How to Join the UK Border Force in 2024

The complete guide for you to discover How to Join the UK Border Force as an officer.

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Border force officer career

How to Join the UK Border Force in 2024

The complete guide to unlocking and passing the Border Force Officer recruitment process.

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How To Join the Uk border force

The role of a Border Force Officer is a highly rewarding exciting and sought-after career. The tasks you could undertake will be extremely varied, from checking passengers arriving in the UK, from the various airports or sea ports to being part of complex operations to detect illegal items entering the UK.

However, as with many similar rewarding roles of this nature, the competition for border force jobs is competitive, so you will have to prepare comprehensively to have any chance of success. The Border Force will only accept the very best applicants and demand that you display the values and core skills which are required of all border force employees

how to join the uk border force

The Border Force Officer Selection Process

The selection process to join the UK Border Force as an officer will normally consist of the following elements:

How to join the UK Border Force - online registration

Stage 1 – Online Registration and application form

So, how do you join the UK Border Force?

Initially, you will have to register your interest and complete a basic online application form via the Home Office website.

It is worth noting at this early stage that the recruitment process to join the Border Force is thorough and lengthy. This is purposely designed in this way, to ensure that only the most committed and strongest applicants apply.

Stage 2 – The BORDER FORCE Officer Tests

Once you have completed your basic online application to become a border force officer you will then be invited to complete a Verbal Reasoning test. If you are successful with this test you will be then invited to complete the next assessment, the Situational Judgement Test. If you are successful with this test you will then be invited to complete your full application.

Please note: you have to pass both of these assessments in order for your application to be progressed to the next stage.

Border force officer full application

Stage 3 – FULL APPLICATION & CV/PERSONAL STATEMENT

Your full application will require you to submit a CV detailing your employment history, qualifications and any relevant experiences. Be sure to tailor your CV to the role of a border force officer as this will show the organisation, that you want to work for them, as opposed to just having a job.
You will also be required to submit a CV/Personal statement answering a question based around the Civil Service success profiles behaviours ‘Making Effective Decisions’.

In order to create a successful application you will need to communicate the following:

  • An understanding of the success profiles and values required to join the UK border force;
  • Your ability to meet the minimum eligibility criteria;
  • An understanding of rules and instructions;
  • Strong attention to detail.

Stage 4 – ONLINE INTERVIEW

The next stage of the recruitment process is the Border Force online interview. You will first face an online interview which you will be asked pre-recorded questions which you will need to answer. This will be done through an online portal. During the interview you will be assessed against two different types of interview questions; behavioural and strength-based questions.

Before we dive into the all-important interview questions, we should also not forget about interview etiquette and technique. This is also as vital to your success as much as responding correctly to the interview questions.

You will be assessed from the moment you enter the interview room. It is vital that you create a good first impression, you will only get one chance to do this, so be prepared!

Stage 5 – Final Interview

If you are successful during your online interview, you will be invited to attend a face to face interview with members of the recruitment team. This is likely to be held at the location you will be working at if you are successful.

This interview will take the same format as the online interview and you will be asked both behavioural and Strength based questions.

You will be assessed from the moment you enter the interview room. It is vital that you create a good first impression, you will only get one chance to do this, so be prepared!

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How to Become a Border Force Officer: Commonly Asked Questions

This will depend on your entrance route into the role.  There are a number of different routes to join the border force. As an apprentice you can apply with a minimum of 2 GCSE’s grades 9 to 4 (A* to C). This has to include English and maths. It is also possible to apply as an Assistant Officer, vacancies depending. You will need 5 or more GCSEs minimum, including English and maths. If you want to apply directly as a Border Force Officer, this will require you have a minimum of two A levels above grade E or equivalent qualifications. If you have a degree you can apply through the Civil Service Fast Stream, when applications open for the fast stream scheme.

The average starting salary for a Border Force Officer is £23,000.  With a number of years’ experience, the salary can rise to £31,000 plus. You could also receive further increments for promotion and any specialist roles.

