How to Pass the FBI Special Agent Entrance Exam (2024)

How to Pass the FBI Special Agent Entrance Exam (1)

Pass the FBI Special Agent Entrance Exam | Online Prep Course, Study Guide and Practice Tests | Covers Phase 1 and Phase 2 Assessments

FBI's Special Entrance Exam and Testing Process

How to Pass the FBI Special Agent Entrance Exam (2)

Some of the most prestigious law enforcement positions you will find on USAJOBS.gov are with the FBI. The FBI is arguably the most respected law enforcement agency in the world and you shouldn’t be surprised that their entry-level testing is very challenging.

After applying, the selection process starts with a Written Exam known as FBI Phase 1 (below). Candidates who pass Phase 1, are then invited to a Meet and Greet session. If all goes well, candidates then have to pass the FBI Phase 2 Assessment (below).

Those who pass the FBI Phase 2 test will then have to pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and meet vision and hearing requirements. Therefore, it is imperative that candidates get in good shape months before applying.

Questions Included on the FBI Special Agent Phase 1 Test

How to Pass the FBI Special Agent Entrance Exam (3)

The FBI Phase 1 test is an online, computerized exam that takes approximately three hours to complete. Test topics include:

  • Logical Reasoning (Do not attempt without good preparation!)

  • Figural Reasoning (Advanced visual pattern recognition)

  • Personality Assessment (5-point ranking)

  • Preferences and Interests (5-point ranking)

  • Situational Judgment (5-point ranking, preparation required)

Serious candidates will study for these challenging tests with the Best FBI Special Agent Test Prep course on the market.

Questions Included on the FBI Special Agent Phase 2 Test

How to Pass the FBI Special Agent Entrance Exam (4)

FBI Phase 2 testing will be conducted only after a candidate passes the FBI Phase 1 Test and the Meet and Greet session. There are two major sections to this FBI Phase 2 test:

  • FBI Phase 2 Writing Assessment

The FBI Writing Assessment exam is two and a half hours long and tests applicants’ ability to analyze data and compose two well-written, comprehensive reports. Applicants need to learn how to use all available data and consider all alternatives in order to arrive at a sound conclusion or recommendation. The reports must demonstrate good paragraph/sentence flow and be free of grammar errors.

  • FBI Structured Interview

The structured interview is one hour long and is administered by a panel of three Special Agents. Good preparation will make a huge difference on the FBI Structured Interview.

What is the Best FBI Special Agent Prep Course?

Based upon over 1000 5-star reviews on ShopperApproved ™, the best FBI Special Agent test prep course on the market is by Sgt. George Godoy. Reasons students rate FBI Special Agent Test Prep Course so highly include:

  • All FBI Phase 1 and Phase 2 test topics are covered in detail
  • Video-based tutorials teach you how to master each test topic
  • Hundreds of online practice questions
  • Managing Bio Data Assessment most effectively
  • In-depth Situational Judgment Training
  • Best Practices for the FBI Meet and Greet
  • How to Write A Great FBI Phase 2 Report
  • How Impress at your Phase 2 Structured Interview
  • Lifetime access for a one-time fee
  • Mobile-friendly
  • Personal support from a veteran cop and police recruiter
  • Bonus material included:
    • How to Prepare for your Background Investigation
    • How to Not Fail the Polygraph
    • Best Practices for the Psych Exam

Learn more about FBI Special Agent Test Prep Course

How to Pass the FBI Special Agent Entrance Exam (2024)

FAQs

How to Pass the FBI Special Agent Entrance Exam? ›

Take practice tests

How hard is the FBI special agent exam? ›

The FBI test only has a 30% passing rate. It is not only important to pass the exam but it is important to score well. Your score will be kept in your file and used to help decide if you are a worthy candidate.

How hard is the special agent entrance exam? ›

Most candidates find the SAEE test challenging. It is quite a lengthy test which can lead to testers fatigue.

What is the pass rate for the FBI special agent exam? ›

The FBI Exam Pass Rate

The FBI Entrance Exam has a 30% passing rate. If you fail to pass the test for the first time, you'll have a second chance to retest 90 days after your final test session. If you fail it for the second time, your application for the FBI Special Agent position will be permanently deactivated.

What happens if you fail the FBI Phase 1 test? ›

If you fail FBI Phase 1 test on the first attempt, you will be able to resit the test 90 days later. If you fail the test again on your second attempt, your application for the position of Special Agent will be deactivated permanently.

What GPA do you need to be a FBI agent? ›

Have and maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or better at the time of application, throughout the application process, and for the duration of the internship program. Pass all of the FBI employment background investigation requirements and be able to receive a Top Secret Clearance.

What is the hardest part of becoming an FBI agent? ›

The most difficult part of being an FBI agent is the sense of isolation it can foster. Most agents work by themselves or, if necessary, in pairs. They often travel for long periods. The project-based nature of this career may keep it exciting, but the uncertainty of it can lead to frustration.

What is the FBI acceptance rate? ›

How Does the FBI Hire Agents? The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.

How to study for the FBI test? ›

The best way to prepare for your FBI Phase 1 Test is to take plenty of practice tests, particularly for the logic-based and figural reasoning sections. Through regular practice, you'll become increasingly familiar with this type of assessment and thus more confident in completing it.

Is becoming an FBI special agent worth it? ›

FBI agents typically earn a decent salary and receive a good benefits package. The average salary for a special agent is $71,665 per year . In addition, special agents receive health insurance, long-term care coverage, group life insurance, retirement savings and investment plans.

How many push ups for FBI? ›

Pushups:
ScoreFemaleMale
114-1830-32
219-2133-39
322-2640-43
427-2944-49
8 more rows
Jan 20, 2023

What does the FBI look for when hiring? ›

FBI Eligibility

Public record must be in good standing with no felony convictions. Adherence with FBI drug policy. Pass urinalysis and background investigation. Student loan repayments must be in good standing.

What qualities does the FBI look for? ›

Overview
  • Collaboration.
  • Communication.
  • Flexibility and adaptability.
  • Initiative.
  • Interpersonal ability.
  • Leadership.
  • Organization and planning.
  • Problem solving and judgement.

What disqualifies you from joining the FBI? ›

The FBI Special Agent Employment Disqualifiers are: Non U.S. citizenship. Conviction of a felony, sex crime and/or a domestic violence misdemeanor. Having knowingly or willfully engaged in acts designed to overthrow the U.S. government.

How long is the FBI special agent hiring process? ›

The special agent application process generally takes at least one year and often longer, depending upon annual federal funding levels and hiring goals. The Special Agent Selection System (SASS) — Phase I and Phase II Testing — is based on an applicant's individual competitiveness.

Do all FBI jobs require a polygraph? ›

You must be approved for a SCI Clearance before beginning employment with the FBI. The investigation includes: A polygraph examination. Urinalysis test.

How competitive is FBI special agent? ›

How Does the FBI Hire Agents? The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.

How many FBI special agents are hired each year? ›

The FBI normally hires between 500 and 750 Special Agents a year but we get around 10,000 applicants, so you can see that we can pick and choose from “the best of the best.” A person really needs to be at the top of their game when trying to become an FBI Special Agent, both personally and professionally.

How hard is special agent training? ›

All special agents begin their career at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for 20 weeks of intensive training at one of the world's finest law enforcement training facilities. During their time there, trainees live on campus and participate in a variety of training activities.

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