Customs Officer Career Description

A customs officer is a federal agent who works under the Department of Homeland Security umbrella and specifically for the Border Patrol. Customs officers regulate the inflow of traffic in and out of the United States.

Customs officers are trained to perform routine searches of vehicles and people gaining entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. On occasion the work becomes anything but routine and large caches of illegal drugs and undocumented immigrants are found. The job quickly turns to law enforcement mode and legal cases are developed that can land violators in federal prison or lead to deportation. Officers patrol in a variety of ways including cruisers, four-wheelers, horseback, helicopter, and on foot. Some officers drive transport buses to pick up illegal or undocumented aliens anywhere in the country and then drop them off at the border.

Online colleges offering programs for Customs Officer

How to Become a Customs Officer

A customs officer can be stationed anywhere within the continental U.S., especially in border areas.

Fluent Spanish writing, reading and speaking is required. Applicants who have a command of the Spanish language as either a native tongue or proven competency are highly encouraged by the Border Patrol to apply for these positions. If an applicant does not speak Spanish he will be trained to do so and his continued employment depends on his ability to learn it.

It should be noted that an accredited Bachelor’s Degree from a state university or an Associates Degree from a community college or technical school is desirable. Online educational opportunities can meet the need and give the applicant a jump-start on the hiring process. Some online accredited colleges allow students to earn their degree at home while others require a brief stay on campus.

How Much Does a Customs Officer Make - Customs Officer Salaries

Customs officers generally begin from $32,000 to $56,000 annually, depending on their classification upon being hired.

Online Colleges Offering Criminal Justice Degrees

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Accreditation  

Bachelor's and Master's degrees: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges.

Accreditation  

Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

Rasmussen College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools (NCA).

AZ Campus Colleges Offering Customs Officer Programs

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

HI Campus Colleges Offering Customs Officer Programs

Programs Offered  
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

CO Campus Colleges Offering Customs Officer Programs

Accreditation  

Westwood College is currently nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Westwood received Higher Learning Commission (HLC) candidacy status in October 2007. HLC is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits colleges and universities. Westwood’s candidacy was granted after a comprehensive review.

Accreditation  

Westwood College is currently nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Westwood received Higher Learning Commission (HLC) candidacy status in October 2007. HLC is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits colleges and universities. Westwood’s candidacy was granted after a comprehensive review.

AK Campus Colleges Offering Customs Officer Programs

Accreditation  

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

AL Campus Colleges Offering Customs Officer Programs

Accreditation  

Remington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

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