as someone who just went through the process, prepare for a long and thorough process. you will need to document EVERYTHING for the last seven years. apply as soon as possible and make all the appoinments. be honest. i broke my ankle in a motorycle wreck a week before i was to start, june 2 and now have to start over. you will apply, then you will recieve a date for the civil service exam and obstacle course. if you pass you will get a conditional offer. you will then interview with background officers, then take 3 different phyc test a physical and a voice stress analysis test. all of this spread out over 4-7 months. if you get through all these you will be reviwed by a hiring panel then they will call you with a formal offer or send you letter thanking you for applying, but no dice. be patient an wait.