How Hard Is it to Become an FBI Special Agent?
Becoming a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent is a multi-step process. Failure to pre-qualify in a special subject area--or pass the required background checks and fitness tests--can mean rejection at any time.
Other People Are Reading
-
Basic Requirements
-
Applicants must be between 23 to 37 years old at the time of appointment. Would-be agents must also have a valid driver's license, hold a four-year college or university degree and be able to work anywhere within their assigned jurisdiction.
Special Agent Entry Programs
-
Candidates must qualify for one of five special entry programs in accounting, computer science, diversified experience, law and language areas, where further requirements come into play. For example, language area applicants must show mastery of dialects that are priority areas, such as Punjabi.
-
Physical Fitness Requirements
-
Qualifying for one of the special program areas leads to an interview in the candidate's expertise area. If the interview is successful, a physical fitness test follows. This includes a timed 300-meter sprint and maximum number of pushups and situps within a minute.
Background Investigation
-
Following the physical fitness tests, the background check begins. Essential steps include a polygraph examination, which applicants must pass to receive the top secret security clearance that the FBI requires.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images
