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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Secret Service Agents.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Secret Service Agents.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 3%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
Becoming a Secret Service Agent is an aspiration for many who are drawn to a career in federal law enforcement. The process is competitive and rigorous, but if you're serious about joining the ranks, here's what you need to know to start your career path.
Before you begin, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what a Secret Service agent does. Agents are tasked with two main responsibilities:
The United States Secret Service has a set of minimum qualifications that all candidates must meet. These include:
To apply for a position as a Secret Service agent, follow these steps:
As part of the application process, you'll be required to pass the Treasury Enforcement Agent (TEA) exam or an equivalent exam which tests your:
Expect a thorough background check that includes:
You must pass a physical fitness test that evaluates:
Once you’ve passed all preliminary tests and evaluations, you will attend training at two facilities:
After completing initial training, you'll gain experience on the job. You may also have opportunities to specialize in areas such as:
Throughout your career, maintain the highest standards of personal conduct since your trustworthiness is essential in this role. This includes regular updates to your security clearance and possibly periodic polygraph tests.
As you gain experience, opportunities for advancement will arise. These can range from senior field positions to roles within the agency’s headquarters in Washington D.C.
By meeting these criteria and dedicating yourself to the rigorous application and training process, you can pursue a career as a United States Secret Service Agent. For more information on careers with the Secret Service, visit the official U.S. Secret Service website.
To become a Secret Service agent, you'll need to meet several requirements, including:
Career progression typically follows this path:
Initial training includes:
Important skills include:
Transfers are possible, and agents may move to other federal agencies like:
These moves depend on individual qualifications and agency needs.
Yes, applicants must be:
Work/life balance can be challenging due to:
Agents must be ready to adapt their personal lives to accommodate these demands.
Absolutely, agents can advance by:
Promotions are based on performance, qualifications, and agency needs.
The selection process is highly competitive, with multiple stages including:
Only the most qualified candidates are selected.
The work environment varies greatly and can include:
Agents must be adaptable to diverse work settings.
Yes, there are various specializations, such as:
Specialized training is provided for agents entering these areas.