Minimum Qualifications for the Special Agent Position
Special Agent applicants must meet the following MINIMUM qualificationsto be considered for the position:
- Be a United States citizen or a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Be completely available for assignment anywhere in the FBI's geographic jurisdiction.
- Be at least 23 years of age but not yet 37 at the time of hire (due to the length of time it takes to test, process, and hire new Agents, it is advisable not to begin testing if an applicant is over 36 1/2 years of age).
- Possess a valid driver's license.
- Be deemed by the FBI's chief Medical Officer to be physically able to engage in firearms use, raids, defensive tactics and other essential functions of the job.
- Possess a four-year degree from a college or university accredited by one of the regional or national institutional associations recognized by the United States Secretary of Education.
In addition to the above minimum qualifications, Special Agent candidates must qualify under one or more of the following five entrance programs:
Law: To qualify under the Law Program, you must have a J.D. degree from an accredited resident law school. Accounting: To qualify under the Accounting Program, you must have a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting or a related discipline, and be academically eligible to take the CPA examination. Candidates who have not passed the CPA exam will be required to pass the FBI's accounting test. Language: To qualify under the Language Program, you must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline plus proficiency in a language that meets the needs of the FBI. Candidates will be required to pass a foreign language proficiency test. Computer Science: To qualify under the Computer Science Program, you must have a BS in Computer Science or a related discipline; or any BS or BA degree plus certification as a Cisco Certified Professional (CCNP) or a Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE). Diversified: To qualify under the Diversified Program, you must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline accompanied by three years of full-time work experience, or an advanced degree in any discipline accompanied by two years of full-time work experience. Special Agent candidates must commit to serving the FBI as a Special Agent for three years.
Disqualifiers
There are specific things that will automatically disqualify you from consideration for the Special Agent position. They are:
- Conviction of a felony.
- Use of illegal drugs (see the FBI Employment Drug Policy for more details).
- Default of student loan (insured by the U.S. Government).
- Failure of a urinalysis drug test.
- Failure to register with the Selective Service System.
Steps in the Special Agent Application and Selection Process
There are ten main steps to the selection process:
- Apply online at www.fbijobs.com
- Phase I Testing
- Phase II Testing
- Background Investigation
-
Personal Security Interview
- Polygraph Examination
- SF-86 -
Questionnaire for National Security Positions
- Fitness Test
- Physical
Examination
- FBI Academy (18 Weeks)
Truthfulness throughout the entire applicant process is of utmost importance. Any intentional false statement or willful misrepresentation will result in disqualification for the Special Agent position. If the misrepresentation is discovered after hiring, the employee may be subject to inquiry and suitable administrative or disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
For a complete list of Special Agent requirements please visit http://www.fbijobs.gov.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT POSITIONS
To apply on-line for specific professional support vacancies at FBI Headquarters and in the 56 field offices as well as for information on FBI policies and practices, please visit the FBI's Employment Page.
Steps in the Professional Support Application and SelectionProcess
All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Prior to employment,you must complete the application process.
- Application for Employment (FD-140)
- Testing (required for most positions)
- Interview
- Drug Screening Test
- Polygraph Examination
- Background Investigation
- Physical Examination (required for certain positions)
Applicants are thoroughly investigated for FBI employment. The background investigation takes from one to four months and encompasses contacting former and current employers, references, social acquaintances, and neighbors, as well as reviewing school, credit, arrest, medical and military records. The complete background investigation is then assessed for a final decision on employment offerings.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT POSITIONS - AT A GLANCE
|
CATEGORY |
DESCRIPTION |
TYPES OF JOBS |
QUALIFICATIONS | | PROFESSIONAL | Occupations requiring knowledge in a field of science or other specialized field | Electronics Engineer Mechanical Engineer Attorney Contract Specialist Chemist | Four-year college degree in specific field and/or related work experience (advanced degree in some cases) | | ADMINISTRATIVE | Occupations that require the ability to manage or administrate | Personnel Security Specialist Intelligence Research Specialist Computer Specialist Management Analyst Language Specialist | Four-year college degree and/or related work experience | | TECHNICAL | Occupations that involve extensive practical knowledge gained through experience or training | Fingerprint Examiner Evidence Technician Computer Operator Telecommunications Equipment Operator Accounting Technician | Over 16 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, technical training and/or related work experience | | CRAFT/TRADE/MAINTENANCE
OPERATIONS | Occupations that require a skill in a specific craft or trade and involve upkeep of FBI facilities and grounds | Laborer Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Maintenance Mechanic Carpenter Automotive Mechanic | Over 16 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, technical training and/or related work experience | | CLERICAL | Occupations that involve structured work in support of office, business or fiscal operations | Clerk Typist Stenographer | Over 16 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent (in some cases, proven competency skills) | | OTHER | Occupations that involve security/protective services | Police Officer Security Warder | Over age 21 (Security Warder over age 16), high school diploma or equivalent | |