How to Become a Special Agent

If you are interested in law enforcement and want a challenging career, you should consider becoming a special agent. You can choose a career as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the State Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and many other federal agencies. All federal agencies have similar requirements for special agent candidates. You must pass a drug test, a physical, a psychological evaluation and a very thorough background check. Additionally, you must be determined to succeed. Special agent candidates, after they meet all the initial requirements, go through extremely rigorous training to become special agents. If you go into the training unsure whether or not you really want to become a special agent, you probably will not succeed. Read on to learn how to become a special agent.

Instructions

1. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses as well as what motivates you and interests you the most in life. For instance, if you love science and possess great attention to detail, you might consider becoming a special agent in criminal investigation with the FBI. If you are interested in working overseas, you might consider choosing a special agent career with the State Department.

2. Visit the websites of the agencies you are interested in and then contact a career representative for the agency you feel is the best fit for you. They will be able to tell you the kinds of college courses you should take, and the degree or degrees you should get. The representatives should also be able to offer advice regarding the agency application process. Some agency websites have an application form, or a query form, you can fill out on line.

3. Attend a university and take the courses most helpful or required for your potential service as a special agent. A four-year degree is required for all federal, non-military, special agent positions. Courses may be in criminal justice, foreign language and science, but are not limited to those courses. Potential special agents must graduate with a decent GPA. Check with your federal agency for the exact requirements. Some special agent positions require degrees beyond the four-year degree.

4. Exercise regularly. You will need to maintain strength and stamina. Special agents must be exceptionally fit. The more physically fit you are, the better your chances of qualifying for special agent training, and the better your chances of succeeding in the training.

5. Attend special agent training. If you are accepted as a potential special agent, you must go through extensive training. FBI and DEA recruits go to Quantico, Virginia. Recruits for other agencies typically go to a federal training facility in Georgia. Most training programs are several months long and are known to be tough. If you are accepted into a training program, it does not mean you will become a special agent. You will still need to graduate from the program, and not everyone does; however, if you are determined and very serious about becoming a special agent, that attitude will help you succeed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have very poor eyesight, are colorblind, or hard of hearing you won’t qualify for training as a special agent.

• Expect the background check to be the most thorough check you’ve ever had in your life. Friends, family, and employers (past and present) will likely be contacted about you.

• Start the application process early and be prepared to wait.

• You should be willing to relocate.

• There are many different career paths for special agents—even the national park service has special agents

• As with all careers in law enforcement, a career as a special agent is full of risks.