The U.S. Secret Service has introduced a new approach to speed up its hiring process through Accelerated Candidate Events (ACE), allowing job applicants to complete key assessments in just four days rather than the previous four-month timeline.
The first ACE took place in November at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia, where more than 775 candidates participated over four days. Approximately 360 applicants advanced further in the hiring process as a result of this event.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran attended the event on November 14 to meet with candidates and welcome potential new agents and officers. Edgar Carpenter IV, chief of the recruitment division, said: “We are looking for people who want to serve their country. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want to make a difference in this world.”
The agency is currently seeking both special agents and Uniformed Division officers. Candidates for these positions must pass several assessments, including an entrance exam, physical abilities test, pre-employment interview, security interview, medical exam, and polygraph test. These were all conducted during the ACE event.
Dwight Gray, assistant to the special agent in charge within the recruitment division, commented on the inaugural ACE: “Overall, I think it was a rousing success,” noting that all attendees had been prequalified after applying online.
One candidate traveled from Iraq while on military leave specifically to attend ACE. Gray described her experience: “She came straight from Joint Base Andrews to the event and got in line for an interview. She said, ‘This is my priority. This is what I want to do.’ She came halfway around the world.”
Another ACE is scheduled for February 27 through March 2 at the same location. Applicants interested in participating are encouraged to apply online by February 7; those invited will have travel and accommodations provided.
Carpenter outlined what qualities they seek: “We’re looking for men and women with good character who are willing to tell the truth about their life story when they sit down with us. And we’re looking for physically in-shape people. That’s what it boils down to.”
Dr. Delisa Hall, chief human capital officer at the Secret Service, expressed confidence in this new method: “We have demanding hiring goals that require us to challenge conventional thinking and reimagine how we attract and assess talent,” Hall said. “The early success of the ACE reflects the team’s extraordinary effort and signals that we have unlocked a new, scalable way to accelerate hiring while maintaining quality.”
For more information or to apply for positions with the Secret Service, interested individuals can visit their Careers page.