The Border Force are part of the Home Office and are tasked with controlling operations at all entrances to the UK, at airports, seaports and railways, with international connections. The border force is responsible, for customs an immigration controls of goods and people entering the UK. The Border Force Officers are often involved with counter-terrorism and help to prevent threats entering the UK. Although not classed as police officers, they do have the power to detain or arrest an individual for a criminal offence committed at a port or if they believe the offence would result in an arrest by a police constable.

  • Commitment: The Border force will expect its offers to show complete commitment to the role at all times and work to demonstrate and enhance the values in all that they do.
  • Discipline: Show complete control at all times and act in a calm and composed manner even when placed in stressful and pressurised situations.
  • Respect: Show total respect to all individuals at all times. Actively promote diversity and equality.
  • Moral Courage: Have the courage to make difficult decisions and enforce them even when faced with difficult and challenging circumstances.

Border Force Officers are trained in the use of firearms and will carry these under some operational duties and if any potential threat is evident. However, in normal operational procedures it is not deemed appropriate to carry firearms.

 

 

TOPICS AND INFORMATION INCLUDED WITHIN THIS RESOURCE:

HOW TO PASS THE BORDER FORCE OFFICER SELECTION PROCESS

  • The top 10 insider tips and advice on how to become a Border Force Officer;
  • The areas you must learn to be successful;
  • The Border Force Officer selection process and what is involved;
  • How to pass the Border Force Officer interviews;
  • Behavioural interview questions and how to answer them;
  • Strength-based questions explained;
  • How to prepare effectively to pass the selection process.

PREPARING TO PASS THE BORDER FORCE OFFICER TESTS

  • Detailed information about the Verbal Reasoning Test;
  • Over 100 pages dedicated to the online tests;
  • The Situational Judgement test explained;
  • How to best plan and prepare to take the actual tests;
  • Detailed answers to all questions ;
  • Pass the border force tests first time with our practice questions.

FURTHER TIPS TO HELP YOU PASS THE SELECTION PROCESS

  • The all important ‘Civil Service Success Profiles’explained in detail;
  • How to understand each of the civil service strengths;
  • Top-scoring interview question responses;
  • Expert interview tips and essential advice;
  • Understand and identify which strengths each interview question is assessing you on.

PASS THE BORDER FORCE OFFICER RECRUITMENT PROCESS

How to Pass the RAF Officer OASC Recruitment Process Guide

We guarantee that our How to Become a Border Force Officer online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 260+ pages of Border Force recruitment information, tests, and videos which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, your CV and personal statement, the aptitude tests, and both the interviews.

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PASS THE BORDER FORCE OFFICER RECRUITMENT PROCESS

how to join the uk border force

We guarantee that our How To Become a Border Force Officer online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 260+ pages of Border Force recruitment information and tests, which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, your CV and personal statement, the aptitude tests, and both interviews.

Start Preparing Now 👉

the border force interviews

Sample Border Force Strength-Based Interview Question

The next stage of the recruitment process is the Border Force interview. During the interview you will be assessed against two different types of interview questions; behavioural and strength-based questions.

The strength-based questions are more about what people enjoy, and less focused on work related performance. Although there are no right or wrong answers you should be honest in your approach, and consider how you can link your responses to the role of a border force officer.

Q.Tell me about yourself and the skills and qualities you have that are a match for a Border Force Officer?

Answer:

I am someone who is disciplined and takes great pride in their work, and the professional standards that I always make sure I work to. I am hard-working, I have strong values, and I am confident, resilient and focused in difficult and challenging situations. When faced with problems, I always approach these in an analytical manner and am decisive when making decisions. Outside of work, I keep myself fit and active and I like to lead a relatively healthy lifestyle. As a Border Force Officer, I understand you need to be vigilant, resilient, remain calm in difficult situations and also be capable following strict rules and procedures. I believe the skills, the attributes and the experience I have gained in life so far would enable me to be a competent Border Force Officer. If I am given the opportunity to undertake this role, which has been an ambition of mine for some time now, I will be a great team worker, I will learn the role quickly, and I will always perform my duties to the highest standards and efficiently possible.

