DEA Special Agent Application Process
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces United States laws and regulations pertaining to controlled substances. Special agents conduct the related investigations, make arrests and testify in court cases. Becoming a special agent with the DEA is a long process that may take a year or more. Although not required, the DEA recommends that applicants attend an orientation session before beginning the application process. Orientations and applicant testing and interviews are scheduled through DEA recruitment offices.
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Basic Qualifications
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Before beginning the application process, applicants must meet the basic qualifications to become a special agent with the DEA. Applicants must be United States citizens between the ages of 21 and 36. They must also have a valid driver's license. Applicants must be willing to relocate to work at any of the DEA's field offices.
Applicants must meet the educational and work experience requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in any field with a GPA of at least 2.95. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may still qualify if they have at least three years work experience and special skills such as accounting, military or pilot experience or are fluent in a foreign language. Candidates with a law degree and experience are also qualified to apply. Alternatively, candidates may apply without a degree if they demonstrate experience in narcotics investigations, arrests and court testimony.
Written Assessment and Interview
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After confirming that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications to become a DEA special agent, the agency will schedule the candidate to take a written assessment and complete a panel interview. This process helps to confirm the candidate's ability to do the job of a special agent, including the ability to analyze data and communicate clearly orally and in writing.
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Drug Testing
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All applicants must take and pass a urinalysis drug test. Applicants will also be required to answer questions about drug use throughout their lives, and this information is checked during the background check. Any current or prior use of controlled substances will disqualify applicants from working with the DEA. In some cases exceptions will be made for marijuana use, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Medical Examination
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Candidates must undergo a medical examination to ensure that no medical conditions will prevent them from meeting the demands of their job. Hearing and vision are also tested. Hearing aids will disqualify candidates from becoming a special agent. Candidates must also demonstrate normal color vision and have vision correctable to at least 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other.
Physical Test
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The physical task test is given to applicants to ensure they can meet the physical demands of agent training. The applicant must complete five events, including completing as many pull-ups as possible without stopping. During the sit-up event, applicants have two minutes to complete as many sit-ups as possible. The applicant then completes as many push-ups as possible without stopping. No time limit is applied to the pull-up or push-up events. Next the applicant completes a 120-yard shuttle run followed by a two-mile run as quickly as possible. The minimum score required for each event varies based on gender. If the applicant fails the test, he may retake it within 30 days. Applicants who fail a second time will not go on in the application process.
Polygraph and Psychological Examination
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The applicant must then submit to a polygraph examination. This exam is used to ensure the applicant's truthfulness on any information provided in the application process. The psychological examination ensures that the applicant is psychologically able to handle the demands of the special agent position.
Background Check
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The DEA conducts a thorough background examination on all applicants. The agency checks all information provided during the application process, completes a criminal background check and checks for prior drug use. Employment history and experience will be checked, and interviews will be conducted to help determine the candidate's moral character. A clean background is essential as applicants are required to obtain top secret clearance as a DEA special agent.
Hiring Decision
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Applicants who successfully complete all the steps in the hiring process may be offered a position with the DEA. Accepted applicants will be sent to the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where they will complete the 16-week Basic Agent Training program before entering the field as a special agent.
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