualified for a position as a secret service agent:Īpply for an open secret service agent position. Higher education and training are required. Secret Service can be challenging and positions are often highly competitive.
An agent's location and duties will also influence their salary. The highest pay grade a secret service agent can achieve is GL-13, with this level offering the highest salary. Secret service agents are typically hired on either a GL-7 or GL-9 pay grade. However, an agent's experience and pay grade will ultimately determine their salary. The average salary as a secret service special agent is $138,895 per year. Related: A Guide to Civil Service Jobs Average salary of a secret service agent An agent's job can vary greatly and may require frequent travel with little prior notice.
Most secret service agents work on an investigative level unless assigned to a protective division task. The uniformed or protective division of the Secret Service is in charge of providing protective services. The investigative division is responsible for investigating all types of fraud, counterfeit, computer hacking and identity theft. Secret Service: the investigative division and the uniformed division. There are two different divisions within the U.S. Write and deliver reports related to investigations or protection services Investigate computer hacking attempts that take place on national telecommunication devices as well as banking infrastructure Investigate crimes that include identity theft, counterfeit and financial fraud Protect buildings or act as security at events that require a national level of protection Provide security for government figures such as the President, Vice President and former presidents as well as their families
The most common responsibilities of a secret service agent may include investigating and preventing financial crimes, analyzing and averting computer-based threats and providing protection for high-profile government officials. Secret service agents are members of the secret service federal law enforcement agency and perform a number of duties. In this article, we will explore what exactly a secret service agent does as well as what is required to be eligible for this profession. From preventing fraud and counterfeit to protecting prominent figures, these professionals are given a high level of responsibility and must undergo extensive education and training to be able to fulfill their duties. Secret service agents play a prestigious and important role within the law enforcement community.