4 answers
Autumn
Student
Charleston, West Virginia
4
Questions
Asked
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What steps should I take if I want to become a FBI Agent
Step by step on what should I do if I want to pursue
a career in the FBI
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4 answers
Ezra Jackson
Security
81
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Ezra’s Answer
Hello,
If you want to get a head start on becoming an agent you should stay in good physical shape, inform yourself on law enforcement knowledge, and stay out of trouble. The biggest thing for most people is staying out of trouble, remember that cameras are everywhere and that anything online never really disappears.
If you want to get a head start on becoming an agent you should stay in good physical shape, inform yourself on law enforcement knowledge, and stay out of trouble. The biggest thing for most people is staying out of trouble, remember that cameras are everywhere and that anything online never really disappears.
Andrea Hewitt
Lawyer
5
Answers
North Yarmouth, Maine
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
The FBIJobs.gove website as of March 13, 2024, lists these criteria to be a special agent with the FBI:
Be at least 23 years old.
Apply before your 36th birthday unless you have veteran’s preference or federal law enforcement experience. You must complete the SASS process and enter on duty no later than the day before your 37th birthday.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of full-time professional work experience, or have an advanced degree and at least one year of full-time professional work experience.
Meet our physical fitness requirements.
Be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.
Keep in mind that this is what is listed on site as of the date mentioned above. By the time you're eligible, you should find out the most up-to-date information. Also, there are eligibility requirements to work with the FBI in any role. There's a document online that details the requirements, but they're what you'd expect, such as complying with their drug policy and passing a background check. But here are the things that automatically disqualify someone from employment, according to a document posted on the site as of March 14, 2024:
•Non-U.S. citizenship
•For all candidates: A felony conviction
•For special agent candidates only: A domestic violence misdemeanor conviction or a conviction for a more serious offense
•Violating the FBI Employment Drug Policy
•Using drugs while holding a clearance
•Defaulting on a student loan insured by the U.S. government
•Failing an FBI-administered urinalysis drug test
•Failing to register with the Selective Service System (for applicants who were assigned male at birth only, exceptions apply - please click here to find out more)
•Knowingly or willfully engaging in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. government by force
•Failing to pay court ordered child support
•Failing to file federal, state, or local income tax returns
If you meet all of the eligibility criteria (e.g. you're 23, have a bachelor's degree, work experience, etc.) and you're not automatically disqualified, you then apply (the FBI has documents online). Here's what the website says the hiring process is:
The special agent position follows a specialized hiring process. This is what the website says, as of March 14, 2024:
Apply for a position
Apply for the special agent position within the applicant portal.
Complete Special Agent Selection System (SASS) Process
The SASS consists of an information session and comprehensive assessments, including a written exam and physical fitness evaluation.
Conditional appointment offer
Begin the background investigation and pass our physical fitness assessment.
Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)
Complete and graduate from the 18-week BFTC at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia in order to officially join the FBI as a special agent and be assigned to your first office.
Be at least 23 years old.
Apply before your 36th birthday unless you have veteran’s preference or federal law enforcement experience. You must complete the SASS process and enter on duty no later than the day before your 37th birthday.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of full-time professional work experience, or have an advanced degree and at least one year of full-time professional work experience.
Meet our physical fitness requirements.
Be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.
Keep in mind that this is what is listed on site as of the date mentioned above. By the time you're eligible, you should find out the most up-to-date information. Also, there are eligibility requirements to work with the FBI in any role. There's a document online that details the requirements, but they're what you'd expect, such as complying with their drug policy and passing a background check. But here are the things that automatically disqualify someone from employment, according to a document posted on the site as of March 14, 2024:
•Non-U.S. citizenship
•For all candidates: A felony conviction
•For special agent candidates only: A domestic violence misdemeanor conviction or a conviction for a more serious offense
•Violating the FBI Employment Drug Policy
•Using drugs while holding a clearance
•Defaulting on a student loan insured by the U.S. government
•Failing an FBI-administered urinalysis drug test
•Failing to register with the Selective Service System (for applicants who were assigned male at birth only, exceptions apply - please click here to find out more)
•Knowingly or willfully engaging in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. government by force
•Failing to pay court ordered child support
•Failing to file federal, state, or local income tax returns
If you meet all of the eligibility criteria (e.g. you're 23, have a bachelor's degree, work experience, etc.) and you're not automatically disqualified, you then apply (the FBI has documents online). Here's what the website says the hiring process is:
The special agent position follows a specialized hiring process. This is what the website says, as of March 14, 2024:
Apply for a position
Apply for the special agent position within the applicant portal.
Complete Special Agent Selection System (SASS) Process
The SASS consists of an information session and comprehensive assessments, including a written exam and physical fitness evaluation.
Conditional appointment offer
Begin the background investigation and pass our physical fitness assessment.
Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)
Complete and graduate from the 18-week BFTC at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia in order to officially join the FBI as a special agent and be assigned to your first office.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1849
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Autumn !
I would be so happy to give you some advice about becoming an F.B.I. Agent and hope that it will help you along your way !
The steps I have listed below are good to become an Agent, but there are some special sectors that you may want to explore that have additional requirements. It will depend on if you want to be an agent specializing in language, law, Accounting, Computer Science/Information Technology or to be a diversified agent. It is a lot of information and it would be advisable to research this first hand after you've decided which kind of agent you'd like to be.
