As the managing director of anEDGE, a company specializing in coaching and mentoring applicants to be successfully hired into all Canadian law enforcement departments, Most of our work involves the RCMP recruitment process. Still, I am often asked questions about the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) recruitment process.
Specifically, I am asked, “How do I make myself competitive?” I am also asked about the prerequisites for applying to the Canadian Border Services, such as how long the application takes and how difficult the CBSA Interview is.
How to be competitive in the Canadian Border Services Agency application process.
Firstly, let’s look at how you can make yourself competitive. We look at a 7-Pillar assessment of all applicants we coach through any Municipal Police RCMP recruiting process, including our CBSA applicants.
Our 7 Pillar Assessment looks at :
Work Experience: They are looking for employees who are top performers in their present work roles and whose work history is stable, dependable, and discipline-free.
Volunteer experience: Demonstrated commitment to the community through preferred volunteer experience. Police Reserves/Auxiliary, Victim Assistance, Crime Watch, Block Watch, Community Police Office Volunteer, or any service club participation would be an asset.
Education. You don’t specifically need a degree, but remember that you want to be above the rest. Preferred areas of study include Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Business, Recreation, Service/Hospitality and First Aid.
Fitness: How fit and active are you? Can you pass any fitness tests that come your way?
Life skills: Do you possess the necessary life skills to be a CBSA, police officer, or RCMP officer, including Strong Communication skills, Critical thinking, Interpersonal skills, problem-solving, Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Resolution, Fitness/Self-Defense, Decision-Making, Sensitivity, Adaptability and flexibility, Attention to detail, Leadership, Teamwork, cultural competence, empathy and compassion, Awareness, and second language.
Job suitability: Possess the characteristics to be a CBSA police officer or RCMP officer, which include Integrity, honesty, professionalism, courage, resilience, adaptability, judgement and decision-making, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving skills and cultural competence.
Integrity and ethical accountability are fundamental principles in law enforcement that emphasize honesty, trustworthiness, and adherence to ethical standards.
Next, let’s look at the prerequisites before we look at the Canadian border services application process.
Prerequisites to Apply to the Canadian Border Services Agency.
- You will need a high School Diploma. Or a satisfactory score on the Public Service Commission test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma.
Note: The CBSA does not accept any combination of education, training, or experience as a substitute.
- Driver’s License
- Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Willingness to Work Anywhere in Canada
Next is a quick snapshot of what the CBSA application process looks like:
Canadian Border Services Agency Application Process:
- Apply Online
- Officer Trainee Entrance Exam
- Interview
- Psychological Assessment
- Firearms Safety Courses
- Medical Exam
- Second Language Evaluation (for bilingual positions only)
- Physical Fitness Evaluation
- Security Clearance
- The application process can take up to 18 months due to extensive testing.
Step 3: Self-Paced, Online Training Modules (Weekly Allowance)
Officer Induction Training Program: 4 weeks to complete
Step 4: In-residence training at the Canada Border Agency Services College in Rigaud, Quebec (Weekly Allowance)
Officer Induction Training Program: 14 weeks
Step 5: Paid On-the-Job Training
Officer Induction Development Program: 12 to 18 months
Entrance Exam
During the initial selection process, you must pass a test assessing four key competencies:
- Reasoning Skills
- Writing Skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Client Orientation
Note: Exam results are valid indefinitely. If you fail, you must wait a year before retaking the exam. Learn more about the entrance exam and review sample questions.
Interview
After passing the exam, you will be invited to an interview assessing the following competencies:
- Dealing with Difficult Situations
- Decisiveness
- Effective Interactive Communication
- Judgment
- Personal Integrity
- Values and Ethics
Tip: Ensure all prerequisite documents are ready to avoid delays in your candidacy.
Psychological Assessment
This assessment evaluates your ability to handle stress and determines your suitability for the duty firearms course, a condition of employment. It includes two exams, and a face-to-face interview administered by clinical psychologists in designated offices across Canada.
The results that you receive will be valid for two years.
Firearms Safety Courses
Before beginning training at the Canada Border Services College, you must complete and pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) tests. You do not need a possession and acquisition license. Proof of successful completion of both courses is required for the selection process.
Physical Abilities Evaluation
The Physical Abilities Readiness Evaluation (PARE) tests your ability to endure physically demanding “use of force” training. You must complete the evaluation in 4 minutes and 45 seconds or less. It consists of an obstacle course, push-pull, and weight-carry stations. The first two stations are timed, and the third is pass-fail. Valid PARE results must be submitted directly by the testing center to the CBSA.
Medical Exam
A designated physician completes an Occupational Health Assessment Report, evaluating your physical capability to perform the duties of a border services officer. You must meet specific vision and hearing standards:
Vision: A corrected vision of 6/9 in the better eye and 6/15 in the other eye.
Hearing: No more than a 25-decibel loss (in the better ear) at frequencies between 500 and 3,000 hertz.
Note: The doctor’s decision will determine your ability to undergo “use of force” training and perform the physical duties of a border services officer. Results are valid for two years, subject to certain conditions.
Second Language Evaluation (Required for Bilingual Positions Only)
Bilingual positions require proficiency in both official languages (French and English). You must demonstrate intermediate-level ability (BBB) in speaking, reading, and writing in your second language.
The Public Service Commission provides resources to help prepare for the second language evaluation. If you’ve already completed the testing, instructions will be provided on how to submit your results.
Security Clearance
Due to the sensitive nature of the work and the CBSA’s enforcement role, candidates must obtain Enhanced Reliability Status Plus Secret Clearance as part of the selection process and maintain their clearance throughout employment.
To obtain a security clearance, candidates must consent to a telephone integrity interview, a credit check, and the verification of law enforcement and security database.
Candidates must also submit:
- Digital fingerprints (at your expense)
- A form with details about your:
- Employment history
- Qualifications
- References
- Travel outside of Canada
How long does the CBSA hiring process take?
How long does it take to become a Border Services Agent? Once your application is pulled from their inventory, the selection process can take a year to 18 months.
How hard is the CBSA interview?
To be hired as a CBSA officer, you must complete a situational and role-play interview. These interviews are intimidating at best but can also be hard to prepare for.
Our team of experts can assist you here. Contact us if you need Canadian Border Services interview coaching.
These types of interviews test prospective border service officers because of the seriousness of the position.
All that’s left is to wish you well in the Canadian Border Services Agency application process. Our team at anEDGE are always available to support you, but don’t give up on your dreams.