How to Be a DEA Agent
Special agents for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are charged with enforcing laws and regulations regarding controlled substances in the United States. Much of the work that the DEA does is linked to terrorism, and special agents work the front line to protect the country against drug trafficking organizations. DEA agents must be in excellent physical condition and not have any history of using narcotics.
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Instructions
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Apply between the ages of 21 and 36. You may not enter the program once you are over 36.
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Complete a bachelor's degree or higher with a GPA of at least 2.95. This is not required if you have professional experience working in narcotics investigations, or if you have at least three years of work experience or special skills such as military or private industry training.
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Take the eligibility quiz and drug questionnaire to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for special agent (see Resources).
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Contact the local recruitment office (see Resources). Schedule an appointment for an orientation session. Dress in casual business attire and bring a valid driver's license or military ID to the session.
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Complete the hiring process which includes a review of qualifications, written assessment, panel review, drug screening, physical examination, polygraph test, psychological examination, background check and the Physical Task Test (see Resources for training booklet).
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Wait for a hiring decision to be made (this may take up to 12 months from the beginning of the process). Begin field training after an offer is made.
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