By Dr. Jarrod Sadulski | 08/24/2026
Becoming a Secret Service Agent is a noble profession. However, it takes a substantial amount of planning and preparation.
What Do Secret Service Agents Do?
Secret Service agents are federal law enforcement officers employed by the United States Secret Service, which falls under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Secret Service agents have an important role in national security.
As federal law enforcement officers, Secret Service agents can:
- Make arrests
- Conduct complex criminal investigations
- Carry out search warrants
- Enforce federal law
- Work alongside other law enforcement agencies
- Carry firearms for use when needed
What sets Secret Service agents apart from other federal law enforcement officers is their unique training. They have the responsibility to protect the U.S. President, the Vice President, and their families.
In addition, Secret Service agents also accept other assignments such as protecting other national leaders. For instance, they may provide executive protection to foreign heads of state or visiting foreign dignitaries eligible to receive Secret Service protection.
Secret Service agents usually provide protection during National Special Security Events, which are complex, high-risk, and planned events. For instance, the U.S. President and other foreign leaders may attend summits, and substantial security measures are needed to ensure their protection.
In addition to providing dignitary protection, the Secret Service is the primary federal law enforcement agency that investigates counterfeit money. Special agents in the Secret Service investigate a wide range of counterfeit money and securities fraud, which can be connected to crimes involving global organized crime groups.
Special agents with the Secret Service may be given assignments involving investigating financial crimes, such as:
- Credit card fraud
- Cryptocurrency fraud
- Identity theft
- Bank fraud
The Secret Service also works with other agencies regarding complex investigations and financial crimes. For instance, agents may use their investigative methods to work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and other federal agencies.
Secret Service Uniformed Division
A less understood role within the Secret Service involves the Uniformed Division. Uniformed Division officers are assigned to patrol details at the White House, Treasury Building, and other locations, as well as National Special Security Events and other high-profile events. These officers provide various services, including visible physical security, motorcade support, and emergency response.
The Process to Become a Secret Service Special Agent
To become a Secret Service Special Agent, it is necessary to meet the basic requirements. Candidates typically must be U.S. citizens, be between 21 to 39 years of age, and have a current valid driver’s license.
They must also pass a background check, have no convictions for domestic violence, and obtain a Top Secret security clearance, which typically requires the use of a polygraph examination. For agents, obtaining a Top Secret clearance is crucial because Secret Service agents are responsible for protecting national leaders and international dignitaries.
If an aspiring agent has a domestic violence conviction, that person cannot ship, transport, possess, or receive a firearm under a federal law called the Lautenberg Amendment. Carrying a firearm is an essential duty of Secret Service agents.
Background Investigation for Secret Service Special Agents
Secret Service agent applicants typically begin the application process by completing the Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE). (Note: This exam is not related to the Selective Service System.) If applicants do not pass the SAEE, they typically must wait three months to reapply.
Upon passing the SAEE, candidates can expect to undergo a rigorous physical abilities test, medical evaluations (including random drug tests), interviews, and an in-depth background investigation prior to receiving a job offer.
The background check for a special agent position includes:
- Employment history
- Education
- Credit history
- Criminal history
- Character evaluations
- Civil court records
- Drug and alcohol history
- Past performance evaluations
Any foreign business interests or foreign contacts are likely to be evaluated as well during the background investigation.
The background investigation to become a Secret Service agent can take six to nine months or more, but it can vary based on many different factors.
Education Requirements for Secret Service Agents
Most successful Secret Service applicants earn a bachelor’s degree in homeland security or a related field from an accredited college or university. Also, a related graduate-level education can be helpful. In addition, superior academic achievement can also help candidates stand out from their competitors.
The U.S. Secret Service also considers any specialized experience equivalent to the courses taught in a degree. For example, internships or previous experience in law enforcement or executive protection may be useful.
Essential Skills for Secret Service Agents
Secret Service agents also need special job skills. These skills include:
- Investigative skills
- Oral and written communication
- Accuracy
- Teamwork
- Analytical skills
Secret Service Training
Once candidates have passed the initial stages of applying to work at the Secret Service, they go through special agent training at one of several Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers® (FLETC®). The training includes extensive training in criminal law (part of the criminal investigator training program), self-defense tactics, firearms proficiency, and other types of training.
After successful completion of special agent training at FLETC, candidates go through the special agent training course at the James J. Rowley Training Center, outside of Washington D.C. Candidates then receive advanced training specific to the Secret Service.
For example, applicants receive training in areas such as presidential and other dignitary protection operations, intelligence operations, and threat landscape assessments. The training also includes emergency procedures, defensive driving, and tactical training.
Field Assignments for Secret Service Agents
Once a Secret Service agent successfully completes training and receives a final job offer, it is time to accept assignments. Agents are likely to be assigned to one of over 140 field offices around the United States.
Assignment locations are often based on the needs of the Secret Service. New special agents are typically on a probationary period and are evaluated on their performance.
Secret Service agents often work with unpredictable schedules that change at times, based on security and agency needs. This work may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Agents may be assigned to protective details or investigative assignments. Based on their assignment, they may receive additional training to support their role. This training may involve recurring training in cybercrime, protective detail operations, and unique investigative techniques into crimes associated with fraudulent currency and other financial crimes.
While assigned to protective details, agents may be required to travel and may experience extensive schedule changes. On-call duty for agents may also create irregular schedules.
After obtaining sufficient education and experience, agents may choose to apply for supervisory roles. For example, they may become instructors or lead a specialized detail or team.
Why Secret Service Agents Matter
Becoming a Secret Service Special Agent is an honorable and satisfying profession. It provides the opportunity to provide national and international leaders with peace of mind and plays a strong role in ensuring national security.
The Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
For students interested in studying homeland security, American Military University (AMU) provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security. This degree features courses such as critical infrastructure protection, intelligence and homeland security, and an introduction to homeland security and defense.
This bachelor’s degree in homeland security offers a general concentration. Adult learners can choose from a variety of courses, including:
- The mind of a terrorist
- Chemical, biological, and radiological hazards
- Consequence management
- Homeland security risk, threats, and consequences
For more details, visit AMU’s homeland security degree program page.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers® and FLETC® are registered trademarks of United States Department of Homeland Security.
Dr. Jarrod Sadulski is an associate professor in the School of Security and Global Studies and has over 20 years in the field of criminal justice. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Thomas Edison State College, a master’s degree in criminal justice from American Military University, and a Ph.D. in criminal justice from Northcentral University.
His expertise includes training on countering human trafficking, maritime security, mitigating organized crime, and narcotics trafficking trends in Latin America. Jarrod has also testified to both the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate on human trafficking and child exploitation. He has been recognized by the U.S. Senate as an expert in human trafficking.
Jarrod frequently conducts in-country research and consultant work in Central and South America on human trafficking and current trends in narcotics trafficking. He serves as an expert witness in criminology. Jarrod has provided academic presentations across the United States and in Europe, Southeast Asia, and in Latin America on various criminal justice related topics. Also, he has a background in business development.