As an entry-level bank examiner, you will begin your career in Midsize and Community Bank Supervision as an assistant national bank examiner. This experience provides the foundation for learning the practical aspects of bank supervision.

Examiners experience unparalleled exposure to the financial services industry and are respected advisors to the industry they regulate. Examiners interact with all levels of bank management and complete a wide range of analytical and bank supervisory activities at national banks and federal savings associations (collectively, banks) and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) offices. They use a risk-based examination approach to assess a bank’s condition and identify potential problems.

Assignments cover all areas of banking, including loans, interest rate risk, capital, liquidity, consumer protection programs, and compliance with banking laws and regulations. Through a program of continuing education and career development, OCC examiners expand their knowledge and skills. They apply their technical expertise and interpersonal skills in an industry with increasingly sophisticated products and services.

Entry-level bank examiners, or assistant national bank examiners, spend approximately 15% to 95% of their early careers traveling. They may work in one of the OCC’s field offices located across the U.S., at banks, or at bank branches. See estimated overnight travel percentages by field office location.

To become an ANBE, applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• A four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in accounting, banking, business administration, commercial or banking law, economics, finance, marketing, or other field closely related to the position; OR

• Three years of work experience
  • demonstrating knowledge of accounting or auditing principles, such as reviewing, analyzing, recommending or approving loan applications, investments, or other actions involving the properties or monies of others held in trust by or for a financial institution, and/or
  • performing internal accounting or auditing work for a financial institution that has required understanding of debits and credits, balance sheets, and operating statements; OR

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience; OR

• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate obtained through written examination in a state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, you must successfully pass the examiner entry-level pre-employment tests. You will be directed by email to schedule a test appointment.

Questions regarding the application and hiring process for ANBEs can be directed to ANBERecruitment@occ.treas.gov.

Testing Process

After you submit your application, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule a testing session. You will have the option to take the job-related tests using one of two delivery methods: virtually or in-person at a proctored testing center.

During testing, you will use a computer to complete up to three automated, multiple-choice tests. If your performance on each test is satisfactory, you will move forward to the next test in the selection process. If your performance is not satisfactory, your test session will end, and you will be notified that you are no longer under consideration for the ANBE position.

Download our Applicant Preparation Guide for more information and sample questions.

Download Guide

Structured Interview Process

Candidates who perform satisfactorily on the tests may be eligible for an initial 30-minute screening interview. These interviews are structured and utilize a standard set of questions to assess job-related competencies that are difficult to assess with computerized tests.

Candidates who pass the screening interview and meet the qualifying standards set by the OCC are invited to Career Exploration Week for a second structured final decision interview and to learn more about the position and the OCC.

Careers at the OCC offer many opportunities for advancement. Initially, ANBEs spend six to eight months on a training team participating in bank examinations, meeting with bank managers, and making recommendations and suggestions.

After several years of formal training, ANBEs take the Uniform Commissioned Examination (UCE). Examiners who successfully complete the UCE receive a commission from the Comptroller of the Currency that signifies that a National Bank Examiner (NBE) is qualified to lead examinations of national banks and thrift institutions, their affiliates, and bank service corporations.

Some examiners go into specialized areas, such as asset management, bank information technology, bank secrecy act/anti-money laundering, capital markets, compliance, mortgage banking, and retail credit.

Entry-level bank examiners receive a base starting salary of $58,000* in addition to a locality differential based on the employee’s designated location. Use the dropdown menu below to view total starting salary as well as an illustration of average structure and career progression salary adjustments over time.

The OCC is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants. All employment decisions are made without regard to non-merit factors, such as race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, protected genetic information, sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, or political affiliation. The OCC provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Learn more about diversity at the OCC.