How To Become An FBI Agent (2024)

Last updated on August 3rd, 2023 at 12:28 am

Are you considering becoming an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation? Fidelity, boldness, and integrity—the FBI’s motto, expresses clearly what it entails to be a special agent. If you meet all of these requirements, joining this division of federal law enforcement may be the best choice for you. This article explains how simple it is to enter the FBI. It also examines the routine duties performed by FBI special agents.

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME AN FBI AGENT IN THE UNITED STATES (2024)

As long as it satisfies requirements, applying for a job with the FBI is a rather straightforward process. You have to go through a difficult and rigorous application process to work for the FBI. Only a small portion of candidates who go through this process ultimately end up working for the FBI. You must fulfill these conditions in order to work as an FBI agent in whatsoever role:

• You must be a citizen of the US in order to apply for an FBI agent position.
• FBI agents must be between the ages of 23 and 36. Veterans may qualify for specific age waivers, so take note.
• You must be drug-free and clear of criminal history investigation.
• You must be in good financial standing.
• The next prerequisite is to maintain optimum health and physical fitness.
• Having a bachelor’s degree is a necessary prerequisite.
• A current driver’s license and six months of driving experience are additional requirements.
• Another prerequisite for becoming an FBI agent is having two years of full-time work experience.
• Acquire a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the FBI.
• You must also pass the FBI physical fitness test as the final prerequisite. This involves a 300-meter sprint, pushups, and a 1.5-mile run.

HOW TO BECOME AN FBI AGENT

The FBI screens qualified candidates for the special agent position using the Special Agents Selection System. Once you submit your application, the SASS procedure starts, and it can actually take to a year to finish. Let’s examine significant turning points in the FBI recruiting process.

STEP 1: MAKE AN APPLICATION

The first stage of the process is finishing up a federal application form on the FBI careers page. A federal résumé and college transcript are also required to be included on the application page. Government employees, both active and retired, are urged to submit an SF-50. Veterans should enclose a recent-year letter from Veterans Affairs and their DD-214.

STEP 2: GET THROUGH THE FBI PHASE I TEST

An approximately three-hour computerised exam is used for the FBI Phase I test. The test is divided into five sections: logical reasoning, situational judgment, preferences, and figural reasoning. Every one of these examinations gauge a potential special agent’s aptitude for problem-solving.

You will receive an invitation to a meet-and-greet interview at a field office close to you once you successfully complete the test.

STEP 3: MEET AND GREET INTERVIEW

Next is the meet-and-greet interview which you ought to attend. This is merely a physical assessment of your application at the processing field office closest to you. You must confirm the information on your application during this interview. Secondly, you ought to inquire about the organization’s policies. The overseeing agents then evaluate you using the FBI’s basic skills. You’ll either move on to Phase II or not after this interview.

STEP 4: PASS THE PHASE II TEST

Just like the first examination, the FBI phase II test is a measure of writing skills. There are two parts to this test: a writing assessment and a formal interview. Make every effort to pass the writing test. Successful applicants will get an email inviting them to the formal interview. This will happen at a regional FBI office.

STEP 5: OBTAIN AN OFFER OF A CONDITIONAL APPOINTMENT

You are qualified for a conditional appointment after clearing the Phase II test. If you finish the remaining SASS components, this deal will only be good for a short time. The FBI has the ability to revoke your offer of a conditional appointment. This typically occurs if it discovers any inconsistencies later on.

STEP 6: UNDERGO A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

The background check is often done to review your records. It entails a polygraph test, a security interview with the employees, fingerprints, drug testing, and checks for credit and arrests. Other verifications are included in the investigation as well.

This procedure must be finished by all applicants in order to receive a Top Secret SCI clearance. The background check process with the FBI might take between six and eighteen months.

STEP 7: PASS THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT)

The physical fitness test is necessary because the job of a special agent calls for a lot of strength. You must submit medical evidence from your doctor in order to go to the next round. This ought to provide evidence of any necessary immunizations and medical history.

Over the course of the SASS procedure, you must also repeatedly complete the PFT. The PFT is employed to gauge a candidate’s degree of fitness. You need to receive a least of nine points for each of the four events and a minimum score of zero overall to pass the PFT.

STEP 8: TAKE THE BASIC FIELD TRAINING COURSE (BFTC)

The BFTC provides aspirant special agents with the fundamental know-how and abilities required for the position. The emphasis of the course material is on firearms instruction, interrogation techniques, and defensive tactics.

You must pass one physical fitness exam while completing this training course with at least 12 total points.

STEP 9: RECEIVE YOUR CAREER PLACEMENT

We’ve arrived at the turning point you were aiming for, so you should be grinning right now. Thank you for joining the FBI. The FBI will now recognize you as a special agent. This usually occurs after passing the fundamental field training course. At this point, the FBI places you in one of its 56 American field offices. You’ll start serving here on a full-time basis.

HOW MUCH DO FBI SPECIAL AGENTS EARN?

The FBI offers its special agents an annual salary that ranges from $78,000 to $153,000, based on their position. Special agents in charge can get up to $170,000 annually. Special agents with the FBI are paid at least 25% more than the ordinary American.

Special agents benefit from a variety of perks, such as a sizable 401K plan, health insurance, and paid time leave. They frequently get the opportunity to work abroad, receive relocation aid, and have access to professional development courses. These representatives can also submit a request for loan pardon.