How to Become A customs Officer in South Africa

A customs officer is a law enforcement agent who enforces customs laws, on behalf of a government.

What are the exams for customs officer?

To become a customs officer you have to clear the civil service exam which is conducted by UPSC. Any Indian above the age of 21 years and a graduation degree can appear in the exam. Apart from that, the aspirant must have scored above 55% in his/her graduation.

Which degree is best for customs officer?

A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement. A customs officer working for the Government of India must be above the age of 19 and have a bachelor’s degree. The candidate must have a grade point average of at least 55 percent in order to apply.

Requirements for Customs Officer

Degree LevelBachelor’s degree.
ExperienceNo experience required for entry level positions.
TrainingAn 18 week law enforcement training course required after hiring.
Key SkillsGood judgment, leadership skills, perceptiveness, language skills very helpful, ability to handle firearms, physical strength and stamina; customs officers are required to pass fitness tests.
SalaryR 918226.50(average

What do I need to do to become a customs officer?

You would normally join as an administrative assistant or assistant officer and earn promotion to customs officer or detection officer. Recruitment directly to officer grade sometimes takes place.

To join at officer grade you will probably need five GCSEs (A-C) including English and maths, plus two A levels or equivalent qualifications. You will normally need two GCSEs (A-C) to join HMRC as an administrative assistant, and five GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English for assistant officer jobs.

If you do not have these qualifications, you could take a test to prove your skills and abilities in areas like teamwork and communication. Please check entry requirements for each vacancy.

You must also meet the civil service nationality requirement. All jobs are open to British nationals and many are also open to Commonwealth citizens or European Union nationals.

Qualifications Needed to be a Customs Officer

To become a Customs Officer, an individual must be aged 21 or over and a citizen of the United States. He or she must pass a physical exam and written skill assessment exams followed by a drug screen and authorized background check. These are the essential qualifications in addition to the following steps:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Typically, a student considering a career as a customs officer completes a degree program as the first step. No specific degree field is required, but students may favor programs in criminal justice.

These programs, which take four years to complete, offer courses relevant to a career as a customs officer. With a bachelor’s degree, aspiring customs officers can apply for entry-level positions without first gaining experience.

Success Tips:

Study a foreign language. Customs officers often interact with people from all over the world. Proficiency in a foreign language helps with that interaction and makes the customs officer more valuable. Take the opportunity to study a foreign language while completing an undergraduate degree. This ability is a great asset for potential customs officers.

Enter an internship program. Some schools offer the opportunity to complete fieldwork in an internship program. Students may work in real-world settings and gain experience with state police, private detectives, and federal agencies.

Step 2: Apply for a Position and Meet Pre-Employment Requirements

Those graduates interested in customs careers should log onto the S.A Customs and Border Protection website of the S.A Department of Homeland Security (www.cbp.gov). There, you can search for customs-related jobs. To be considered for a position, you need to prove eligibility, choose a location, and apply. Pre-employment requirements include:

formal interview

background check

medical examination

fitness test

drug test

Step 3: Complete Required Training

Custom officers are required to fulfill an 89-day training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia. They receive compensation and benefits while completing this program.

The custom officer course focuses on a variety of relevant areas, such as firearm handling, anti-terrorism, and detection of contraband. Trainees also receive instruction on effective communication, training in interviewing, and cross-cultural communication.

Additional time may be added to the training period for language skills required for assignments in Spanish-speaking locations.

Step 4: Advance Your Career With Further Education

New customs officers usually enter the federal employment system at the GS-5 level. Advancement will depend on satisfactory job performance and experience, but your prospects will be enhanced by further education. Consider getting a master’s degree in criminal justice or law enforcement. Additional language skills are also highly valued.

What is the role of a customs officer in South Africa?

Customs Officers administer and enforce customs and related legislation, and assist with customs control of overseas passengers, crew, aircraft, ships, cargo, mail and bond stores. Also known as: Customs Inspector.

Are custom officers police?

In the South Africa , a customs officer is a federal law enforcement officer working to enforce customs laws as well as over 400 laws for other federal agencies. Customs officers need no probable cause to search, detain, or seize anything or any person.

What do you need to become a customs officer in South Africa ?

To become a customs officer you have to clear the civil service exam which is conducted by UPSC. Any Indian above the age of 21 years and a graduation degree can appear in the exam. Apart from that, the aspirant must have scored above 55% in his/her graduation.

Is customs officer a good job in South Africa ?

A career in the customs department of the Government of India provides immense job security and other perks related to government services such as housing and concessions. It also gives individuals an opportunity to serve their country.

How can I take customs officer exam in South Africa ?

Eligibility Criteria: Customs Officer Qualification

A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement. A customs officer working for the Government of India must be above the age of 19 and have a bachelor’s degree. The candidate must have a grade point average of at least 55 percent in order to apply.

Which degree is best for customs officer in South Africa ?

No specific degree field is required, but students may favor programs in criminal justice. These programs, which take four years to complete, offer courses relevant to a career as a customs officer. With a bachelor’s degree, aspiring customs officers can apply for entry-level positions without first gaining experience.

How long is custom training in South Africa ?

The money is not for training, but to just recruit them.” But the Public Relations Officer, NCS, Joseph Attah, explained that the funds covered the recruitment and training, which will last six months.