Customer Reviews

Special Agent: Deputy U.S. Marshal: Treasury Enforcement Agent 10/e (Arco Civil Service Test Tutor)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I checked out both this book and the Learning Express 'Complete Preparation Guidebook to the Treasury Enforcement Agent Exam' and can honestly say that the level of difficulty in the Steinberg book ('Special Agent Deputy US Marshall..) is more in line with the actual exam than the Learning Express book. I only had the better book for 2 days prior and the amount and depth of material it covers regarding the most difficult parts of the test far outweighs that of the Learning Express book, (the math and investigative portions). Also, the Learning Express books sample test questions do not even compare to the actual exam; they are simply far too easy and can give one a false sense of confidence. In some instances, age might make time an issue because one can only take this exam once per year, as in my case (there is an age max for the TEA position of 37 by certification). I used the better book for two days and passed the exam the first time! Don't be fooled; do it right the first time.

This book is great. I took the practice questions and discovered I had a ways to go on the verbal and investigative. I studied for about a week before my test, probably a total of 15 hours. I took the short overview test first then followed that by studying each section---these section descriptions and tips are vital. Then I took the first model exam, graded it and read each solution, then studied the sections again. The second model exam was a much improved score but I again studied the sections and the answer explanations. When I got out of the test I really felt that I aced it. I don't know what I scored but I have received a letter saying I passed. This is a must have for taking the test, the other two people in my testing room did not have it and I think they both struggled.

After having some moderate anxiety about taking the exam, this is the book I have to recommend to actually pass the exam. I just found out last week that I passed the test, and received my second set of paperwork to complete for background check, federal employment application, etc. If it wasn't for this particular book over the other one I purchased, I probably would have had a greater amount of test anxiety. My application process is with the IRS Criminal Investigation division, and it unfortunately does not prepare you for the accounting assessment portion of the test, but as per the job requirements, if you've had three years or more of responsible accounting experience, and perhaps a few hours of high school or college accounting that you can refer back to prior to the exam, then that particular part should not pose any challenges whatsoever. Now I have to praise this book for several reasons including a section to train you how to think and get your mind going in full gear for the concentration necessary for exam day. In concurrence with the other reviews, this is the book to get especially for the arithmetic reasoning. Even though my major in college was mathematics, the section of the book addressing arithmetic reasoning was helpful, because even math pros can easily forget the fundamentals. The problems for investigation section was just like the test, and so was the verbal reasoning. However, for those taking the test and with respect to the verbal reasoning section, watch the quantifiers like NOT. The verbal reasoning is the most difficult, because of time limitations, so my advice is to read carefully, test yourself with both practice exams prior to the exam, and the rest should be a walk in the park. At this point in the application process, I'm now going to purchase "Guide to Careers in Federal Law Enforcement (Ackerman)" for more in depth information on having an edge in the interview process.

This book is very good in preparing you for the TEA exam. I studied for weeks using the learn a test book and thought that I was ready. Then, I read some of these reviews and found out that I was not ready. I only had this book for two days, studying continuously, and was still able to pass the exam. This book gives a good idea for the investigative portion of the exam, and both the math and verbal sections are slightly harder than this book. The exercises in this book do a good job of preparing you. DO NOT GET THE OTHER STUDY GUIDE (LEARN A TEST GUIDE) GET THIS BOOK.

I bought this book when I applied for the US Customs and Secret Service this past summer. In combination with the study guide Customs sent, I felt prepared for all three sections of the TEA Exam. The questions in the book were realistic in terms of content and difficulty of the exam. The investigative questions were actually more difficult in the study guide than the actual test. The math and verbal reasoning sections was about the same complexity as the study guide. I reviewed the other study guide that is available and it had very little relative content, particularly with the math section because it was far to easy.

I passed the test and it is not overly difficult if you are prepared for it, but it should not be taken lightly. I recommend using the Arco book instead of the other TEA study guide that is available over the web or book stores.

I purchased Special agent TEA (this book) and Treasury enforcemnt agent exam by learning express. This one blows the other out of the water. There was no comaparison. The special agent book is exactly like the TEA exam and I truly believe that if I never purchesed this book there was no way I would have been prepared enough. The math is very intimidaating in the TEA exam and this book prepares you exactly for it. The learning express book is way to easy. Please dont waste your money on the other book! I passed the TEA on my first try and I soley say it was because of this book.

This book will fully prepare you for the TEA Exam. I took the exam for Customs, and this book helped me out alot. It has all of the formulas you need to know for the Math Section. This book is alot better than the Learning Express book.

Let me tell you, this book is great!! If you had to pick one book to study for the TEA-pick this one!! The sample tests are just like the real thing. In fact, I found the book to be a little harder than the actual test. If you KNOW and UNDERSTAND the sample tests you will feel comfortable with the real thing.
The test taking tips are very helpful too. However,I don't want to make the test sound easy-it's no walk in the park. Spend as many hours as you can studying these tests and you will find great success on the TEA. This book helped me PASS the Custom's Service Special Agent TEA!!
This book will steer you in the right direction.
In addition, I found the example booklet given out by the Customs Service to be helpful too. It's very elementary compared to the real test but still offers some good sample questions and guidence for the real thing. Even pick up the "Learning Express" TEA book too. Just study the test taking tips section only. That section is helpful. However, be aware, the Learning Express sample tests aren't anywhere close to the real thing.
Good Luck!

Order this book, study this book, understand this book! With the previous 3 items you will pass the TEA exam. I am not good at math, but I took this book and learned it. I passed the TEA Exam the FIRST time I took it. This book was a great help in passing the exam. The exam is just like the book, if you understand how to do the problems in the book, you can pass the TEA. ***Make sure you know how to set up the questions, they are not given much attention in the book, but you will see several on the exam.*** Good Luck!

I just took the test today and I wanted to write this while it was still fresh in my mind. This is a very good book to prepare you for the exam if you have a pretty strong math and reading background. If this is so, this is the only book you will need but be careful of the typos. There were many typos and when they appeared in the math section, they obviously create real serious problems. My advice, if you don't have a strong background like me, is to buy this and the Learning Express Book. Read my review on that book as well. GOOD LUCK!