How hard is it to get into the Secret Service?

Getting into the Secret Service is highly competitive and rigorous, with reports indicating an acceptance rate of less than 1% for special agent applicants. The extensive process involves meeting strict initial requirements and successfully completing multiple stages of testing, interviews, and comprehensive background checks.

How hard is it to become part of the Secret Service?

Becoming a Secret Service Agent is very hard due to a highly competitive, rigorous process involving intense physical and mental tests, thorough background checks (polygraph, credit, interviews, drug tests) for top-secret clearance, and a demanding lifestyle requiring constant travel and dedication, filtering out most applicants who don't meet strict moral, financial, and physical standards. The multi-stage hiring takes months and screens for impeccable character, investigative skills, and physical endurance, with failure at any point leading to disqualification. 

What disqualifies you from joining the Secret Service?

Disqualifying factors include: Use or purchase of MDMA, cocaine, or other hard drugs while holding a security clearance, along with other factors like extent of use, age at use, and legality. Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless pardoned or expunged.

What is the acceptance rate for the Secret Service?

The U.S. Secret Service has a very low acceptance rate, often cited as less than 1% to around 1%, with some reports suggesting only 1 in 100 applicants make it through their rigorous vetting, making it one of the toughest law enforcement jobs, though exact figures fluctuate yearly with high application numbers. For example, in one period, over 22,000 applied, but only a small fraction were hired after intense background checks, physicals, exams, and interviews. 

What is Secret Service starting pay?

The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of $48,371.00 (GL-07, step 1), with promotion potential to $117,034.00 (GS-13, step 10). This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is an additional compensation of 25% of the basic rate of pay.

Want to Become an Secret Service Special Agent? Here’s How

Who gets paid more, FBI or Secret Service?

Both the Secret Service and FBI offer competitive, government-based salaries on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with FBI agents often starting at a slightly higher base pay (around $81k+) compared to the Secret Service's entry-level (around $48k-$55k), but both have significant earning potential, reaching over $110k-$130k+ as they advance and receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), bonuses, and locality adjustments, though exact figures vary by grade, step, and location. 

Can Secret Service have tattoos?

The Secret Service has a strict visible tattoo policy: no tattoos on the head, face, neck, or hands/fingers (below the wrist bone), with the sole exception of a single, ring-like band on one finger. Any markings in these prohibited areas must be medically removed at the applicant's expense before employment, ensuring no visible body art when in uniform or standard attire.
 

Does the Secret Service go to the bathroom with the president?

Yes, Secret Service agents stay with the President at all times, including in the bathroom, to ensure security, though they try to provide privacy in controlled areas like the White House residence; agents may enter the restroom or stand just outside the door to prevent any threats, with instances of agents even accompanying presidents like Jimmy Carter into the bathroom during a routine, making it clear they are always present.
 

Is the Secret Service test hard?

Each passage describes a set of facts and follows one to four questions that require candidates to draw conclusions based on the presented facts. Logical reasoning questions are one of the most challenging Secret Service test sections due to confusing language.

What degree do most Secret Service agents have?

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) which is based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership.

Are Secret Service agents always armed?

Protecting the US President – who are they and how do Secret Service agents operate? They do not leave the president's side. They are armed with deadly weapons which they do not hesitate to use. They go through a series of demanding tests and training to defend the head of state and even give their lives for him.

Is a career in Secret Service worth it?

What are the benefits of becoming a secret service agent? Secret Service agents earn a median annual salary around $86,000, with potential increases based on experience and specialized assignments. The career outlook is steady, with a projected 5% job growth through 2025 due to ongoing national security demands.

What GPA do you need for Secret Service?

A final transcript from an accredited school confirming degree conferral and SAA which is based on class standing, grade-point average (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0), or honor society membership is required prior to a final job offer.

What is the average age of Secret Service agents?

Interesting stat: average age of Secret Service employee is 41. Our agency has less than 8,000 employees, but more than 70 percent are law enforcement personnel, and more than 20 percent are military veterans!

How much social security will you get if you make $60,000 a year?

If you consistently earn around $60,000 annually over your career, you can expect a monthly Social Security benefit of roughly $2,100 to $2,300 at your full retirement age (FRA), but the exact amount varies by your birth year and claiming age; for instance, at FRA, it's around $2,311 based on 2025 bend points, while claiming at 62 yields less and claiming at 70 yields more, with an official estimate available on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. 

How long does Secret Service training last?

For agents, upon successful completion of Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at FLETC, this is followed by a 18-week Special Agent Training Course at the Secret Service's training academy outside of Washington, D.C. This course focuses on specific Secret Service policies and procedures associated with the ...

Why do Secret Service wear sunglasses?

Secret Service agents wear sunglasses primarily to shield their eyes from the sun, allowing them to see crowds and potential threats more clearly without glare, and also to conceal where they are looking, adding to their mystique and preventing would-be attackers from reading their intentions. While sunglasses help with sun glare and offer eye protection, they're used situationally and aren't worn constantly, but serve practical observation and psychological functions. 

What was Hillary Clinton's code name?

From left to right: President Bill Clinton, codename "Eagle"; Chelsea Clinton, codename "Energy"; Senator Hillary Clinton, codename "Evergreen"; Vice President Al Gore, codename "Sundance".

Do secret services stay with ex-presidents?

How long do former presidents receive Secret Service protection after they leave office? In 1965, Congress authorized the Secret Service (Public Law 89-186) to protect a former president and his/her spouse during their lifetime, unless they decline protection.

What does cat mean in Secret Service?

The Counter Assault Team (CAT) is a specialized unit within the U.S. Secret Service that provides full-time, global tactical support to the Presidential Protective Division. On order, CAT will also provide tactical support to designated protectees, protected venues, and National Special Security Events.

Does Secret Service wear bulletproof?

What kinds of things do agents take with them when they're on an assignment outside the office? For protective and investigative assignments agents use their standard issue weapon, handcuffs and radio to maintain contact with one another. They also are issued bullet-resistant vests.

What is the most elite Secret Service unit?

Officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, Delta Force is America's most elite counter-terrorism and hostage rescue unit. Their missions are top secret—and always successful.