FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What do I get for free?
Free study guides that explain the CBP Officer Entrance Exam, the requirements and age limit, the hiring process from the polygraph to the academy, pay and the job, all written from official CBP and USAJOBS sources. Our practice tests for Logical Reasoning and Writing Skills are coming soon. CBP also offers free lessons and practice tests on its own study guides page.
How many questions are on the CBP entrance exam?
CBP does not publish a question count for any part. The 2026 preparation guide gives pacing instead: about 1.5 minutes per question on the Writing Skills Test and about 3 minutes per question on the Logical Reasoning Test. Both tests are adaptive, and you cannot skip a question or go back.
How long is the CBP entrance exam good for?
CBP does not publish how long a passing result stays valid. Announcement CBPO 25-2 (November 2024) said a new exam went into effect on February 1, 2024, and that results from before that date are no longer valid.
Can I take the exam at home, or do I go to a test center?
Under the 2026 guide, you can take all three parts at home within the time window in your email. You can switch to a test center up to 24 hours before an appointment. At home, you must be alone in a quiet space, and a desktop, laptop or tablet is recommended.
What score do I need to pass?
Announcement CBPO 25-2 (November 2024) said applicants must pass with a score of at least 70. The current guide and the current announcement, CBPO DH 27-1, do not state a pass score, and CBP does not publish how the parts combine into one score.
How soon can I retake the exam?
The current guide and announcement do not say. Two closed announcements disagree: CBPO 25-2 said to wait three months from the date you failed, and CBPO VRA 25-6 said 90 days.
Is there math on the CBP Officer exam?
No. The 2022 guide had an Arithmetic Reasoning section, but the 2024 and 2026 guides have only the Experience Record, Writing Skills and Logical Reasoning. CBP's older study guides page still links an arithmetic lesson, but the 2026 guide governs.
What is the CBP Officer age limit?
The current announcement says candidates must be referred for selection before their 40th birthday. The rule does not apply if you are eligible for veterans' preference or have qualifying prior federal civilian law enforcement service, and you must submit proof with your application.
Who has to take the entrance exam?
The current announcement says applicants selected at GS-5 or GS-7 must complete and pass it, and it lists the exam among the steps after a tentative offer. It does not list the exam for GS-9 selections.
What is the Experience Record, and can I practice for it?
It is a questionnaire about your background experience, up to 60 minutes long. CBP says no preparation is needed and does not publish how it is scored. We explain it in our guides, and we do not offer practice for it.
How is this different from the Border Patrol Agent exam?
The Border Patrol Agent exam has two parts: an Experience Record of up to 40 minutes and a Logical Reasoning Test of up to 120 minutes. The CBP Officer exam adds a Writing Skills Test, and its Logical Reasoning Test is up to 83 minutes. No official source says one exam's result counts for the other.
What happens if I am not satisfied?
Every purchase comes with an unconditional 7-day money-back refund. No conditions, no forms.