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How to Become A Border Force Officer

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What is a Border Force Officer

A Border Force Officer helps keep Australia safe by guarding its borders. They check who and what comes in, stop illegal goods, and make sure travellers follow the rules.

The job is fast-paced and varied. Officers work at busy airports, seaports, and sometimes in community operations. No two shifts are the same, which makes it an exciting career for people who like action and purpose.

Each day, officers inspect luggage and cargo, interview passengers, and work alongside other agencies like the Australian Federal Police. They also gather and share intelligence to stay ahead of threats such as drug smuggling.

If you want a career with real impact and solid job security, Border Force is worth exploring. The ABF offers structured training, clear career pathways, and a strong sense of mission. You get to serve your country every day you show up to work.

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Career Outlook for Border Force Officer

A career as a Border Force Officer is stable and in demand. The ABF is one of Australia’s largest law enforcement agencies. Officers work at all major airports, seaports, and land border crossings (source: Australian Border Force, 2024). Employment is ongoing and permanent, with the full benefits of the Australian Public Service.

Officers typically work full-time on a rotating roster. This includes nights, weekends, and public holidays to ensure 24/7 border coverage. The role suits people who adapt well to shift work and thrive in structured settings.

Growth in this field is expected to continue. Australia’s travel and trade volumes keep rising, increasing the need for skilled border staff. The ABF also invests in new technology and intelligence work. This creates roles in data, cyber security, and leadership across the organisation.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Border Force Officer

Step 1: Check you meet the entry requirements

Confirm you meet the mandatory criteria set by the Australian Border Force (ABF). You must be an Australian citizen, at least 18 years old, and hold a valid driver’s licence. You will also need to pass a security clearance and meet baseline fitness standards. These requirements are non-negotiable for all entry-level recruits (source: Australian Border Force, 2024).

Step 2: Build relevant skills or complete a qualification

No formal qualification is required to apply. However, study in public administration, criminology, or law enforcement can help. Complete a Certificate IV in Government (confirm the current code on training.gov.au) to build public sector knowledge. This takes around 12 months at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). Work experience in security, customer service, or the military is also highly valued.

Step 3: Apply for a BFORT intake

Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs jobs portal when a BFORT round opens. The ABF runs periodic intakes across Australia, including general and location-specific rounds. Tailor your application to the ABF’s stated capability profile. Check the ABF website for open rounds in your state or territory.

Step 4: Complete the selection process

Shortlisted applicants complete a structured selection process. This includes an online assessment, a written exercise, a panel interview, and an assessment centre. You will also undergo a security clearance check, a medical and fitness test, and a psychological evaluation. The full process can take several months from application to job offer.

Step 5: Complete the BFORT training program

Once offered a role, complete the 12-month BFORT training program at an ABF College campus. The program covers six capability blocks: orientation, passenger processing, cargo, investigations, use of force, and marine operations. Training combines classroom learning and on-the-job placements at operational sites. Pass all six blocks to graduate as an ABF Officer (General Duties) (source: Australian Border Force, 2024).

Step 6: Begin your career and choose a specialisation

After graduating, post to an operational site and start building real experience. With time, you can move into specialised roles in intelligence, investigations, marine crew, or leadership. Progress through the APS pay grades as your skills and experience grow. The ABF supports ongoing training and development for all officers.

What does a Border Force Officer do?

Border Force Officers are busy from the moment they start a shift. They check travellers’ documents, search bags and cargo for banned items, and question passengers who raise concerns. Officers use screening technology and their own judgement to spot risks. They also write reports, share intelligence with partner agencies, and answer questions from the public. Every shift brings new challenges. That is part of what makes the role so engaging for people who enjoy variety and purpose in their work.

Tasks

Border Force Officers protect Australia’s borders and keep communities safe. They work at busy airports, seaports, and land crossings, handling a mix of law enforcement and public service tasks every day.

  • Checking travellers — Officers verify passports, visas, and customs forms at entry points.
  • Searching bags and cargo — They inspect luggage and freight for prohibited or undeclared items.
  • Interviewing passengers — Officers ask questions to assess risk and confirm the details people have provided.
  • Seizing banned goods — They confiscate drugs, weapons, wildlife, and other items that break Australian law.
  • Sharing intelligence — Officers work with agencies like the AFP and state police to tackle serious crime.
  • Running investigations — They gather evidence and assist in prosecuting smugglers and trafficking networks.
  • Assisting travellers — Officers help people understand customs rules and guide them through the arrival process.
  • Staying trained — They take part in regular training to keep their skills sharp and their knowledge current.

Skills for Success

To thrive as a Border Force Officer, you need sharp communication skills and a good eye for detail. You also need to stay calm under pressure. The role is demanding but deeply rewarding for the right person.

Officers deal with all sorts of people. Cultural awareness and empathy help you read situations well and treat everyone fairly. You also need a solid grasp of customs and immigration rules to guide your work.

Physical fitness is a real requirement. Officers spend long hours on their feet and may need to respond quickly in emergencies. The job also demands honesty and integrity, since you handle sensitive situations every day.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Knowledge of customs and immigration law
  • Physical fitness and stamina
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Sound decision-making
  • Integrity and ethical judgement
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Risk assessment and analytical thinking
  • Computer literacy
  • Ability to handle sensitive information

Average Salaries

The average salary for a Border Force Officer in Australia is around $85,000 per year (source: SEEK Career Advice, 2025). Entry-level graduates start at around $71,201 per year (source: Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027). Pay rises as officers gain experience and move up the APS pay scale, with senior officers earning above $100,000.

min $71 K

max $106 K

av $85 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.