| Aspect | Border Patrol Agent Trainee | Border Patrol Agent |
|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; U.S. citizenship; background check; medical exam | Same as trainee, plus completion of training program |
| Work Environment | Training environment, including classroom and field training | Active duty in the field, patrolling borders and apprehending suspects |
| Employer & Industry Usage | U.S. Customs and Border Protection, border security | Same as trainee, after successful training completion |
The main difference is that the Border Patrol Agent Trainee is in training, focusing on learning procedures and skills, while the Border Patrol Agent has completed training and actively performs border security duties.