Keep in mind that to apply for this career, you must be older than 23 and younger than 37 years old. You'll have to be a U.S. citizen and have a valid drivers license. Your health and fitness must be good also. You must be willing and prepared to work anywhere in the United States or abroad and willing to travel a lot. You will have to work extra hours when they need you to.
Best wishes in this exciting career pursuit !
1. Earn a Bachelors Degree and obtain specialized employment for three years
2. Complete an application to become an agent and go through Phase 1 (many written tests to test your knowledge) and Phase 2 testing (written and oral skills testing)
3. Have an F.B.I. physical fitness test, background check and medical exam
4. Have multiple drug and polygraph tests and pass
5. Complete a New Agent training
I would be so happy to give you some advice about becoming an F.B.I. Agent and hope that it will help you along your way !
The steps I have listed below are good to become an Agent, but there are some special sectors that you may want to explore that have additional requirements. It will depend on if you want to be an agent specializing in language, law, Accounting, Computer Science/Information Technology or to be a diversified agent. It is a lot of information and it would be advisable to research this first hand after you've decided which kind of agent you'd like to be.
Keep in mind that to apply for this career, you must be older than 23 and younger than 37 years old. You'll have to be a U.S. citizen and have a valid drivers license. Your health and fitness must be good also. You must be willing and prepared to work anywhere in the United States or abroad and willing to travel a lot. You will have to work extra hours when they need you to.
Best wishes in this exciting career pursuit !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello, Autumn!
If you're interested in becoming an FBI agent, here's a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey:
1. Check your Eligibility: To be eligible, you need to be a U.S. citizen aged between 23 and 37. Exceptions might be made for veterans or those with a doctorate degree. Other requirements include owning a valid driver’s license, having good eyesight, and maintaining a clean criminal record.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Although not a strict requirement, possessing a bachelor's degree can boost your chances of being hired. Preferred fields of study include criminal justice, criminology, or any related discipline.
3. Accumulate Relevant Work Experience: The FBI appreciates experience in law enforcement, military service, or any other investigation and intelligence gathering fields. This could be through internships or volunteer work.
4. Clear the FBI Physical Fitness Test: You need to meet certain physical standards, such as running 1.5 miles in less than 12 minutes and completing 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups within two minutes each.
5. Apply to the FBI: Applications are accepted online during specific periods each year. The process involves submitting an application, taking a written exam, undergoing background checks, and participating in interviews and assessments.
6. Graduate from the FBI Academy: Successful candidates are invited to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia for 20 weeks of rigorous training in various law enforcement and investigation techniques.
7. Start Your Career as an FBI Agent: Upon graduation from the academy, agents are assigned to their first field office where they commence work in areas such as counterintelligence, cybercrime, or criminal investigations. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Referenced Authorities: Federal Bureau of Investigation (n.d.). Careers at the FBI: Special Agents [online]. Available at: https://www.fbi.gov/careers/jobs/special-agents-career [Accessed Jan 24] Federal Bureau of Investigation (n.d.). Hiring Process [online]. Available at: https://www.fbi.gov/careers/joining-the-fbi/hiring-process [Accessed Jan 24] U.S Department of Justice (n.d.). Federal Bureau of Investigation [online]. Available at: https://www.justice.gov/fbi [Accessed Jan 24]
May God bless you, Autumn!
James Constantine.
If you're interested in becoming an FBI agent, here's a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey:
1. Check your Eligibility: To be eligible, you need to be a U.S. citizen aged between 23 and 37. Exceptions might be made for veterans or those with a doctorate degree. Other requirements include owning a valid driver’s license, having good eyesight, and maintaining a clean criminal record.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Although not a strict requirement, possessing a bachelor's degree can boost your chances of being hired. Preferred fields of study include criminal justice, criminology, or any related discipline.
3. Accumulate Relevant Work Experience: The FBI appreciates experience in law enforcement, military service, or any other investigation and intelligence gathering fields. This could be through internships or volunteer work.
4. Clear the FBI Physical Fitness Test: You need to meet certain physical standards, such as running 1.5 miles in less than 12 minutes and completing 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups within two minutes each.
5. Apply to the FBI: Applications are accepted online during specific periods each year. The process involves submitting an application, taking a written exam, undergoing background checks, and participating in interviews and assessments.
6. Graduate from the FBI Academy: Successful candidates are invited to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia for 20 weeks of rigorous training in various law enforcement and investigation techniques.
7. Start Your Career as an FBI Agent: Upon graduation from the academy, agents are assigned to their first field office where they commence work in areas such as counterintelligence, cybercrime, or criminal investigations. (Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Referenced Authorities: Federal Bureau of Investigation (n.d.). Careers at the FBI: Special Agents [online]. Available at: https://www.fbi.gov/careers/jobs/special-agents-career [Accessed Jan 24] Federal Bureau of Investigation (n.d.). Hiring Process [online]. Available at: https://www.fbi.gov/careers/joining-the-fbi/hiring-process [Accessed Jan 24] U.S Department of Justice (n.d.). Federal Bureau of Investigation [online]. Available at: https://www.justice.gov/fbi [Accessed Jan 24]
May God bless you, Autumn!
James Constantine.