The behavioural questions will seek to ascertain evidence from your previous work experience or education where you have shown certain behavioural skills. These types of questions are perfect for the use of the S.T.A.R. method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

When responding to these questions ensure you have a sound knowledge of the person specification, and also the Civil Service strengths dictionary, especially the strengths mapped to the behaviours; Making effective decisions, Working together, Delivering at Pace and Communicating and Influencing.

About The Aptitude Tests For Border Force Officer Selection

The aptitude tests are perhaps the most difficult part of the selection process, and success in them will guarantee you have the opportunity to demonstrate your full potential. Here’s a brief description of the type of tests you will be required to pass to continue with your application.

(CLICK ON THE TABS BELOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION)

The first test in the aptitude tests is the verbal test also known as the Civil Service Verbal Test (CSVT)

Please read the passage provided and then answer the questions below.

People pay National Insurance contributions in order to build up their entitlement to a state pension and other social security benefits.

The amount that you pay is directly linked to the amount you earn. If you earn over a certain amount, your employer deducts Class 1 National Insurance contributions from your wages through the PAYE system.

You pay a lower rate of National Insurance contributions if you’re a member of your employer’s ‘contract- ed’ pension scheme, or you’re a married woman – or widow – who holds a valid ‘election certificate’.

Your employer also pays employer National Insurance contributions based on your earnings and on any benefits you get with your job, for example a company car. HMRC keeps track of your contributions through your National Insurance number. This is like an account number and is unique to you.

  • 1. People pay National Insurance contributions in order to build up housing benefits? – True, false or cannot say
  • 2. HMRC stands for ‘Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’? – True, false or cannot say

Answers

1) People pay National Insurance contributions in order to build up housing benefits?

Answer: Cannot say

Explanation: Although the statement makes reference to social security benefits, it does not confirm that these include housing benefits. The correct answer is cannot say based on the information provided.

2) HMRC stands for ‘Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’?

Answer: Cannot say

Explanation: The passage makes no reference to this fact; therefore, the correct answer is cannot say based on the information provided. Also, this is a perfect example of where we must discount information that we know to be true in reality, but is not referred to in the passage.

The second and final online test you will have to face is the judgement test (CSJT). This form of situational test is difficult and you will have to practice plenty to ensure you pass.

Read the provided scenario and then rank each of the responses below either counterproductive, ineffective, fairly effective or effective.

You arrive at your desk to find that all of your paperwork for a certain task is missing. You have no idea where it’s gone, but you know that a colleague has held a grudge against you ever since you started. What do you do?

  1. Confront the colleague and demand that they tell you where they’ve hidden your paperwork.
  2. Remain calm and keep searching for your paperwork around your desk.
  3. Speak to your superior and accuse this colleague of hiding your work.
  4. Politely ask colleagues, including the one holding a grudge, if they’ve seen the paperwork that you’ve misplaced. If this doesn’t work, speak to your superior.

Answers

Confront the colleague and demand that they tell you where they’ve hidden your paperwork.

Answer: Counterproductive

Explanation: This is an overreaction, and you have no evidence to support your theory that this colleague has stolen your work. You’d also likely be causing a disturbance in the office.

Remain calm and keep searching for your paperwork around your desk.

Answer: Fairly Efficient

Explanation: This is fairly efficient because you may have just misplaced your work. However, you might also be wasting precious time.

Speak to your superior and accuse this colleague of hiding your work.

Answer: Inefficient

Explanation: This is better than publicly confronting your colleague and disrupting others but is still inefficient because you have no evidence that they’ve stolen from you.

Politely ask colleagues, including the one holding a grudge, if they’ve seen the paperwork that you’ve misplaced. If this doesn’t work, speak to your superior.

Answer: Efficient

Explanation: This is the best solution as it’s possible that someone had to move your paperwork throughout the day. Also, one of your colleagues might have seen the colleague move your paperwork.

Pass the Border Force Selection Process. First Time.

Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: join the UK Border Force.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Pass the Border Force Officer Selection Process. First Time.

Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: To show you how to join the UK border force.

Customer Success Stories

Having shown 100s how to join the UK Border Force for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…

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WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?

