How to Become a Drug Enforcement Agent

The Drug Enforcement Administration has strict hiring criteria. To become a DEA agent, you must meet the eligibility requirements and pass a battery of exams and assessments. Your local recruitment office will guide you through this process. If you are hired, you must go to the DEA Training Academy for a Basic Agent Training (BAT) course. The DEA conducts this 16-week training program in Quantico, Virginia.

Things You'll Need

• Driver's license

Instructions

Qualifications

1. Meet the basic requirements to become a DEA agent. The DEA will hire new agents who are at least 21 years old but not older than 36. You must also be a U.S. citizen and have a valid driver's license. You must be able to relocate to your new post, which may be anywhere within the U.S. You must also not use illegal drugs and have no history of drug abuse.

2. Check the DEA's "Special Agent Careers" webpage for a list of more specific qualifications that you must meet. There are four specific qualifications; you must meet at least one of them. You may have at least a bachelor's degree, obtained with at least a 2.95 GPA. Or you may have a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) with related professional experience. Or you must be able to prove related work experience in the law enforcement field, or have certain special skills, such as foreign language fluency or a pilot's license.

3. Meet the physical requirements for this demanding career. In addition to having vision that is correctable to 20/20 and sharp hearing, you must also be physically fit. Download the Physical Task Training handbook from the DEA's website to check all the fitness qualifications. This handbook specifies the recommended intensity of your cardiovascular workouts and the number of repetitions you should do for anaerobic exercises, such as push-ups and pull-ups.

Hiring Process

1. Contact the DEA recruitment office closest to your location. There is a list available on the DEA website under the heading "Recruitment Offices." The recruiting agent will help you begin the application process. The full process may take as long as one year, or even longer.

2. Go to an orientation session. The recruitment office has a list of upcoming orientation events. This event instructs you in the basics of being a DEA agent and what to expect from the hiring process. Bring your driver's license and dress in casual business attire.

3. Pass the qualifications review with the recruiting office. This review checks that you have met all the requirements for hiring. Bring proof of your identity, driver's license, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, as well as proof of your educational or work experience. The recruiting agent will also administer an oral and written assessment and a panel interview to determine if you are an ideal candidate.

4. Undergo the medical examination and the drug urinalysis. The DEA will also administer a psychological examination and a polygraph test. It will then conduct a background investigation.

5. Pass the physical fitness assessment. This assessment follows the guidelines in the PTT handbook. Expect an agility test, a two-mile run and various calisthenics.

   Wait for notice from the DEA. It will evaluate the results of these extensive tests and exams before informing you of whether it will hire you.

References

• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Before You Apply
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Qualifications
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Become a DEA Special Agent

Resources

• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Physical Task Training
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Questions & Answers