Long and winded trek..Passed DSS BEX!

[ObtuseAngle]

Ok after 4 years and after a huge life change; my dream job is in my grasp!

Finally! Passed DSS’ BEX!!

I have been interested in DSS since 2006 and it was and has been the 1st choice.

So, I took the online exam Nov 2006, flew to Chicago to BEX in July 2007 and did not pass. Ok, no biggie, be patient and just try again.

In the mean time, I applied and tested with the USSS, FBI and ICE. I did not pass their exams either! Talk about self-esteem buster!!

I did not take them lightly by the way; I studied my butt off for them!

Took the next DSS online test in Jan 2008 and failed! Wow, really?

I am doomed with written civil exams or what??

Waiting but found out I could not take the Oct 2008 online test because I was inside the 12 month window.

Oh man!!

Really heartbroken and thought about not trying again with DSS or any other Fed agency; I been having a hard time passing their initial exams. During this time I became a father/family man. Got hired by a local PD and enjoyed the job.

Waited months and the Nov 2009 online test opened up. Thought hard about it and spoke to the soon-to-be-wife about DS. Took the online exam, this time passed!

Re-took the BEX April 26th and passed!

My point is dreams to come true. When you fail at something, DON”T GIVE UP!! Keep at it and remain focused!

For your dark nights there comes a brighter day!!

[Kimble]

Congrats! Good luck, the BEX - as I understand - is the biggest screening portion of the DS hiring process.

[Joeyd6]

Congrats! But remember passing the BEX is a minor hurdle. The major is what your score was, and now where you end up on the list. DSS throws you on a rolling list. As people expire off, your name goes up. As more get interviewed and score better, the lower you go. And since they are always interviewing, your roster number on that list can change quickly. I went from 4?? to 87 overnight....and then watched as the list grew and my number was pushed up into the 200's. Problem is each class is 50 and your have a limited time on the list.

Keep plugging away!

[voltage34]

Congrats! But remember passing the BEX is a minor hurdle. The major is what your score was, and now where you end up on the list. DSS throws you on a rolling list. As people expire off, your name goes up. As more get interviewed and score better, the lower you go. And since they are always interviewing, your roster number on that list can change quickly. I went from 4?? to 87 overnight....and then watched as the list grew and my number was pushed up into the 200's. Problem is each class is 50 and your have a limited time on the list.

Keep plugging away!

Congrats on passing, good comments from above. While the above statement is true, I think right now is a very good time to be applying to DSS, they are really pushing to get classes filled. My background investigator told me they are in a major crunch right now to get people cleared for hire.

[Maverick24]

Actually from what I understand DSS did away with the hiring list a few years back. If you pass you pretty much get a TO. Because of this they made the BEX even harder to pass then it used to be. Congrats on passing the BEX it's definately a tough one!

[ObtuseAngle]

Thanks Mav!

I remember your posts from way back, when I 1st applied with DSS. You help keep me motivated and I kept at it.

Update: I got my COE via FedEx, I sent forward my SF-86 forward and in the process of getting myself and family's medical paperwork completed.

Now it is a waiting game.

Many of you and this post have been a great assistance and motivator to keep at.

And Chud, I got your message, thanks man!

The rest of you good luck in your career or it pursuits!

[Maverick24]

No problem Obtuse, good to hear from you again, its been awhile. Good luck and keep us updated.

[ObtuseAngle]

Update: My Medical and TS/SCI clearance was granted. My file was sent and passed the Final Review Board and my name was sent to HR on their ready-to-hire registry list.

October class is full, but Jan class looks promising!

Again thanks all and good luck!!

[Trip]

What a great story about perseverance!!! Love it. Have had same luck when I don't give up on things either. Even I'm excited for ya, and I don't even know you Good luck OA!

[Joeyd6]

Awesome work!

[ObtuseAngle]

Update: I recieved the invite for the Jan class for DS.

It has been a long road, but it is good to see success!

Thanks all, I remember your words of wisdom Mav!, and good luck in all you guys careers!

[Maverick24]

Update: I recieved the invite for the Jan class for DS.

It has been a long road, but it is good to see success!

Thanks all, I remember your words of wisdom Mav!, and good luck in all you guys careers!

Congrats obtuse and welcome to the FEDS. Any questions about FLETC or anything don't hesitate to ask! See perseverance does indeed pay off!!

[Kimble]

Any questions about FLETC or anything don't hesitate to ask!

Ditto. I've got a coworker down the hall from me that's a former DS guy, and know several other former DS agents.

Good luck at CITP. Two things to know about FLETC: 1) the left over chicken you didn't eat in the caf for lunch is the same chicken that will be offered to you for dinner, 2) and the Red Carpet Lounge is not Vegas, so what happens there DOES NOT stay there.

Congrats!

[ObtuseAngle]

Copy.

I will remember bout the FLETC chicken. I will take it to heart that an agents reputation starts from day one to the end of his career- set a proper example and dont be that guy.

Thank you all for the advise and this forum for all the great info

[DSS-137]

Congrats Obtuse, I'll see you out there!