Complete guidance to ensure you pass the ENTIRE Border Force Officer recruitment process

How to Complete an Application Form Icon

Insider advice on how to complete the online registration and application form/CV

Revealed – avoid the common pitfalls that most applicants make (many people fail the application stage – don’t be one of them!)

How you will be assessed Icon

Discover exactly how you are assessed throughout the entire selection process (hint: understanding this will allow you to know exactly how the assessors want you to act at every stage)

A complete breakdown of the Civil Service Success Profiles and how you MUST prepare if you wish to succeed

Sample online and face-to-face interview questions, plus guidance on how to answer both behavioural and strength-based questions

Written Test Questions and Answers Icon

Practice questions and answers for all of the different elements of the aptitude tests – take your test confident that you are fully prepared

The importance of ensuring you meet the minimum eligibility requirements and understanding the lifestyle when applying for border force jobs

Time-saving strategies and score-boosting methods verified by our panel of recruitment experts

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How to get fit and be able to pass the fitness test and medical test

How to become a border force officer

PLUS…BONUSES!

BONUS #1

150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide

FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ downloadable guide free of charge.  It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough Border Force interviews!

Interview Skilss | Sample Interview Questions and Answers Guide How2Become
  • All of the most common (and not so common) interview questions you are likely to face, broken down.
  • Full and detailed answers to every question – ensure you always have the perfect answer!
  • How to use the STAR method to come up with your own winning answers that match the experience, values, and skills the interview assessor is looking for.
  • Created by interview panel experts and packed full of insider advice.

Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is exclusively available as a limited-time bonus!

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A concise online guide to show you how to get “Border Force fit” and see results quickly to ensure you pass the border force fitness test – even without having a gym membership!

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  • Crafted with the fitness benchmark levels required for the Border Force in mind, this guide provides an insider insight to UKBF fitness regimes you can follow.
  • Your very own “Border Force fit” workout regime created by former member of the Armed Forces.
  • No-nonsense guide on how to perform at the fitness test.
  • Full technique diagrams, workout timetables and regime templates you can implement right away!

Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is available exclusively as a bonus with this resource.

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BONUS #3

PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online Border Force Officer Testing Platform!

As well as lifetime access to your online resources, this package also includes a 30-day free trial to our Border Force Officer online testing suite (usually £9.99 + vat per month).

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  • 100s of additional aptitude test questions on each element of the Border Force Officer aptitude test to help boost your scores!
  • Practice all of the aptitude test questions under timed conditions using our online testing suite.
  • Instant online access. Compatible on mobiles, tablets and computers.
  • Interactive tests, with complete score tracking and detailed answers.

Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the quick-win strategies to give you the advantage right away.

Worth £9.99, Yours FREE for 30-days*

*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.

Contents

260-page How to Become a Border Force Officer Online Resource (Lifetime access)

65-page How to Complete Job Application Forms Online Guide (Lifetime access)

60-page How to Write a CV Online Guide (Lifetime access)

Interview Tips, Questions and Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)

350-page Verbal Reasoning Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)

150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)

How to Get Border Force Officer Fit: Insider’s Online Guide (Lifetime access)

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Features

You don’t just get advice on what to do. We will show you exactly how to pass the Border Force officer recruitment process.

How to Become a Border Force Officer Online

Your Guide To Success.

Our insider’s resource in a compact, accessible, online format to hold your hand throughout the entire Border Force Officer selection process.

Created By Experts. Made For You.

With over 16 years’ of history behind us, we are the leaders in Border Force Officer recruitment advice. So whether you want to learn what must go on your application form, recognise what not to say at the interview, practice and pass the aptitude tests, or get coaching on what to put on your CV, you can access it all at your finger tips, today.

