Oral Boards
Disclaimer: The following information is provided for general guidance based on applicant experiences and publicly available sources. HonorFirst.com is an independent resource and is not affiliated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For official guidance on the Oral Board process, refer to CBP’s official resources.
Q. I think I should have been contacted for my oral boards, but this has not happened. What should I do?
A. If you believe you should have been scheduled for your oral interview but have not received any communication, check official CBP resources for contact information.
Q. When will I be contacted for my oral interview?
A. The scheduling of oral interviews can vary based on factors such as applicant volume and mission requirements. You will receive written notification when your interview is scheduled. If significant time has passed since your tentative selection notification and you have not received further instructions, refer to official CBP resources for guidance.
When reporting for your oral interview, arrive on time, dress professionally, and bring only the documents specified in your tentative selection letter. If you must reschedule due to an emergency, follow CBP’s official procedures for notifying the appropriate personnel.
Q. What are the best ways to prepare for my oral interview?
A. Plan your travel in advance to ensure you arrive with time to spare. Dress professionally and in a manner appropriate for a formal interview setting. Be well-rested and present yourself in a professional and confident manner.
Q. I am a male. How should I dress for the interview?
A. Wear a professional, well-fitted suit in dark or neutral colors, along with a pressed dress shirt and a conservative tie. Shoes should be polished and appropriate for a formal setting. Minimize jewelry and accessories to maintain a professional appearance. Ensure your hair is neatly groomed.
Q. I am a female. How should I dress for the oral boards?
A. A professional pant or skirt suit in neutral or dark colors is recommended. Hair should be styled neatly to avoid distractions. Shoes should be clean, polished, and comfortable. Keep accessories minimal and makeup subtle. Ensure that any bag or portfolio you bring is professional in appearance and does not clash with your outfit.
Q. What should I expect in the Oral Board interview?
A. The interview will assess your decision-making skills, ability to handle stressful situations, and interpersonal abilities. You will be expected to provide responses based on your judgment rather than what you think the panel wants to hear.
DO NOT ask agents or applicants who have taken the oral boards to share specific scenarios, as this information is confidential. When you take your oral interview, you will also be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
The most common advice from applicants who have completed the oral boards includes:
A. If you believe you should have been scheduled for your oral interview but have not received any communication, check official CBP resources for contact information.
Q. When will I be contacted for my oral interview?
A. The scheduling of oral interviews can vary based on factors such as applicant volume and mission requirements. You will receive written notification when your interview is scheduled. If significant time has passed since your tentative selection notification and you have not received further instructions, refer to official CBP resources for guidance.
When reporting for your oral interview, arrive on time, dress professionally, and bring only the documents specified in your tentative selection letter. If you must reschedule due to an emergency, follow CBP’s official procedures for notifying the appropriate personnel.
Q. What are the best ways to prepare for my oral interview?
A. Plan your travel in advance to ensure you arrive with time to spare. Dress professionally and in a manner appropriate for a formal interview setting. Be well-rested and present yourself in a professional and confident manner.
Q. I am a male. How should I dress for the interview?
A. Wear a professional, well-fitted suit in dark or neutral colors, along with a pressed dress shirt and a conservative tie. Shoes should be polished and appropriate for a formal setting. Minimize jewelry and accessories to maintain a professional appearance. Ensure your hair is neatly groomed.
Q. I am a female. How should I dress for the oral boards?
A. A professional pant or skirt suit in neutral or dark colors is recommended. Hair should be styled neatly to avoid distractions. Shoes should be clean, polished, and comfortable. Keep accessories minimal and makeup subtle. Ensure that any bag or portfolio you bring is professional in appearance and does not clash with your outfit.
Q. What should I expect in the Oral Board interview?
A. The interview will assess your decision-making skills, ability to handle stressful situations, and interpersonal abilities. You will be expected to provide responses based on your judgment rather than what you think the panel wants to hear.
DO NOT ask agents or applicants who have taken the oral boards to share specific scenarios, as this information is confidential. When you take your oral interview, you will also be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
The most common advice from applicants who have completed the oral boards includes:
- Be yourself.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Locate the interview site in advance during daylight hours.
- Dress professionally.
- Stay calm and confident.
