2 answers
Clover
Student
El Cajon, California
2
Questions
Asked
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What steps do I take to work for the FBI?
I'm a 13 yo that wants to start prepping early. Working for the FBI is one of my dream jobs so I'd like to know what steps to take and what I have to do to qualify!
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
STEPS IN BECOMING AN FBI AGENT
Clover the FBIs education requirements are you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience.
The FBI has a broad range of positions available—generally, the FBI is looking for expertise in disciplines that require logic, analysis, and critical thinking. It's also highly desirable if you have foreign to language experience.
STEP 1) EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Depending on the school and program, you may need to complete an internship in your subject area to graduate. For example, education majors are generally required to teach in a classroom, and health-care majors typically complete an internship in a clinical setting. Internships usually count as credit toward your degree. The FBI offers a 10-week internship program for undergraduates between their junior and senior years. Internships for graduate students are also offered. Interns work alongside FBI professionals in a variety of capacities, including analyzing crime data and supporting operations. These internships are paid, and are considered a direct pipeline into an FBI job after graduation. You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify and the selection process includes a background check.
STEP 2) TWO YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE
The FBI requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of professional work experience. It defines this as any position that requires a bachelor’s degree, and includes supervisory, managerial and leadership responsibilities. This work requirement is a great time to gain new, real-life skills in your field. The FBI is highly competitive and seeks top-tier candidates—achieving success in the work you do, in addition to strong academics, will make you stand out as a superior candidate. It can also be beneficial to earn additional certifications on the job before applying to the FBI. Supplementing your specialization by becoming a Certified Forensic Accountant or earning a certification in Information Security, for example, can demonstrate your expertise.
STEP 3) FBI ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for employment, you must adhere to the following guidelines prior to application consideration:
• Be at least 23 years of age
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be a U.S. citizen
• No felony convictions
• Adherence with FBI drug policy
• Pass background investigation
• Student loans in good standing
• Current with federal, state, and local taxes
• Current with child support payments
STEP 4) APPLY FOR THE FBI.
The process to become a special agent involves multiple steps and usually takes at least a year. To begin the process, you will need to apply online. If you make it through initial screening steps, you will undergo more a more rigorous evaluation process, including:
• Pass the FBI Phase I Test: The FBI uses the Phase I test to assess candidates’ aptitude regarding figural reasoning, logic-based reasoning, preference and interests, personality assessment and situational judgment.
• Meet and Greet Interview: You will meet with one or more evaluators for an in-person interview to review your application and validate your submitted materials at a processing field office. During this interview, evaluators assess your competitiveness and determine whether you will move on to the next phase.
• Medical examination: You will need to pass a physical and vision test to ensure you meet health standards.
• Physical fitness test: Candidates must pass a fitness test that includes push-ups, sit-ups, a sprint and a 1.5-mile run. You must also pass the fitness test again after being accepted into the training program.
• Background investigation: The FBI will interview neighbors, friends, family and colleagues, both past and present, to learn about your personal background. You will also take a drug test, be fingerprinted, and have your criminal and credit record checked.
• Pass the Phase II Test: The Phase II test includes two parts: a writing assessment and an interview with a panel of three special agents. You should receive your results within two weeks of completing both parts of this test.
• Pass Basic Field Training Course (BFTC): The BFTC is a 16-week training course that prepares you to perform the duties of a special agent. This course covers subjects such as firearms, defensive tactics, human intelligence, and interview and interrogation techniques.
Clover the FBIs education requirements are you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience.
The FBI has a broad range of positions available—generally, the FBI is looking for expertise in disciplines that require logic, analysis, and critical thinking. It's also highly desirable if you have foreign to language experience.
STEP 1) EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Depending on the school and program, you may need to complete an internship in your subject area to graduate. For example, education majors are generally required to teach in a classroom, and health-care majors typically complete an internship in a clinical setting. Internships usually count as credit toward your degree. The FBI offers a 10-week internship program for undergraduates between their junior and senior years. Internships for graduate students are also offered. Interns work alongside FBI professionals in a variety of capacities, including analyzing crime data and supporting operations. These internships are paid, and are considered a direct pipeline into an FBI job after graduation. You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify and the selection process includes a background check.
