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Border Force officer

Alternative titles for this job include

Border Force officers protect UK border entry points like ports and airports, by enforcing immigration and customs regulations.

Average salary (a year)

£21,431 Starter

to

£31,519 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a Border Force officer

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working your way up
  • applying directly
  • a graduate training scheme

College

You could do a college course which could help you to develop some of the skills and knowledge needed in this role.

Relevant courses include:

Level 3 Diploma in Public Services

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a public service operational delivery advanced apprenticeship with the Civil Service.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

More Information

Work

You could join the Civil Service as a Border Force assistant officer, then apply for an officer post when vacancies become available.

To do this, you'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

Direct Application

You could apply directly to become a Border Force officer. To enter at officer level, you may need at least 2 A levels at grade E or above, or equivalent qualifications.

Other Routes

You can apply through the Civil Service Fast Stream if you have a degree.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working as a Border Force officer from Border Force and Civil Service Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of English language
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 years of age
  • be a UK citizen
  • have lived in the UK for the last 5 years
  • pass enhanced background checks
  • pass security checks
  • pass a medical check
  • have a good level of fitness
  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • check travel documents and passports
  • question passengers about their reasons for visiting the UK
  • search people, luggage and vehicles
  • write case notes
  • work with the police and immigration officials on operations
  • attend court as a witness

Working environment

You could work at a border post.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You'll get continuous training during your first 6 to 12 months. Once you've passed your probationary period, you'll have the full responsibilities of a Border Force officer.

You'll get regular training updates throughout your career to keep up to date and with experience you could become a senior Border Force officer.

You could become a team leader, or move into a management position. You could also use your skills to train and work with new staff.

You may also be able to apply for roles in other departments of the Home Office or Civil Service.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Office administrator apprenticeship

  • Wage: £10,158.72 Annually
  • Location: Hull

HCC - Members Support Service – clerical / administration apprentice

  • Wage: £10,158.72 Annually
  • Location: Alfred Gelder Street, Hull
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Public Services First Diploma

  • Provider: BEXHILL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Bexhill on Sea

Public Services BTEC Level 2

  • Provider: ST GEORGE'S ACADEMY
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Sleaford
Find courses near you

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