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Clover
Student
El Cajon, California
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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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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
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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