Application Process

1. How does the application process work?
2. What are the basic requirements to be hired as a USCP officer?
3. What are the physical requirements for a Police Officer?
4. Does the USCP accept lateral transfers from other police departments?
5. Can I transfer from my local or state agency to USCP?
6. Will previous arrests disqualify me from the process?
7. Can I apply if I was discharged from the military?

How does the application process work?

The application process is broken down into 5 phases. Each phase is made up of a series of steps that require constant feedback from the applicant. It’s important to understand that the pace of the application process is primarily determined by the applicant. The applicant’s prompt response to any correspondence from our team will ensure swift movement through the application process. Each phase is summarized below:

1. Visit USCP.gov/careers to apply. Select the police officer vacancy announcement – applicants will then be prompted to create an APEX profile and fill out a prescreening questionnaire.
2. Initial Assessment Phase – During this phase applicants will view an online orientation video, and complete the National Police Officer selection exam. This exam tests your knowledge of basic math, reading, and grammar (a study guide will be provided). It’s important to keep in mind that this entire phase is virtual.
3. Examination Phase – This phase will be the applicant’s only trip to Washington D.C. during the application process. Applicants will report to D.C. to complete their polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, physical fitness test, and medical exam. This phase will also require applicants to complete their FULL personal history statement (a document that requests information going back to the age of 18 OR the previous 10 years of your life).
4. Background Investigation – During this phase, the applicant’s file will be assigned to a background investigator who will thoroughly check the applicant’s background.
5. Approval – If all of the above steps are satisfactory, the applicant’s file will be sent up the chain of command for final approval and a recruit class start date.

What are the basic requirements to be hired as a USCP officer?

• You MUST be a U.S. citizen
• You MUST be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment, but not older than 39 years of age.
• You MUST possess a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• You MUST possess, provide, and have maintained a valid United States driver’s license and show evidence of at least (1) year of responsible driving.
• Males MUST be registered for the selective service.

What are the physical requirements for a Police Officer?

• Applicants must complete a Physical Requirements Test (PRT) as part of the hiring process. New recruit Officers will participate in physical training while attending FLETC and must pass a Physical Abilities Test (PRT) in order to graduate.

Does the USCP accept lateral transfers from other police departments?

• Yes, the lateral transfer program is available to United States Citizens who are current Law Enforcement at time of appointment and have successfully passed any of the following: FLETC Uniform Police Training Program (UPTP); FLETA accredited military, U.S. Border Patrol Academy or Field Operations Academy, or other equivalent police training program as determined by the USCP. This position requires a USCP full field background investigation. Please refer to the Lateral Police Officer vacancy announcement.

Can I transfer from my local or state agency to USCP?

No. The newly instated lateral hiring program is for current Federal law enforcement officers who have successfully graduated from the FLETC with a UPTP certification OR a FLETA accredited training academy. 

Will previous arrests disqualify me from the process?

• Any record of felony convictions or commissions will lead to automatic disqualification.

Can I apply if I was discharged from the military? 

• Priority military service or separation must be under Honorable Conditions.