Border Force officer or assistant officer
Check that people coming into the UK do not bring anything harmful or illegal into the country.
About the job
What it's like
You'd check that people coming into the UK don't bring in anything harmful or illegal into the country.
You'd check and search vehicles arriving at UK borders for people who aren't allowed to enter the UK. You’d arrange for them to go to a detention centre where they could apply for asylum if they wish and stay until they leave the country.
You’d look for illegal goods like drugs and investigate people trying to avoid paying taxes or customs duties by smuggling money or goods into the country.
You'd:
question passengers at airports and seaports
ask people about specific details relating to their stay
search vehicles, ships and planes for people, drugs and other goods
search people for drugs and other goods which are illegal in the UK
check whether people trying to come into the country are involved in illegal activities
You could arrest people who were a danger to the UK or were here illegally. You'd work closely with the police.
Hours
You'd work between 36 and 40 hours a week as a full-time Border Force officer. This would involve shifts including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- counter-terrorism
- evidence preservation
- international trade
- law enforcement
- border control
- customs regulations
- safety training
- de-escalation techniques
- sales prospecting
- human trafficking issues
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- making decisions
- attention to detail
- researching
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services
While there are no formal educational requirements to enter this job, qualifiations at SCQF levels 4-6 may be helpful, in particular for direct entry into an officer position.
Qualifications that demonstrate physical fitness and awareness of security such as Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4) may be useful in preparing for this job.
You may have an advantage if you also have some ability in a foreign language.
You'll need to be a UK national with no restrictions on your stay in the UK and have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years.
Selection for all positions is through an assessment centre, where candidates are tested on:
judgement
conflict management
communication skills, both oral and written
awareness of diversity and equal opportunities
You'll also be required to pass a:
security clearance (due to the sensitive nature of the work)
medical examination
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