How to Prepare for U.S. Border Patrol Entrance Exam - A Free Guide by Sgt. George Godoy

Sep 30, 2026

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A free guide by Sgt. George Godoy explaining what to expect and how to prepare for the U.S. Border Patrol entrance exam. It clarifies the relationship and differences between Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers, including how each role is tested. The guide walks readers through application steps, how to use official resources, what to focus on for the written exam, and practical success tips, while emphasizing the importance of deadlines and careful study of official information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

CBP Officer or Board Patrol Agent?

How the Customs and Border Protection Agency is Organized

The Difference Between Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers

How to Apply to the Border Patrol

Overview of the Written Exam

What Happens on Exam Day?

Success Tips for Taking the Exam

What is the Logical Reasoning Portion of the Exam?

What is the Best Prep Course Available?

What Happens After the Written Exam?

How to Prepare for U.S. Border Patrol Entrance Exam A Free Guide by Sgt. George Godoy "Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” –Theodore Roosevelt My Name is Sgt. George Godoy. Since retiring from the Denver Police Department in 2007, I have been providing high quality, on-line training courses for various law enforcement careers including Police, Sherriff, Highway Patrol, Border Patrol and Customs Officers. I've poured 22 years of police experience into educating thousands of great people who aspire to making a career in law enforcement. This free book describes what to expect and how to get prepared. Contents CBP Officer or Board Patrol Agent? Congratulations on choosing to pursue a career in law enforcement. The U.S. Border Patrol has been aggressively expanding and represents a great career opportunity. It is important to know what to expect when you take the Border Patrol written exam. This document provides answers to the most frequently asked questions that I receive and introduces you to some great resources. Here is what you will learn in this guide: 1. How the Customs and Border Protection Agency is Organized 2. The Difference Between Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers 3. How to Apply to the Border Patrol 4. Overview of the Written Exam 5. What Happens on Exam Day? 6. Success Tips for Taking the Exam 7. What is the Logical Reasoning Portion of the Exam? 8. What is the Best Prep Course Available? 9. What Happens After the Written Exam? Disclaimer: The author, Sgt. George Godoy, is an independent law enforcement tutor and coach, and is not affiliated with the Customs and Border Protection Agency in any way. The Right Job? Customs Officer is not the same as Border Patrol Agent. Understand the Organization In 2017 , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security upgraded its website with much improved material for all agencies. In this document, I will link to the official site as needed to avoid duplicating information unnecessarily. Many applicants have been surprised to learn that here are several types of positions in the Customs and Border Protection agency, of which Border Patrol Agents (BPA) is just one. The confusion arises due to the abbreviation “BP.” You think it means Border Patrol, but in “CBP,” it means “Border Protection. A diagram will aid in understanding the official web site. These differences are critical, because the entrance exams are different. 􀂊 Border Patrol Agents are tested on Logical Reasoning, but not Math or Writing skills. 􀂊 The CBP Officer exam includes Logical Reasoning , Math, and Writing ability. Notice above, that there are two distinct patches for these agencies. Want to be a Customs Officer? Read this page Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBPO), commonly referred to as Customs Officers) protect our Nation's borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and trade. Typical assignments include: • Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations; • Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel; • Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances; and • Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband. Border Patrol Agents (BPA) work hand in hand with CBP Officers. The duties of a Border Patrol Agent are field oriented and include: • Detecting, preventing, and apprehending undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the land borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions • Responding to electronic sensor alarms • Using infrared scopes during night operations • Interpreting and following tracks, marks and other physical evidence • Responding to aircraft sights and other anti-smuggling activities • Performing farm and ranch checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transporta

FAQs

What are the key differences between Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers for the entrance exams?

Border Patrol Agents are tested on Logical Reasoning, not Math or Writing. The CBP Officer exam includes Logical Reasoning, Math, and Writing.

How should applicants start the application process for Border Patrol positions?

Start with the official Border Patrol web site, review the relevant Frontline Careers and Border Patrol Agent pages, then click “Join Our Team” when ready to apply.

What should applicants do during the federal application process to avoid missing requirements?

Follow all instructions, pay attention to deadlines, use email, and check junk mail. When searching on USAJOBS, enter terms like “border patrol” or “CBP” and open the job title for detailed requirements.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by OmBimo