Learn How to Become an FBI Special Agent

Learn How to Become an FBI Special AgentLearn How to Become an FBI Special AgentA career as an FBI werber is perhaps one the most sought after law enforcement jobs in the United States. Positions with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, along with most other special agent careers, tend to provide higher pay (often six figures after a few years), great health insurance coverage, and excellent retirement benefits. FBI agent careers, in particular, are often perceived to come with a certain status and prestige, given the fact that the FBI is one of the best known and most highly respected investigative agencies in the world. With that in mind, its no wonder you may have taken an interest in such a wonderful career opportunity. The question is, how do you become an FBI agent? Minimum Requirements for FBI Agents First things first, lets talk about the nadir requirements. If you dont meet these, your job application wont make it very far at all. To be eligible to even be considered f or a job as an FBI agent, you must Be a U.S. citizen (or a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands or other U.S. territories)Be between 23 and 37 years old (some exceptions to the maximum age are granted for veterans)Hold a valid drivers licenseHold a four-year degree (such as a B.S. or B.A.) from an accredited academic institutionBe ready and willing to work nearly anywhere in the worldHave at least three years of professional work experience under your belt FBI Agent Entry Programs The FBI hires agents less than one of five (fewer than 20%) applicants for entry programs or career tracks. These tracks include accounting, computer science and technology, language, law/legal, and diversified work. If you meet the minimum qualifications, the next step is to determine which track you qualify for. For the accountancy track, youll need to have bachelors degree in accounting and at least three years experience working in a professional accounting firm or as an accountant within a gove rnment agency. The experience requirement may be substituted if you become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). If youre interested in the computer and technology entry program, youll need to earn a bachelors degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field or in electrical engineering. If you dont have a technology degree, youll need to earn either a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification or a Cisco Certified Internet Working Expert (CCIE) certification. A four-year degree will still be required. If you are interested in becoming a law candidate, you need to earn a Juris doctorate (JD) - a law degree - from an accredited law school. You may also be required to pass the Bar exam. If you dont fit into one of the above categories, you may still qualify under the diversified entry program. Diversified candidates need to have a four-year degree in any major and three years of work experience or a graduate degree with at least two years of experie nce. Most often, these candidates are former police officers or those with past investigative experience. After applying under one the entry programs, applicants are then prioritized based on whether they possess certain critical skills that the FBI is in need of at the time. These skills include investigative experience, prior law enforcement, computer science, physical and biological sciences, language, intelligence gathering, finance, and accounting. For those of you who are fluent in a second or third language, you will need to possess a bachelors degree in any field and be able to pass language proficiency tests that include reading, writing, listening and speaking. Testing for FBI Agent Jobs If youre determined to meet the requirements, youll move into the testing phase. The first phase of testing will occur at a local FBI facility and consists of several written tests of basic abilities, knowledge, and competency. If you successfully complete the first phase, youll move o n to phase II, which will include a test of your written skills and an in-depth oral interview. Physical Fitness Requirements for FBI Agents If you meet the entry program and critical skill requirements and move through phase I and II testing, your next step will be the physical fitness test. The FBI requires all agents to undergo a physical abilities test to make sure theyre physically capable of performing the rigors of the job. The FBI fitness test consists of sit-ups, push-ups, a 300-meter sprint, and a timed 1.5-mile run. Youll be given a score based on the number of sit-ups youre able to do in a minute and the total number of push-ups you can perform, as well as how fast youre able to run the 300-meter dash and the 1.5 miles. To give you an idea of where you need to be physically, heres a breakdown of the averages for men and women FBI Fitness Standards 1-minute sit-upsMen 45-47 repsWomen 44-46 repsMinimum push-upsMen 44-49 repsWomen 27-29 reps300-meter dashMen 46.1-49 .9 secondsWomen 56.0-57.4 seconds1.5-mile runMen 1035-1109 (minutesseconds)Women 1157-1229 (minutesseconds) Dont fool yourself here. For many, it will take a lot of hard work to get in shape and get ready for the physical assessment. The sooner you departure working out, the better position youll be in on test day. Be sure to check with your doctor before you begin any exercise program. Background Investigations for FBI Agents If you cut the mustard physically, your next step will be the thorough background investigation. This is a nerve-wracking and grueling process for many and includes a polygraph exam, credit check, and interviews with neighbors, coworkers, and friends. It also includes interviews with previous employers to learn more about your past work history. Medical Testing for FBI Agents Your next step will be medical testing to make sure you dont have any underlying health issues that could be dangerous for you later in your career. This will include checks for h igh blood pressure, as well as vision and hearing screening. Medical screening wont necessarily get you disqualified, but it can bring to light health issues that may require your attention. FBI health specialists will make a determination on whether or not you are healthy enough for the job based on your overall physical exam. The FBI Academy If you make it past all of the steps, youll be invited to attend a Special Agent class at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. The 21-week training program will require you to live on campus, where youll spend long hours in the classroom as well as learning firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, and other special skills. The FBI Academy is mentally and physically tough, and special agent trainees are required to maintain their physical fitness. If an agent trainee fails his or her fitness test during the first or seventh week, theyll be sent home. The academic requirements are just as stringent, and failure to pass tests and proficiencies wi ll render you out of a job. Becoming an FBI Special Agent Becoming an FBI Agent is a tremendously difficult and competitive process. It takes years of time, planning, and hard work to mold yourself into the kind of candidate the FBI is looking to hire. Its not going to happen overnight, and the hiring process itself can take a year or longer. In the end though, if you can make it through the hoops, a career as an FBI special agent offers unique challenges, opportunities, and rewards. If your goal is to work for the FBI, nows the time to start planning for your future.