The US Secret Service protects important political figures and investigates fraud, forgery, and tax evasion. To become an agent, applicants must meet minimum requirements, have education and work experience, and pass the TEA test. The application process includes background checks, drug testing, and firearms proficiency.
The United States (US) Secret Service is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Most famously, the Secret Service is tasked with protecting the President of the United States, although this is only one of its responsibilities. In addition to serving as personal bodyguards for the President, Secret Service agents provide protection for other important political figures, including visiting leaders. Additionally, Secret Service agents deal with law enforcement belonging to the US Treasury Department. This includes, among others, the investigation of major cases of fraud, forgery and tax evasion.
It is no easy task to become a Secret Service agent. To be considered for the job, you must meet a list of minimum requirements. You must be a US citizen, between the ages of 21 and 37, hold a valid driver’s license, and have at least 20/60 uncorrected vision, correctable to perfect 20/20. In addition, male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service. You will also need to be in good health, as determined by a licensed government physician, and be able to pass a rigorous physical fitness exam to become an agent.
If you meet the minimum requirements, you’ll also need a lot of education and work experience to become a Secret Service agent. Depending on experience, you will become an agent at GL-7 or GL-9 levels. To work at the GL-7 level, a prospective special agent must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. In addition, you will need to have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for all courses taken, 3.5 or higher for related major courses only, or join a recognized national honor society.
Alternatively, you can demonstrate 18 credit hours at the graduate level or one year of professional experience at the GL-5 level in a field related to law enforcement. This can help you become a Secret Service agent at the GL-7 level. To work at the GL-9 level, you will need a master’s degree or one year of work experience at the GL-7 level in a field related to law enforcement.
To become a Secret Service agent, you will need to take the TEA (Treasury Enforcement Agent) test. The TEA test consists of logic problems, advanced math word problems, and fictional crime scene analysis. Specialized study guides exist for the sole purpose of TEA test preparation, as do guides designed for higher and higher level exams.
With all the minimum requirements, education requirements, and TEA tests out of the way, you can apply to become a Secret Service agent on the agency’s official website. The application process includes an extensive background check to ensure you are eligible for the higher level security clearance. This involves a series of interviews, polygraph screening, drug testing, and interviews with various personal references. You will also need to demonstrate proficiency with firearms to become a Secret Service agent. Even if you meet all the requirements, pass all the tests, and get maximum security, know that there is no guarantee that you will become a Secret Service agent, as it is a highly sought after job in a highly competitive field.
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