For those who aspire to be a Secret Service Agent, there are a few things that you must know before you start your application. First of all, you must have a GED or high school diploma. In addition to this, you will need to be able to pass an entrance exam and have at least three years of work experience. After you pass all of these requirements, you will still need to undergo several months of training in order for you to become a Secret Service agent.
Secret Service agents are responsible for protecting the President and his family as well as other high-ranking officials in Washington D.C.. They also help prevent any crimes against those people and make sure that their homes are safe from intruders. As part of their job description, they must keep track of any threats made against these individuals so they can be prepared if something were ever happen again.
How To Become Secret Service Agent
Secret service agents play a prestigious and important role within the law enforcement community. 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. 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.
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What does a secret service agent do?
Secret service agents are members of the secret service federal law enforcement agency and perform a number of duties. 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.
As a secret service agent, you may:
- Provide security for government figures such as the President, Vice President and former presidents as well as their families
- Protect buildings or act as security at events that require a national level of protection
- Investigate crimes that include identity theft, counterfeit and financial fraud
- Investigate computer hacking attempts that take place on national telecommunication devices as well as banking infrastructure
- Perform undercover work
- Write and deliver reports related to investigations or protection services
There are two different divisions within the U.S. Secret Service: the investigative division and the uniformed division. The investigative division is responsible for investigating all types of fraud, counterfeit, computer hacking and identity theft. The uniformed or protective division of the Secret Service is in charge of providing protective services. Most secret service agents work on an investigative level unless assigned to a protective division task. An agent’s job can vary greatly and may require frequent travel with little prior notice.
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Average salary of a secret service agent
The average salary as a secret service special agent is $138,895 per year. However, an agent’s experience and pay grade will ultimately determine their salary. Secret service agents are typically hired on either a GL-7 or GL-9 pay grade. The highest pay grade a secret service agent can achieve is GL-13, with this level offering the highest salary. An agent’s location and duties will also influence their salary.
How to become a secret service agent
Getting a job with the U.S. Secret Service can be challenging and positions are often highly competitive. Higher education and training are required. The following are steps you can take to become qualified for a position as a secret service agent:
- Get a degree.
- Apply for an open secret service agent position.
- Complete the required training.
1. Get a degree
Most secret service agents hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. bachelor’s programs that are common among agents include criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security or a related field. Many of these programs include courses that prepare aspiring agents for different aspects of the job. 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. 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.
Related: 15 Jobs You Can Get With a Criminal Justice Degree
2. Apply for an open secret service agent position
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. Secret Service. The following are the basic requirements for individuals wishing to work for the Secret Service:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 37
- Must possess a current and valid driver’s license
- Must meet vision requirements (uncorrected vision equal to or better than 20/100 binocular or corrected 20/20 vision)
- Must be in excellent physical and mental health
Additionally, to be considered for a position as a secret service agent, you must also undergo several tests and inquiries into your personal life. These include background checks, drug tests, polygraph and medical examinations and interviews. You will also be required to pass a written exam as well as an Applicant Physical Abilities Test. If you are approved for all of these requirements, you may qualify for a Top Secret clearance, which is required to be an agent.
Related: Q&A: What’s Included in an Employment Background Check?
3. Complete the required training
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. This program covers a number of essential topics for being an agent, including investigative techniques, firearm training, arrest laws and police procedures.
Once this is complete, you will move on to a 17-week Special Agent training course that will take place at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Washington, D.C. This course delves further into the responsibilities of an agent and includes training on topics such as combating fraud and providing physical protection.
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Frequently asked questions about becoming a secret service agent
The following are frequently asked questions related to working as a secret service agent:
How long does the hiring process take to become a secret service agent?
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.
What are the work conditions of a secret service agent?
Secret service agents work at various locations all over the world. As a secret service agent, you may be required to travel at a moment’s notice, be away from your family or home for up to 30 days at a time and work in undesirable locations. You must also be available 24/7 in case you are needed in a certain location. While this may sound challenging, this type of position can be rewarding and fun for those who can adjust to the working conditions.
What skills are needed to be a secret service agent?
Being a successful secret service agent requires a number of soft skills and hard skills. The most important skills an agent should have include:
- Investigative skills
- Keen observation skills
- Communication skills
- Research skills
- Physical endurance skills
- Decision-making skills
Secret service agents must also have a strong desire to learn and be committed to continuously advancing their training through courses and other training resources.
What careers are similar to secret service agents?
There are several professions that share many similarities with secret service agents. Careers you could also consider include being an FBI agent, criminal investigator, conservation officer or U.S. Marshal.
