Requirements to Become a Criminal Profiler

Criminal profilers are commonly found in living rooms via the magic of television, but, in real life, the job title doesn't actually exist. The closest career match is working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) in Quantico, Va. NCAVC agents do create criminal profiles as part of their jobs.

Education

There are no specific education requirements for becoming an agent with the NCAVC. Job listings for the NCAVC often cite a preference for a behavioral science or forensics degree, but the most important factor is previous experience as an FBI agent. Even though the NCAVC may not require a specific degree, it's a good idea to major in forensics, criminal justice or psychology. If possible, advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate, should be obtained.

Career Path

NCAVC agents must have at least 3 years' experience as an FBI agent, meaning the first step to working as a criminal profiler is getting a job at the FBI. Agents interested in criminal profiling should seek to work on cases such as homicides, kidnappings or rapes. Agents who work as profile coordinators in field offices sometimes have an advantage over other applicants to the NCAVC program because they are able to develop contacts within NCAVC.

Alternative Career Paths

The NCAVC does hire staff to support the agents and to aid them in researching and constructing criminal profiles. Support positions utilize strong research skills and typically require a background in either law enforcement or forensics. In some cases, ideal candidates are retired police officers, so a law enforcement background of some kind will give those applicants an edge. Candidates must also pass a battery of written, psychological and medical exams to qualify for NCAVC support positions.

Time Line

To work for the NCAVC, candidates must first become an FBI agent. Prospective agents must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 23 and 37. They must also have at least a bachelor's degree and 3 years of professional work experience. NCAVC only considers FBI agents with 3 years of service as an agent. However, it generally takes much longer to land a job with the NCAVC. A reasonable time line would be 8 to 10 years, after joining the FBI.

Day in the Life

The typical day for a NCAVC agent is varied. Days at the Quantico offices include preparation of paperwork for professional presentations to law enforcement agencies around the world or conducting research in serial crimes. NCAVC agents not only create criminal profiles, they also advise ongoing investigations, review crime scene photos, conduct interviews, perform threat evaluations and coordinate case strategies with prosecutors.

Resources

• Agent John Douglas on Criminal Profiling