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If you aspire to work in law enforcement and want to investigate crimes, uphold the law and protect people in your day-to-day job, you might make a great FBI agent. If you’re curious about how to join the FBI as a special agent, you’re in the right place.
This article explores how to become an FBI agent, including information on FBI age limits, eligibility requirements, qualifications, training and salary. We outline the criteria and steps involved in joining the FBI, including information about the Special Agent Selection System (SASS) process so you know what to expect from this career path.
Read on to learn more about becoming an FBI special agent.
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What Does an FBI Agent Do?
FBI agents investigate criminal activity that violates federal law, including crimes that cross state lines or are perpetrated against public agencies. These professionals may also assist with or take over some investigations involving state cases.
As an FBI agent, you may work in specializations such as terrorism, cybercrime, counterintelligence, organized crime or white-collar crime. FBI agents’ job responsibilities vary depending on their specific departments and assignments.
While working in the field, FBI agents may investigate criminal activity, gather intelligence, execute search warrants, arrest suspects and testify in court. Back at the office, they complete paperwork and meet with other squad members. Some agents have specialized roles in areas such as lab services, fingerprinting, public affairs and training.
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Minimum Qualifications To Become an FBI Special Agent
If you want to become an FBI agent, you must meet the FBI’s general eligibility requirements and complete a rigorous training and hiring process to become a special agent. Below are the requirements you must meet to work at the FBI in any role:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Not have any felony convictions
- Pass a background check
- Pass a urinalysis
- Not be in default on student loan payments
- Be up to date on any child support payments
- Have filed all required annual taxes
- Not be involved with any organizations that aim to overthrow our government
- Registered with the Selective Service if you are male
- Agree to adhere to the FBI’s drug use policy
And to become an FBI special agent, you must meet these additional requirements:
- Be at least 23 years of age
- Meet additional age requirements unless you are a veteran or have worked in federal law enforcement
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree with two years of full-time work experience or a graduate degree with one year of full-time work experience
- Be eligible for top-secret sensitive compartmented information (SCI) clearance
- Meet minimum medical and physical fitness requirements, including vision, hearing and immunization requirements
How To Join the FBI as a Special Agent: The SASS Process
To be an FBI special agent, you must complete the Special Agent Selection System (SASS) process, which can take one year or longer to complete. The SASS encompasses all of the steps required to become an FBI special agent, including testing and field training.
Below we outline what you can expect from the SASS.
Submit an Application
The first step to becoming an FBI agent is submitting your completed application, along with your résumé and official and unofficial college transcripts.
If you’re a current or former federal employee, you must also include your SF-50. If you’re a veteran applying for veterans’ preference, you should include your DD-214, statement of service, and SF-15 or VA letter dated within one year of your application submission.
Pass the FBI Phase I Test
The FBI uses the Phase I test to assess candidates’ aptitude regarding figural reasoning, logic-based reasoning, preference and interests, personality assessment and situational judgment. The SASS provides 21 days to complete this three-hour, computer-based test.
Meet and Greet Interview
You will meet with one or more evaluators for an in-person interview to review your application and validate your submitted materials at a processing field office. During this interview, evaluators assess your competitiveness and determine whether you will move on to the next phase.
Pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
To be an FBI special agent, you need to be physically fit. You must pass the PFT after your meet-and-greet interview and then again within 120 days of beginning your basic training field course. This test includes various components to test your fitness levels, such as sit-ups, push-ups, a 300-meter sprint and a 1.5-mile run.
Pass the Phase II Test
The Phase II test includes two parts: a writing assessment and an interview with a panel of three special agents. You should receive your results within two weeks of completing both parts of this test.
Receive a Conditional Appointment Offer
After passing the PFT and the Phase II test, you’ll receive a conditional appointment offer. You must then complete the rest of the SASS—including a polygraph test, background investigation and medical evaluation—before the FBI can hire you as a special agent.
Undergo a Background Investigation
FBI special agent candidates are carefully vetted through an extensive background investigation that includes a polygraph test, a drug test, a medical examination, credit checks, arrest checks, fingerprinting, a personal security interview, verification of your educational requirements and interviews with your references. A clean background check qualifies you for top-secret SCI clearance, which is essential for special agents.
Take the Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)
The BFTC is a 16-week training course that prepares you to perform the duties of a special agent. This course covers subjects such as firearms, defensive tactics, human intelligence, and interview and interrogation techniques. You also must pass at least one additional PFT during BFTC to ensure you’re physically fit and prepared to meet any physically challenging job requirements.
Receive Your Career Placement
After meeting the FBI’s employment requirements and completing the SASS, you may officially become an FBI special agent and receive an assignment at one of the FBI’s 56 field offices across the nation.
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FBI Special Agent Salary and Benefits
Below, we have listed more information about special agent salaries and benefits.
How Much Do FBI Agents Make?
FBI agent salaries vary by position but range from about $81,000 to around $129,000 for most positions, according to the FBI. Special agents in supervisory roles may earn more.
What Benefits Do FBI Agents Receive?
FBI special agents receive generous benefits and incentives, including the following:
- 13 to 26 days of annual leave
- 11 federal holidays
- 13 sick days
- 15 days for military leave for those in the military reserves
- 12 weeks of parental leave after one year of service
- 401(K) with up to a 5% employer match
- Health and life insurance options
- Pension plan
- Tuition reimbursem*nt and options to apply for repayment of student loans
- Specialized training programs
- Paid time off every week to exercise
- Opportunities to travel and work abroad
- Reimbursem*nt of relocation expenses for your first job and most subsequent transfers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How To Become an FBI Agent
Is it hard to get into the FBI?
Getting into the FBI is a challenge, especially if you want to work as a special agent. You must meet rigorous fitness and educational requirements, have a clean background and complete extensive training. It takes about one year to go through the process.
How many years does it take to become an FBI agent?
The FBI requires all employees to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years to complete, and two years of work experience. For special agents, the SASS takes about another year. You can expect to spend at least seven years meeting the requirements to become an FBI special agent.
How long is FBI training?
While it takes around one year to complete the SASS, the actual BFTC component takes about 16 weeks. During this time, you’ll learn valuable knowledge and foundational skills to prepare you for a career as an FBI special agent.
What degree do you need to be an FBI agent?
You need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to become an FBI agent. While the FBI doesn’t require a specific major, some popular options are criminal justice, computer science, cybersecurity, international studies and foreign languages. A master’s degree is not required but can reduce your work experience requirements.
Is there an FBI age limit?
Yes, FBI age limits apply, but you may be exempt from them if you’re a veteran. Generally, you must be between the ages of 23 and 36 when you apply to become a special agent, and you must complete the process before you turn 37. There is also a mandatory retirement age of 57.
