How to Become an FBI Agent: Salary & Requirements

The FBI is always looking for special agents from broad backgrounds, expertise, and professional experience. Working as a special agent requires a unique skill set and perspective.

Depending on your team, your job could require a variety of different tasks.

The common core goals of the FBI are to:

• defend civil rights
• protect innocent people
• stay ahead of threats
• uphold the law

The FBI makes it clear what the requirements are for becoming a special agent. Below, you'll find information about the steps you need to take.

Step 1: Earn a College Degree

To join the FBI, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree. However, there is no specific bachelor's degree that they recommend.

The FBI looks for applicants with a wide variety of educational backgrounds, so they recommend that potential applicants major in something they're passionate about.

While a major in criminal justice might seem like the natural choice, a criminal justice degree alone doesn't meet the FBI's hiring needs.

Some of the more commonly sought-after educational backgrounds include:

• accounting
• finance
• human resources
• information technology
• journalism
• law
• science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)

A bachelor's degree is the minimum needed, but a master's degree may give you an advantage in a competitive pool of applicants.

The FBI offers a few college programs for potential applicants. These include the Honors Internship Program and the Collegiate Hiring Initiative.

The Honors Internship Program is a paid, 10-week summer internship available to full-time students at the sophomore level or above.

The Collegiate Hiring Initiative is a recruitment program for graduating seniors or individuals who have undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate degrees.

Step 2: Gain Job Experience

Before you can join the FBI, you need to have job experience.

Applicants with bachelor's degrees must have at least two years of job experience, while applicants with more advanced degrees must have at least one year.

The exception is for students who are part of the Collegiate Hiring Initiative.

Step 3: Meet the Physical Requirements

FBI applicants must meet specific physical requirements.

Applicants must be able to:

• provide medical documentation from your personal physician
• show proof of required vaccinations
• complete additional medical examinations
• complete the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

The PFT must be performed multiple times throughout your application process. It's made up of four main events.

These events are:

• a maximum number of continuous sit-ups in one minute
• a timed 300-meter sprint
• a maximum number of untimed continuous pushups
• a timed 1.5-mile run

Those in the Tactical Recruitment Program must also participate in a fifth event: a maximum number of untimed continuous pull-ups.

If you're unsure if you meet the requirements for the PFT, you can download the FBI's official PFT app, available for iOS and Android.

Step 4: Apply and Complete the Special Agent Selection System Process

Once you meet the prerequisites, you can apply for the special agent position through the FBI's applicant portal.

The application is the first step in the Special Agent Selection System (SASS) process. You'll need to submit a federal resume, transcript, and any applicable military or prior federal employment documentation.

Next, you'll undergo a screening process. If you pass that, you'll move on to the evaluation phase, which consists of multiple tests and interviews.

The Phase I test is a three-hour computerized test in a proctored environment.

It includes five assessments:

• logic-based reasoning
• figural reasoning
• personality assessment
• preferences and interests
• situational judgment

Next is the Meet and Greet. You'll sit down with one or more evaluators and go over your application and other information you submitted.

This phase is also when you'll participate in the PFT. You must achieve at least a minimum score of nine points and no less than a zero in any event.

The final part of the evaluation phase is the Phase II test. It includes a writing assessment and an interview conducted by a panel of special agents.

If you pass the interview phase, you'll need to successfully complete a background investigation.

The background investigation includes:

• Personnel Security Interview (PSI)
• polygraph examination
• drug test
• fingerprinting
• medical examination
• credit and arrest checks
• interviews with associates and references
• verification of educational achievements

The background portion of the interview can take anywhere from six to 18 months.

Step 5: Complete the Basic Field Training Course

Before starting the Basic Field Training Course (BFTC), you must complete another PFT. After passing, you'll begin the 16-week BFTC at the FBI Academy in Quantico.

The BFTC builds the foundation needed for becoming an agent.

It includes four major concentrations:

• academics
• case exercises
• firearms training
• operational skills

After completing the BFTC, you'll be assigned to one of the 56 FBI field offices throughout the country.