Is becoming a federal agent hard?

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.

Is becoming an FBI special agent hard?

It is very hard to become a special agent.

Becoming an FBI agent is a tremendously difficult and competitive process. It takes years of time, planning, and hard work to mold yourself into the kind of candidate the FBI is looking to hire, and the hiring process itself can take a year or longer.

Is FBI agent a stressful job?

Working as an FBI agent comes with many stressful duties, as does any career in law enforcement. Prospective FBI agents should ensure they have strong stress-management skills and good mental health support.

What does it take to be a federal agent?

Minimum Qualifications to Become an FBI Special Agent

Be a U.S. citizen. Be at least 23 years old but younger than 36 at the time of applying. Have a bachelor's degree and at least two years of full-time work experience. Possess a valid driver's license.

Is the FBI exam hard?

The FBI Phase 1 Test, also named the FBI Test, is a tough exam, and only around 30% of test-takers manage to pass it. It lasts for 3 hours and includes various challenging questions, ranging from logic-based to behavioral questions. It's estimated that around 70% of the FBI Phase 1 test-takers fail the exam every year.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

What GPA do you need for FBI?

Students must have and maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) throughout the application process (or, for collegiate hires, through graduation). Honors interns must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program.

Do federal agents get paid well?

How much does a Special Agent make at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States? Average Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent yearly pay in the United States is approximately $109,985, which is 23% above the national average.

What disqualifies you from the FBI?

How many hours do federal agents work?

Work a minimum of 50 hours per week, which may include irregular hours, and be on-call 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Maintain a level of fitness necessary to effectively respond to life-threatening situations on the job. Carry a firearm and be willing to use deadly force, if necessary.

Is FBI a risky job?

Dangerous. Working as an FBI agent can sometimes put you in danger. Agents regularly search for those who have committed crimes and some criminals may be aggressive. The FBI provides extensive training in topics such as defensive tactics and requires that all agents go into the field with a partner.

Is joining the FBI worth it?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents enjoy competitive salaries, robust health insurance coverage, excellent retirement benefits, and a certain level of status and prestige, making the job one of the most sought-after law enforcement career options in the United States.

Is it fun being an FBI agent?

FBI agents say the job is often exciting, and working on such significant, challenging issues is very rewarding. One of the most significant downsides of working as an FBI agent is so many additional work hours in sometimes very challenging situations.

How old is the youngest FBI agent?

Born: July 18, 1969, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. What is this? Richard Wershe Jr. is the youngest FBI agent to date. Wershe became an FBI informant by chance when he was just 14 years.

Does the FBI have a height requirement?

The FBI does not have a height requirement, but candidates must meet the other qualifications to be hired and attend the training academy in Quantico, VA.

What degrees do the FBI look for?

Criminal Justice

When it comes to those working at the FBI, the most common degree is a bachelor's in criminal justice. This degree gives you an overview of the tasks you will complete and how to do them.

Can FBI have tattoos?

Kellie: Yeah, they are allowed. Now I would suggest that if you're looking to get a tattoo, be very judicious in where you place it, just because the image of the Academy in the FBI is extremely important. So just be judicious in your placement of your tattoo.

Is the FBI higher than the police?

State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations. Instead, the investigative resources of the FBI and state and local agencies are often pooled in a common effort to investigate and solve the cases.

What is the age limit for the FBI?

You must be at least 23 years old at the time of your appointment. You must also be younger than 37, unless you qualify for an age waiver available to veterans. See our qualification requirements webpage for more information on what it takes to become a special agent.

Do federal agents carry guns?

Agents carry Bureau-issued or approved handguns and may be issued additional equipment as needed. Those in specialized areas like the Hostage Rescue Teams may also be issued weapons that fit their duties.

Is a federal job worth it?

Some of the most significant advantages of working for the federal government include job security, high compensation increases, more vacation and holidays, good health benefits, and generous retirement benefits.

Can FBI agents have social media?

While there are no specific regulations prohibiting an FBI agent from having an active Facebook account, social media can directly impact the results of a comprehensive background investigation.

What is an average day as an FBI agent?

Our agents enforce many different federal laws and perform various roles in the Bureau, so there really is no such thing as a “typical day” for an FBI agent. Agents in our field offices, for example, could be testifying in federal court one day and executing a search warrant and gathering evidence the next.

Does the FBI have a weight limit?

There are no weight limits, but agents have to achieve certain requirements in four different exercises depending on their age and gender. The threshold to pass is not nearly as high as it is for military commandos or hostage rescue-team members.