Hands-on
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Explore a possible path
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
How does this connect to your interests? →A look at the work
- Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
- Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
- Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
- Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
- Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
- Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.
Interests involved in this work
These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.
3.4 / 7
Investigative
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Creative
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Helping people
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Enterprising
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Organizing
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Skills to explore
Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
2012-07
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
2012-07
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
2012-07
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
2012-07
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
2012-07
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
2012-07
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
2012-07
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
2012-07
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
2012-07
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
2012-07
Plan a small next step
Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.
Source preparation category: Job Zone 3 of 5 · 2012-07. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.
Related study fields
Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services →
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General →
Criminal Justice/Police Science →
Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing →
Law Enforcement Record-Keeping and Evidence Management →
Critical Incident Response/Special Police Operations →
Protective Services Operations →
Criminalistics and Criminal Science →
Explore all related study fields →Source & methodology
O*NET-SOC code 33-3051.04 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.
How interest exploration matching works →Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.