How to Join FBI as an Agent in 2024 – Do you have an interest in becoming an FBI agent? If yes, the next question is what do you need to do to become one? The what and how question is what we are here to answer, to help you achieve your goal of becoming an FBI agent.
The work of an FBI agent is very interesting and dangerous. But with the love of service and protection of your nation, you can do it.
In this article, we are going to talk about how you can become an FBI agent (i.e all the requirements an FBI agent needs to have).
That includes the training and all the things that will qualify you to become an FBI agent. If you want to become an FBI agent, then read through this article carefully, to get the full gist.
What is the FBI?
Before we move on, it is pertinent to let some people know the full meaning of the word FBI, this might help you even if you are not interested in becoming one. The FBI stands for “The Federal Bureau of Investigation”. It is the Federal Investigating agency and one of the world’s prominent law enforcement agencies.
The FBI special agents are in charge of maintaining security in the state, but most importantly, they are crime investigative agents of the federal government of the United States. That means they investigate crimes that violate federal laws such as bank robbery, postal fraud, and kidnapping.
FBI Agents Application Requirements
Eligibility Requirement for FBI Agents
- Have to be an American (i.e US citizen)
- Must be between 23 to 34 years of age (except for veterans)
- Pass the department drug policy screening
- And other vital background checks
- The males must be registered with the Selective Service
- Have a valid ID card
- You must two years of full-time work experience
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Be in good physical health or state of fitness
- Have a good economic status
The educational requirement for FBI agents
The agency does not have requirements for a specific field of study, but an FBI agent must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited University in the United State.
However, having a specific major may help you to choose whether to work with digital forensics or criminal profiling. The following options will help:
- Computer Science and IT
- Finance and Accounting
- Hard Science like Chemistry or Biology
- Criminal justice and military intelligence
- International studies and Foreign Language
- psychology
How to Join FBI as an Agent in 2024
If you are sure that you have met the eligibility requirement then take the following steps to your career:
1. Start with the submission of the application
You start the application process after you have ensured that you have met the eligibility requirement. Submit your FBI agent application form. If you are a veteran, include a DD-214 and a Veteran Affairs letter not later the last year.
2. Complete the phase one test
After you have been certified for the prescreening, you can start the FBI phase one test, which will be carried out to evaluate your logical, behavioral, and cognitive skills. The major aim of this phase one test is to create room for FBI professionals to ascertain your professionalism, communication skill, and areas of weaknesses.
3. Meet and Greet Interview
If you pass the phase 1 test you will be invited for the meet and greet interaction session. The meet and greet interview is an in-person review of your application, which takes place in your local area processing field close to you. The essence of the interview is for you to verify the information in your application and ask necessary questions about the organization’s policy. From there, the agent will assess you. Your success here will determine your phase 2 test.
4. Complete the phase two test
The phase two test includes a structural interview and a writing assessment. If you are successful, you will receive an email notification, inviting you for a structured interview at the FBI regional office.
4. Offer of conditional appointment letter
Immediately after you pass the phase 2 test you will receive a conditional appointment letter. This letter will be valid till the rest of the other assessments are complete. Don’t forget that this offer can also be terminated, if some anomalies are discovered in the process.
Read also:
The FBI underground investigation test lasts for 6 to 18 months. All the candidates must complete this process so as to obtain top-secret SCI clearance. The underground investigation includes personnel security interviews, polygraph examinations, fingerprinting, drugs test and credit and arrest tests, and other vital verifications.
6. Pass the physical fitness test (PFT)
The physical fitness test is important, because of the role and duties of the special FBI agent. Here, you must present medical reports from your doctor showing that you are physically fit for the job. The physical fitness test will be done continuously throughout the time of the process.
The PFT evaluation of candidates’ fitness level is done in four aspects:
- A timed 1.5-mile run
- Continuous sit-ups in one minute
- A timed 300-meter sprint
- A maximum number of continuous push-ups
7. The Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)
The basic field training course is fundamental training that enables the would-be special agent to acquire knowledge and skills that will allow him or her to carry out the job effectively. This training includes courses on interrogation, defensive tactics, human intelligence, and firearms lessons.
8. Accept Your Career Placement
After you have successfully completed your basic field training course, get ready for assignment from the FBI field office. That means that you have now become an official FBI agent. Now, out of the 56 FBI offices in the United States, you will be assigned to work with any one of them as an FBI special agent.
Core Competencies an FBI Agent Needs to Have
There are some core areas of special skills that an FBI agent needs to have, in order to function well either on or off the field. They are:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Initiative
- Planning and organizing
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Judgment and problem-solving
Conclusion
If you have taken time to go through this piece, then in no distant time, you will be fighting crime for your state. You will make your country proud. I hope the information was helpful, and that you have been able to solve the problem that brought you to this site.