The Border Force Officer Recruit Training (BFORT) is the Australian Border Force (ABF) entry level program comprising a mix of instructional (classroom based) and operational (on-the-job) training. During the classroom training BFORTs will be based at an ABF College campus. The classroom based portion incorporates five (5) capability blocks:
- Orientation and foundation
- Traveller one
- Law enforcement essentials
- Cargo examination and trade
- Traveller two.
Each of these capability blocks will have mandatory assessments that recruits are required to pass, including both written and holistic assessments.
Within these capability blocks recruits will study the theory that is required to perform duties as a Border Force Officer. Mandatory assessments and training content can include:
- legislation
- powers
- information and intelligence gathering
- operational frame of mind
- passenger processing
- baggage and traveller search
- detection
- seizure processes
- foundational tactics.
During the program, BFORTs may also complete some of the operational safety training package.
Training schedules can differ depending on candidate’s intake date. Generally, instructional training occurs Monday to Friday during business hours, although work outside of these hours can occur.
On-the-job training involves rotations through various work locations or business areas within the region. This can include shift work and weekend work. During this part of the training BFORTs will consolidate their instructional learning with the Operational Training. There are also assessable components in this stage of the program and recruits are required to work through a task book to demonstrate competency.
The ABF regularly reviews training courses to ensure recruits are equipped to deal with changing operational demand. The exact breakdown of your training, along with your training location will be confirmed with you during the verbal offer of employment.
Training and posting location
We may not offer BFORT courses and jobs in individuals preferred states Training and posting locations available will be based on ABF operational requirements at the time the courses are due to commence.
If the location offered is not an individual’s current state, they will have to relocate permanently at their own expense. It is important to remember that BFORTs remain in their location they undertook train in on conclusion of their course.
If applicants have applied through a regional (state) specific advertisement, we will only offer jobs to individuals in that region. If an individual lives outside the region, and we offer them employment, all expenses to relocate and travel are at their own cost, and they must be available to start the class on the applicable start date.
Classroom learning is based in the following locations:
- NSW - Mascot NSW 2020
- VIC – Customs House Tullamarine VIC 3043
- SA* - Adelaide Airport SA 5950
- WA - Perth WA 6005
- NT* - East Arm NT 0822.
*Please note that NT and SA courses are subject to operational demand.
Training is not run in Tasmania or the ACT.
Leave
Periods of leave during the 12 month training program are rarely supported. Absences may impact participants successful completion of the training program, and there are limited opportunities to catch up on the work.
Pay and conditions
During your initial 12-month training course, BFORTs will be paid $66,839.00 (plus 15.4% superannuation). This is an APS3 Border Force Officer recruit salary, and is accurate as at 5 May 2025.
If individuals complete shift work at any time, additional shift penalty rates will apply to their salary:
- 15% for hours worked between 18:00 and 06:30
- 50% Saturday
- 100% Sunday
- 150% public holidays.
