The U.S. Secret Service is accelerating its recruitment drive with an upcoming Accelerated Candidate Event (ACE) in Leesburg, Virginia, from May 14-17, 2026.
The agency states that qualified applicants can complete multiple steps of the hiring process in a condensed period, potentially shortening the overall time to hire by up to 120 days.
Applicants must apply by April 28 to be considered for an invitation to the May event.
The agency posted on X that qualified applicants can complete the entrance exam, physical abilities test, and required interviews in a single weekend:
You can complete your Secret Service entrance exam, physical abilities test, and all-required interviews in a single weekend through our Accelerated Candidate Events, getting you on-the-job up to 120 days faster!
Don't miss your chance—apply by April 28 to secure your spot at… pic.twitter.com/1Cb1a7wmx3
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) April 22, 2026
The push comes as the Secret Service seeks to expand its workforce amid growing protective demands. The agency aims to hire about 4,000 new employees by 2028. That would increase total staffing from roughly 8,300 to more than 10,000 and bring law enforcement personnel to 6,800, according to agency budget figures and reporting. Plans include expanding special agent ranks from about 3,500 toward 5,000 and bolstering the Uniformed Division, per Federal News Network.
The Secret Service’s dual mission of protecting national leaders and investigating financial crimes has strained resources in recent years. A 2025 Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General report found the agency’s Counter Sniper Team is staffed 73% below the level necessary to meet mission requirements. The report noted a 151% increase in demand for counter snipers from 2020 to 2024. Officials have cited the need to prepare for the 2028 presidential election and the Los Angeles Olympics as key drivers for the expansion.
Recruitment numbers have shown strength under the current administration. From President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, through May 1, 2025, the agency received over 22,000 applications — a roughly 200% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when it received about 7,000, per Homeland Security.
The ACE program is designed to compress steps in the hiring process. The first ACE event, held in November 2025 in Leesburg, Virginia, drew more than 775 applicants, with roughly 360 advancing through the hiring process. The agency hosts these events to address traditional bottlenecks in federal hiring timelines.
Current staffing stands at approximately 8,300 employees, including about 3,200 special agents and 1,300 Uniformed Division officers, per agency budget figures. The targeted growth to 6,800 law enforcement personnel would represent a roughly 20% overall increase after accounting for expected retirements, per Federal News Network. Agency leaders have noted ongoing competition for talent from other federal law enforcement entities.
The May ACE event is open to applicants who meet standard Secret Service requirements for special agent, Uniformed Division officer, and support roles. Details on eligibility and the application process are available on the agency’s careers page.
