How long is FBI hiring process?

Timeframe: Candidates will receive their CAO shortly after passing the Phase II Writing Assessment and Interview. Timeframe: The average background investigation takes approximately six months, but can take up to 18 months or more depending on where an applicant has lived, worked and traveled.


How long does it take to get hired for the FBI?

How long does it take to become an FBI agent? It's a long process to become an FBI agent—generally at least six or seven years. First you need at least a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years of full-time study. You will also need at least two years of full-time professional work experience.

How long is FBI interview process?

Step 5: FBI Phase II Test

The FBI Structure Interview is one hour long and is administered by a panel of three special agents.


Is it hard getting hired by the FBI?

The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.

How does the FBI hiring process work?

The background investigation includes a Personnel Security Interview (PSI), polygraph examination, drug test, fingerprinting, and medical examination. It also includes credit and arrest checks, interviews with associates and references, and verification of educational achievements.


Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How



How old is the youngest FBI agent?

You must be at least 23 years old at the time of your appointment. You must also be younger than 37, unless you qualify for an age waiver available to veterans.

Is joining the FBI worth it?

FBI agents typically earn a decent salary and receive a good benefits package. The average salary for a special agent is $71,665 per year . In addition, special agents receive health insurance, long-term care coverage, group life insurance, retirement savings and investment plans.

What can disqualify you from joining the FBI?

EMPLOYMENT DISQUALIFIERS
  • Non-U.S. citizenship.
  • Conviction of a felony (Special Agent candidates only: conviction of a domestic violence misdemeanor or more serious offense)
  • Violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy (please see below for additional details)
  • Default on a student loan insured by the U.S. Government.


What GPA do you need to work for the FBI?

Students must have and maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) throughout the application process (or, for collegiate hires, through graduation). Honors interns must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program.

What are the disadvantages of being a FBI agent?

Dangerous. Working as an FBI agent can sometimes put you in danger. Agents regularly search for those who have committed crimes and some criminals may be aggressive. The FBI provides extensive training in topics such as defensive tactics and requires that all agents go into the field with a partner.

Do FBI agents work 5 days a week?

Work Environment

The FBI says that special agents must "work a minimum of 50 hours a week (which may include irregular hours) and be on call 24/7, including holidays and weekends." They are on call for possible assignment 24 hours a day. Assignments may be given for any location at any time...


Is the FBI Phase 1 test hard?

The FBI Phase 1 Test, also named the FBI Test, is a tough exam, and only around 30% of test-takers manage to pass it. It lasts for 3 hours and includes various challenging questions, ranging from logic-based to behavioral questions. It's estimated that around 70% of the FBI Phase 1 test-takers fail the exam every year.

What happens if you fail FBI polygraph?

If you fail the FBI polygraph, you'll be barred for life from FBI employment.

How many FBI agents are hired each year?

The FBI normally hires between 500 and 750 Special Agents a year but we get around 10,000 applicants, so you can see that we can pick and choose from “the best of the best.” A person really needs to be at the top of their game when trying to become an FBI Special Agent, both personally and professionally.


Can you see your family during FBI training?

You must maintain a certain level of physical fitness throughout your time at the Academy, and throughout your career as a special agent. To allow for proper focus during your time at the Academy, the FBI discourages family members from moving nearby during the training duration.

Do all FBI employees go to Quantico?

All special agents begin their career at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for 20 weeks of intensive training at one of the world's finest law enforcement training facilities.

Is there a height requirement for the FBI?

The FBI does not have a height requirement, but candidates must meet the other qualifications to be hired and attend the training academy in Quantico, VA.


Can FBI agents have tattoos?

Kellie: Yeah, they are allowed. Now I would suggest that if you're looking to get a tattoo, be very judicious in where you place it, just because the image of the Academy in the FBI is extremely important. So just be judicious in your placement of your tattoo.

What degree is best for FBI?

  • Criminal Justice. When it comes to those working at the FBI, the most common degree is a bachelor's in criminal justice. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Cybersecurity. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Forensic Accounting. ...
  • International Studies. ...
  • Public Safety Administration. ...
  • Psychology.


What is the FBI polygraph like?

The examine will be told the FBI polygraph [device] is an instrument that measures a person's physiological responses—a person's physical/biological responses to questions posed by the examiner using: Two pneumograph tubes that are place around your chest and stomach to measure respiration.


Do all FBI jobs require a polygraph?

All FBI employees are polygraphed on two issues. The first issue is on drug usage; the second issue is on counterintelligence, national security polygraph. Those are the two issues that all FBI employees have to pass a polygraph on.”

Can FBI agents have social media?

While there are no specific regulations prohibiting an FBI agent from having an active Facebook account, social media can directly impact the results of a comprehensive background investigation.

Do you move a lot in the FBI?

Many FBI agents work at the official FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., while others work in regional offices around the country in cities like Albuquerque, Indianapolis, Seattle, Kansas City, and Miami. The FBI can call on agents to change locations at any time, so agents often move around.


How many hours do FBI agents work?

Work a minimum of 50 hours per week, which may include irregular hours, and be on-call 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Maintain a level of fitness necessary to effectively respond to life-threatening situations on the job. Carry a firearm and be willing to use deadly force, if necessary.

Do FBI agents have time for family?

Special agents are always on call to protect their country and may be transferred at any time, based on the needs of the FBI. This is definitely not a nine-to-five career. Although the work is challenging and exciting, special agents still have the opportunity to spend quality time with their families.