Is the FBI a good job?

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 working for FBI?

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.

Is the FBI 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.

How hard is it to be in the FBI?

The training includes over 800 hours, including a variety of web-based courses, in four major concentrations: academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operational skills. Currently, new agent training lasts approximately 20 weeks. It's a tough regimen, but trainees don't go it alone.

Does working for the FBI pay well?

Yes, FBI agents get paid moderately well.

They also can travel, qualify for promotions and develop their skills. FBI agents are paid according to the General Schedule (GS) payscale and receive a generous FBI agent benefits package.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

Are FBI agents rich?

With bonuses and pay raises based on seniority and years of service, FBI agents can make over $137,000 a year plus locality adjustments by the time they retire. FBI agents also receive attractive retirement options.

Do FBI agents live comfortably?

Ever wonder what it's really like to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)? Special agents are by no means wealthy, but they earn enough to live comfortably. They also have the opportunity to travel, qualify for promotions and develop their skills.

Is FBI written test 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.

Is the FBI Academy hard?

FBI Agent Training at Quantico

Before beginning field work, FBI agents must pass through New Agent Training at the FBI Academy. This approximately 20-week course is one of the most difficult training programs law enforcement officials will ever go through, and it will test both physical and mental limits.

Can FBI agents talk about their job?

There's only a very small amount of information that an FBI agent would not be able to share with someone. Unless something or someone is under investigation, we can usually talk about what were working on or have worked on in the past.

Do FBI agents quit?

Similarly, you should understand the true career path of an FBI special agent; many new special agents routinely quit within the first 2-5 years due to an unrealistic expectation of the organization (fostered by years hollywood fiction).

Do FBI agents travel a lot?

In high-security divisions, such as Counterterrorism or Intelligence, agents can be required to travel frequently, and whenever the agency deems necessary. According to the FBI website, "More information on travel may be found within the Vacancy Announcement for your position(s) of interest."

Do FBI agents go undercover?

Our organized crime investigations frequently use undercover operations, court-authorized electronic surveillance, informants and cooperating witnesses, and consensual monitoring. Many of these are conducted in concert with domestic and international police agencies.

Can FBI agents marry each other?

He states: 'According to Edward Boudt, Principal Legal Advisor for the Cincinnati branch of the FBI, any agent can date whomever they choose, no matter whether the other person is another agent, a supervisor, or any of the support personnel (clerks, paralegal).

What are the disadvantages of being an FBI agent?

Due to the nature of the work, and the general high-stress that goes with being in law enforcement, FBI agents may experience stress-related health issues such as depression, anxiety, heart problems, digestive problems, chronic pain, sleep difficulties and poor nutrition.

What does the FBI look for when hiring?

Everybody who works at the FBI has a top-secret security clearance. The background check is pretty robust for any employee. It includes a polygraph, drug test, credit check, interviews with friends, neighbors, your babysitter, and a wide range of people who know you.

Do people fail FBI Academy?

Yes, you can. You can fail out of the Academy and you can fail out two ways. Let me say, that's probably the hardest part of our job is dismissing a student, and not because we're dismissing them.

Does the FBI allow 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. Stephanie: Okay.

What is the best college to go to for FBI?

California State University has a School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics, which is considered among the best schools for FBI agents. Many of the school graduates have succeeded in securing a good position at various law enforcement agencies.

How should I dress for an FBI interview?

Phase I and Phase II Writing Assessment — Wear casual, comfortable clothing that is suitable for an office environment. Phase II Structured Interview — Dress in a professional manner; business attire is recommended.

What's the cutoff age for 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.

How long is FBI 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.

Can FBI agents live anywhere?

FBI agents work all over the country and, in some cases, all over the world. While you'll start in the same place as just about everyone else, in Quantico, Virginia, the FBI frequently ends up sending you where it needs you.

What percent of FBI agents are female?

Right now, the FBI says overall about 23 percent of its special agents are women, meaning nearly 80 percent are men. This comes at a time when many law enforcement agencies in Washington state and across the country are facing recruitment challenges that include community backlash.