The Hiring Process

Step 1 – Pre-Screening Registration Process: You register for the written test by completing an on-line registration. The registration pertains to your identifying information, qualifications, suitability, and willingness to accept our conditions of employment. Applicants must have the 4-digit marketing code that is provided by the Special Agent Recruiter to access the Special Agent Registration web site. To contact a Special Agent Recruiter, please visit our Contact Us Page.

Step 2 – Written Test. If you successfully complete Step 1 above, you will be required to take the ICE Special Agent Examination. If you took the Treasury Enforcement Agent examination, you MUST re-register to take this test in order to be considered for Special Agent positions. The only valid written examination for this position is the ICE Special Agent Examination that was initially implemented in the spring of 2005. In order to be considered for Special Agent positions, you must have a valid Notice of Results (NOR) from the ICE Special Agent Examination. Scheduling of the written test will be done during the on-line registration process. As soon as you have registered and been scheduled for the written examination, you will be able to print your test admission notice which will contain the date, location, and time for the written test. Upon successful registration for the written test, you will be given a user ID and password. If you need to reprint your test admission notice or reschedule your written test date, you must go to the USA Test Manager web site. The Special Agent Examination is given at various locations throughout the United States immediately following this Recruitment Cycle. If you are unable to reschedule your test date with OPM, you will need to re-register during the next Recruitment cycle.

Required Documents: You are required to bring the test admission notice and a government issued Photo ID with you to the written test.

A helpful study guide will be available on-line, once you have successfully completed your registration for the written test. We believe that proper test preparation is essential for the successful candidate and suggest that you take time to carefully read the study guide. The test will take approximately 4.5 hours and is rated on a pass/fail basis.

Those who have already passed the Special Agent Examination implemented in the spring of 2005 and possess a current Notice of Results may proceed to Step 3.

Note: You may only take the ICE Special Agent Examination once per year.

What to Expect Next:

Step 3 – Structured Interview Examination/Writing Sample Assessment.  If you successfully complete steps 1 and 2, you may receive a telephone call from an ICE staff member regarding the scheduling of the structured interview examination and/or a written confirmation notice will follow. The interview takes about one hour and will be conducted by ICE management officials.  All participants will be asked the same set of interview questions. This examination is rated on a pass/fail basis.

On the same day that you take the structured interview, you will also be administered the writing sample assessment.  During the writing sample assessment, you will be provided with a photograph.  You will be asked to prepare a narrative report describing the overall scene and details shown in the photograph. Your writing ability will be evaluated in relation to the following skill areas: organization; presentation of ideas; grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and vocabulary. Candidates must receive a “pass” in order to continue in the hiring process.

Step 4 – Personal Interview. A personal interview will be conducted by ICE management officials at the same time as your structured interview. The personal interview is an additional tool used to assess candidates' individual background and employment history.

Step 5 – Referral for Selection Consideration. Applicants are referred for selection on a certificate of eligibles at the grade levels for which they are tentatively qualified. Applicants who successfully complete both the structured and personal interviews are referred for selection consideration. If you are among that group, your professional and educational references may be checked prior to any selection decisions.

Step 6 – If you are Tentatively Selected. If selected, a conditional selection letter will then be issued with a final offer contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment requirements. The conditional selection letter will contain the documents necessary to complete the pre-employment process. You will be required to complete and return all documents within 15 days.

Verification of Education – Applicants who have been tentatively found qualified based on their education will be required to submit official college transcripts for all colleges that they have attended, if selected.

Step 7 – Pre-employment. If you are conditionally selected, you will be scheduled to undergo a drug test, medical examination and background investigation. Final selection and reporting date. If you successfully complete the pre-employment process (Step 7), your name will be placed in the pipeline for future vacancies. When vacancies occur and training slots become available, pipeline applicants will be given firm offers of employment. When this happens, you will be advised of your specific duty location and given a date to report for work. It could be 6-9 months, or longer, from selection to entrance on duty, depending upon an individual's pre-appointment clearances.