STEP 2) TWO YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE
The FBI requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of professional work experience. It defines this as any position that requires a bachelor’s degree, and includes supervisory, managerial and leadership responsibilities. This work requirement is a great time to gain new, real-life skills in your field. The FBI is highly competitive and seeks top-tier candidates—achieving success in the work you do, in addition to strong academics, will make you stand out as a superior candidate. It can also be beneficial to earn additional certifications on the job before applying to the FBI. Supplementing your specialization by becoming a Certified Forensic Accountant or earning a certification in Information Security, for example, can demonstrate your expertise.
STEP 3) FBI ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for employment, you must adhere to the following guidelines prior to application consideration:
• Be at least 23 years of age
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be a U.S. citizen
• No felony convictions
• Adherence with FBI drug policy
• Pass background investigation
• Student loans in good standing
• Current with federal, state, and local taxes
• Current with child support payments
STEP 4) APPLY FOR THE FBI.
The process to become a special agent involves multiple steps and usually takes at least a year. To begin the process, you will need to apply online. If you make it through initial screening steps, you will undergo more a more rigorous evaluation process, including:
• Pass the FBI Phase I Test: The FBI uses the Phase I test to assess candidates’ aptitude regarding figural reasoning, logic-based reasoning, preference and interests, personality assessment and situational judgment.
• Meet and Greet Interview: You will meet with one or more evaluators for an in-person interview to review your application and validate your submitted materials at a processing field office. During this interview, evaluators assess your competitiveness and determine whether you will move on to the next phase.
• Medical examination: You will need to pass a physical and vision test to ensure you meet health standards.
• Physical fitness test: Candidates must pass a fitness test that includes push-ups, sit-ups, a sprint and a 1.5-mile run. You must also pass the fitness test again after being accepted into the training program.
• Background investigation: The FBI will interview neighbors, friends, family and colleagues, both past and present, to learn about your personal background. You will also take a drug test, be fingerprinted, and have your criminal and credit record checked.
• Pass the Phase II Test: The Phase II test includes two parts: a writing assessment and an interview with a panel of three special agents. You should receive your results within two weeks of completing both parts of this test.
• Pass Basic Field Training Course (BFTC): The BFTC is a 16-week training course that prepares you to perform the duties of a special agent. This course covers subjects such as firearms, defensive tactics, human intelligence, and interview and interrogation techniques.
Thank you!
Clover
Hello, Doc ! Just a quick Thank You for up voting one of my responses. It's appreciated ! - Michelle Marotta
Michelle M.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
95
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First. Go over what Doc has written more than twice.
In the "old days" the FBI wanted lawyers. I would therefore think about obtaining a law degree and having a law degree may give you an edge among applicants as the degree has been somewhat institutionalized within the Bureau. After all, it's been around a long time and it was part of the culture.
The other advantage of a law degree is (1) you will have an alternative career (2) you decide the Bureau is not for you or they decide you are not for the Bureau.
One other thing, because I have worked so long with students: Go back and review your question. You made some errors. Understand, this is not a criticism. It is what I would say to any student who sends me a written question. First, carefully go over the question and make sure it is written in a correct manner with no problems. "13 yo"???? I've been a professor and taught for ten years in middle school. I'd tell my middle school student "I figured out what "yo" means, but it is not stated correctly. Rewrite."
And after writing all this I went through what I wrote and corrected three errors.
Now. Off you go.
In the "old days" the FBI wanted lawyers. I would therefore think about obtaining a law degree and having a law degree may give you an edge among applicants as the degree has been somewhat institutionalized within the Bureau. After all, it's been around a long time and it was part of the culture.
The other advantage of a law degree is (1) you will have an alternative career (2) you decide the Bureau is not for you or they decide you are not for the Bureau.
One other thing, because I have worked so long with students: Go back and review your question. You made some errors. Understand, this is not a criticism. It is what I would say to any student who sends me a written question. First, carefully go over the question and make sure it is written in a correct manner with no problems. "13 yo"???? I've been a professor and taught for ten years in middle school. I'd tell my middle school student "I figured out what "yo" means, but it is not stated correctly. Rewrite."
And after writing all this I went through what I wrote and corrected three errors.
Now. Off you go.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Clover
Don't be grateful. You're a student who wishes to make use of their education and work in a profession that benefits the society. The society should be grateful that there are people like you who wish to get involved in this type of work.
Jerry Tingstad