CBP / BPA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the primary function of law enforcement in criminal investigations? → To investigate criminal activities and gather evidence
2. A CBP officer accepts a gift of cash from a traveler to expedite customs processing. This action violates which principle? → Federal anti-bribery statutes and CBP's professional ethics standards
3. When is a CBP officer permitted to use a chokehold or neck restraint? → Only in exigent circumstances where deadly force is justified
4. What does CBP's 'zero tolerance' policy on corruption specifically target? → Officers who accept bribes, facilitate smuggling, or betray their oath for personal gain
5. CBP policy prohibits which of the following actions when using an electronic control device (ECD)? → Targeting it at a pregnant woman without exigent circumstances
6. What is the role of CBP officers at ports of entry? → To process travelers and enforce immigration laws.
7. What term describes the act of an agent reading a detained person their constitutional rights before custodial interrogation? → Miranda warning
8. What does 'admissibility' fundamentally determine for an arriving noncitizen? → Whether they are legally permitted to enter the United States
9. How do law enforcement officers gather evidence during an investigation? → By conducting searches, interviews, and using forensics
10. Why is it important for law enforcement to follow proper investigative procedures? → To ensure evidence is legally admissible and prevent wrongful convictions
11. A CBP officer witnesses a fellow officer using clearly excessive force. What is the officer's obligation? → Intervene to stop the excessive force and report it
12. A passenger from Australia declares a wooden walking stick. What agricultural risk does CBP consider? → Wood-boring insects or bark that could harbor foreign pests
13. Which database do CBP officers commonly query to check a traveler against law enforcement and terrorism watchlists? → TECS
14. What is the purpose of CBP's 'Schedule of Offenses and Penalties' for officer conduct? → To establish disciplinary consequences for officer misconduct violations
15. Which officer action is appropriate when a traveler's identity documents appear counterfeit? → Refer to secondary for forensic document examination and possible fraud findings
16. Under the Hatch Act, what political activity is generally prohibited for CBP officers while on duty? → Engaging in partisan political activity while in uniform or using government resources
17. Which federal agency works alongside CBP at ports of entry to enforce U.S. agricultural import regulations? → U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
18. Which of the following items is ALWAYS prohibited from entering the United States regardless of origin? → African swine products (including pork from countries with African swine fever)
19. What tools are used in border security operations? → Trained personnel, drones, and surveillance technology
20. CBP's core mission is best described as which of the following? → Safeguarding America's borders while facilitating lawful trade and travel
21. CBP's Automated Targeting System (ATS) performs which function at ports of entry? → Scores and flags travelers and cargo for potential risk using data analytics
22. A traveler arrives from Mexico carrying fresh mangoes. Under U.S. agricultural regulations, what is the MOST likely disposition? → Subject to inspection and potentially prohibited or treated before entry
23. A traveler admits to a prior visa overstay of 200 days, then departed. Which bar, if any, applies? → The 3-year bar for unlawful presence of more than 180 days but less than one year
24. Which principle guides CBP officers in selecting the appropriate level of force during an enforcement encounter? → Objectively reasonable force
25. CBP's National Agriculture Biosecurity Center (NABC) coordinates with which other agency to respond to agricultural emergencies at the border? → USDA APHIS
26. A CBP officer fires a weapon in the line of duty. What is the FIRST mandatory administrative action required afterward? → Complete a shooting incident report and notify a supervisor immediately
27. CBP agriculture specialists are authorized to use which tool to detect prohibited agricultural products in luggage? → Trained detector dogs
28. CBP firearms qualification standards require officers to qualify with their issued duty weapon at minimum how often? → Semi-annually
29. Section 301 tariffs, enforced by CBP, were imposed in response to which trade dispute? → China's unfair trade practices including intellectual property theft
30. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a Border Patrol Agent position (with limited exceptions)? → Under 40 at time of appointment