BPA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield BPA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. An agent needs to inform a subject they are under arrest. Which phrase is correct? → Usted está bajo arresto.
2. Which Spanish term refers to the act of crossing the border illegally? → Cruce ilegal
3. A 'stash house' in border drug interdiction refers to: → A temporary location where traffickers hold drugs before further distribution
4. A patrol sector reported 120 apprehensions in January and a 15% increase in February. How many apprehensions occurred in February? → 138
5. Which aircraft is commonly used by CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) for border surveillance? → P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft
6. Which type of sensor is commonly deployed along the U.S.-Mexico border to detect ground vibrations caused by foot traffic? → Unattended ground sensors (UGS)
7. Which technology is primarily used by Border Patrol to detect underground drug-smuggling tunnels near the border? → Ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
8. What is 'overstay' in immigration terminology? → Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized period granted at entry
9. Drug cartels frequently construct underground tunnels near the border primarily to: → Move large drug shipments undetected between ports of entry
10. If only experienced agents are assigned night shifts, and Agent Torres is assigned to a night shift, what can logically be concluded? → Agent Torres is experienced
11. If no unauthorized crossings occurred on days when aerial surveillance was active, and aerial surveillance was active on Thursday, what must be true? → No unauthorized crossings occurred on Thursday
12. What does the Spanish phrase '¿Tiene usted documentos de identificación?' mean in English? → Do you have identification documents?
13. The legal concept that documents every person who handles seized drug evidence from arrest through trial is called: → Chain of custody
14. Which legal document grants Border Patrol the authority to conduct searches within 100 miles of the U.S. border? → 8 U.S.C. § 1357 and implementing regulations
15. A candidate failed to disclose a prior arrest that was later dismissed. How will investigators likely view this omission? → As a serious integrity concern regardless of the outcome of the original arrest
16. Which component of the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) primarily measures upper body and core muscular endurance? → Maximum push-ups and sit-ups
17. What is the passing score of the examination? → 70
18. A candidate for Border Patrol has well-controlled Type 2 diabetes managed by diet and exercise. What is the most likely outcome of the medical evaluation? → Medical evaluation considers functional impact; well-controlled conditions may be waivable
19. How does altitude or extreme heat affect the standards for the 1.5-mile run in the Border Patrol fitness test? → CBP may apply environmental adjustments based on testing location and conditions
20. Which statement, if true, would most strengthen the argument that increased staffing reduces illegal crossings? → Sectors with more agents consistently report fewer unauthorized entries
21. Which substance, if found during a pre-employment drug screening, would disqualify a Border Patrol Agent candidate? → Marijuana, even if legal in the candidate's state
22. In a scenario where effective communication resolved a conflict or misunderstanding, what is a key element? → Active listening and clear, respectful conversation
23. Which conclusion is supported by this statement: 'All agents who passed the polygraph have cleared the background check'? → An agent who failed the background check did not pass the polygraph
24. Which documentation practice is most critical when seizing contraband to ensure its admissibility in court? → Maintaining a complete inventory with witness signatures and secure evidence storage
25. Which of the following would most likely result in a permanent disqualification from Border Patrol employment? → A felony conviction for domestic violence under the Lautenberg Amendment
26. How many days are required for the border patrol program? → 89
27. When tracking footprints in the field, what does an asymmetrical stride pattern most likely indicate? → The individual may be carrying a heavy load on one side or has an injury affecting gait
28. What does the phrase '¿Cuál es el propósito de su visita?' mean? → What is the purpose of your visit?
29. When comparing two manifests, what is a key discrepancy you should look for? → Differences in cargo descriptions and quantities
30. Which of these must be provided by the applicant? → Drivers license