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✓ SILVER Access to the UK’s No.1 How to Become A Border Force Officer Career Resource and Bonuses
✓ 260-page How to Become a Border Force Officer Online Resource (Lifetime access)
65-page How to Complete Job Application Forms Online Guide (Lifetime access)
60-page How to Write a CV Online Guide (Lifetime access)
Interview Tips, Questions and Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
350-page Verbal Reasoning Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Get Border Force Fit Insider's Online Guide (Lifetime access)
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Border Force Officer Selection Process
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Simply put, this training works and is proven to help people like you successfully join the Border Force as an officer. With lifetime access to our Border Force Officer resources, you will not only benefit from our ‘How to Pass the UK Border Force and selection process online resource’ (which has sold 100s of copies) but you’ll also get access to a dynamic portal of content that we update frequently with all the very latest information, practice material, and strategies that are helping people across the UK join the border forces. With 1,000s of customers frequently thanking us for the career success we have helped them gain, and 16 years’ experience in providing recruitment and assessment centre training, you can rest assured knowing you are getting the best training material on the market.

This resource is designed to help anyone looking to join the Border Force as an officer and conquer the gruelling selection process.

It is ideal for those just staring out at the application stage, who want an “over-the-shoulder” guide to passing each stage of the process.

If you have already started the selection process, then you’ll be able to pick up this guide from the exact stage you are at and follow the step-by-step guidance to passing the aptitude tests, online and face to face interviews, fitness tests and more with confidence.

Whatever stage of the process you are at, you can be confident you’ll have all the strategies and tools you need to succeed.

Yes! With the How to become a Border Force Officer resource you will be able to access training that has been helping candidates apply for border force jobs for over a decade.

At How2Become.com we like to do things a little differently. Instead of just giving you access to guides which explain how the selection process works, and what you need to do to pass, we teach you HOW to do it also. For example, we don’t just provide you with sample interview questions, we provide winning sample responses and step-by-step guidance on how to create your own successful answers. Whether you are thinking about applying, or you are half way through the Border Force Officer selection process, this guide will ‘hold your hand’ step-by-step. Here is a full list of everything you will get within this resource.

You will get unlimited access to all of the content contained within this resource with no time restrictions! We understand that applying to join the Border Force can be a long and stressful experience. That is why we want to take that worry away – you will get access whenever you need, whether it’s just for a week, or for a year, you will have full access to the How to Become a Border Force Officer resource. You will also get access to all future updates we make to this guide, ensuring you are getting the latest guidance.

When we launched How2Become.com we wanted to ensure our content would help as many people as possible no matter where they are, and we are achieving just that! We sell our resources to every country in the world, with 1,000s of customers in the USA, UK, India, Australia and more! All of our content is either written or spoken in English, with the content designed to be as universal as possible unless otherwise stated. Our ‘How to Become a Border Force Officer online resource’ guide is designed specifically for the UK border forces selection process.

Whichever option you choose, you can be confident you are getting the latest and highest quality training to join the Border Force. All packages contain our guide: How to Become a Border Force Officer Online Resource, and the bonuses listed on this page.

The Gold package contains all of the content in the silver package, plus our fantastic How to Complete Application Forms guide, How to Create a CV guide, Interview Tips, Questions and Answers guide, and Verbal Reasoning Tests online workbook.

As soon as your order is complete you will be able to access all of the guides, training resources, and view the on-demand video via your How2Become account! You can use any smartphone, PC, Mac, or tablet with an internet connection to access your materials, so that you can learn any time you want to.

Yes, absolutely! We get 100s of testimonials and comments each month from those that have used our training thanking us for the help it has given them.

Having created recruitment guides for the last 16 years’, we know how often selection processes change. That is why we keep close ties to those ‘in the know’ and we regularly update our content. You will get the latest and best strategies to enable you to join the Border Force as an officer.

WHY BUY WITH HOW2BECOME?

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Firstly, these guides are created by us and our team of experts – we have all the answers to your questions and will help you succeed (like we’ve been doing for the last 16 years), we update our material frequently and you can contact us at any time with any questions you have.

Secondly, we provide exclusive bonuses with all our products that you won’t find anywhere else. These bonuses include free guides, powerful online testing suites and more!

Finally, our guides and training just work. Take a look at our TrustPilot page where you will see our rating of 4.9/5. There, our customers share their positive buying experiences and more importantly the time-saving success our resources have given them (hint: they are now Border Force Officers).

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