To become a US marshal, you'll apply for a Deputy U.S. Marshal opening on USAJOBS, meet the qualifications for grade 5, 7 or 9 (a bachelor's degree, qualifying experience or a mix), pass a fitness screening, structured interview, background check, medical screening and drug test, then complete about 19 weeks of basic training in Glynco, Georgia.
The U.S. Marshals Service says the full process, from application to the end of training, can take anywhere from six to 24 months. Here's what each stage asks of you.
Every rule below comes from the U.S. Marshals Service careers pages, read on 26 October 2026.
The qualifications by grade
| Grade | You qualify with one of these |
|---|---|
| Grade 5 | A bachelor's degree in any field (or within 9 months of finishing one), or 3 years of progressively responsible experience, or a mix of the two |
| Grade 7 | 1 year of responsible law enforcement experience, or Superior Academic Achievement in a law-enforcement-related degree, or graduate study, or a mix |
| Grade 9 | 1 year of law enforcement experience at grade 7 level, or qualifying graduate education, or a mix |
The degree route is the simplest for most applicants, and any field of study counts at grade 5. Experience in clerical or routine support work doesn't count toward the general experience route, but administrative, technical or investigative work can.
How the hiring process works
- Watch USAJOBS. Openings are posted there when and where the Service needs deputies. Set up a saved search so you're alerted, and keep to the two-page resume rule.
- Pass the online assessment. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications move on.
- Pass the fitness screening. You get one chance, judged against the minimum standards for your age and gender.
- Pass the structured interview. This leads to a tentative job offer.
- Clear the pre-employment checks. A background investigation, medical screening and drug test.
- Accept the final offer and go to training. Your offer explains the next steps for the academy.
You don't choose where you'll work
This is the part that surprises people most. Deputy U.S. Marshals can be placed in any of the 94 federal judicial districts, which cover every state plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Every new deputy must stay at that first duty station for at least three years and sign a mobility agreement before starting.
If you're tied to one city, think hard about that before you apply. The Service suggests contacting the District Recruiting Officer in your area to express interest, but placement follows need.
Training at the academy
New deputies are hired into the 1811 series and attend Basic Deputy U.S. Marshal Integrated training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. It runs about 19 weeks. You must pass the Physical Efficiency Battery again immediately before training, and the course includes runs from 1.5 to 10 miles, obstacle courses and intensive defensive tactics.
The fitness test covers a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups and a sit-and-reach. Minimums vary by age and gender, and the published 1.5-mile run minimums range from 12:18 to 17:24 minutes. Once you're in, deputies retake the test twice a year and may use up to three hours a week of duty time for approved fitness activities.
Related careers
If federal fugitive work appeals but the relocation rule doesn't, police work keeps you closer to home. Our guide on how to become a detective covers that route, and if it's the courtroom side of the system that interests you, see how to become a judge.
What deputy marshals do
The U.S. Marshals Service calls itself the nation's oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency. Its missions include:
- Protecting the federal judiciary and providing court security
- Running witness security
- Seizing and managing assets linked to crime
- Tracking down and arresting fugitives
- Transporting and holding federal prisoners
The Service describes deputies as being on the front line protecting federal judges and witnesses, managing billion-dollar assets and chasing dangerous criminals. That variety is the draw, with work that can move between courtroom security and fugitive operations. The structure of the Service mirrors the federal court system, which is why there's a marshals office in every judicial district.
There are also medical requirements and personal appearance standards, each with its own page on the Service's site. Read them before you apply so nothing in the pre-employment checks catches you out.
One detail for graduates: the grade 7 Superior Academic Achievement route has its own rules. The Service says that if more than 10% of your courses were taken pass/fail, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society, so check your transcript before you rely on it.
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My verdict
Becoming a US marshal is less about one exam and more about surviving a long, multi-stage selection. Get your degree or experience in order, train for the fitness test before you apply because you only get one attempt, and be honest with yourself about the three-year placement anywhere in the country. If you're ready for that, it's one of the most varied jobs in federal law enforcement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a US marshal?
The U.S. Marshals Service says the process from application to the end of training can take six to 24 months.
Do you need a degree to be a US marshal?
Not always. At grade 5 a bachelor's degree in any field qualifies you, but so can three years of qualifying experience or a mix of both.
Where is US marshal training?
At the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Basic training runs about 19 weeks.
Can you choose where you work as a deputy marshal?
No. You can be placed in any of the 94 districts and must stay at your first duty station for at least three years.
How many chances do you get at the fitness test?
One. Applicants get one chance to pass the fitness screening, based on the minimums for their age and gender.
Where are Deputy US Marshal jobs posted?
On USAJOBS, when and where the Service has hiring needs.
Do marshals keep taking fitness tests?
Yes. Deputies take the Physical Efficiency Battery twice a year throughout their careers.
What does a deputy US marshal do?
Protects federal judges and witnesses, provides court security, manages seized assets, arrests fugitives and transports federal prisoners.
What grade do new deputy marshals start at?
The position is typically filled at grade 5, 7 or 9, depending on your education and experience.
