What disqualifies you from joining the FBI?

Candidates cannot have used any illegal drug, other than marijuana, within the ten (10) years preceding the date of the application for employment. Additionally, candidates cannot have sold, distributed, manufactured, or transported any illegal drug or controlled substance without legal authorization.

What can stop you from becoming an FBI agent?

Conviction of a felony (Special Agent candidates only: conviction of a domestic violence misdemeanor or more serious offense) Violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy (please see below for additional details) Default on a student loan insured by the U.S. Government. Failure of an FBI-administered urinalysis drug ...

What are 3 requirements for an FBI 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.

How hard is it to get accepted into the FBI?

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.

What does the FBI look for when hiring?

FBI special agents must: Adhere to standards of conduct and maintain honesty and integrity. Undergo a background investigation, credit checks and a polygraph test in order to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance. Achieve and maintain required fitness levels.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

Do you have to be physically fit to join the FBI?

You must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to ensure you will be able to safely and successfully complete training at the FBI Academy and effectively respond to situations on the job.

What happens if you fail FBI polygraph?

If you fail the FBI polygraph, you'll be barred for life from FBI employment.

What GPA does the FBI look for?

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).

What GPA does the FBI require?

Have and maintain a 2.95 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and through graduation. Not be a current, permanent FBI employee. Pass all of the FBI employment background investigation requirements and be able to receive a Top Secret Clearance.

What is the cut off age to join 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.

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.

Can you have tattoos in the FBI?

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.

How long is the 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 you be an FBI agent if you've done drugs?

It is a competitive job to get and a candidate equally qualified that has not used marijuana or other drugs would be chosen over a candidate that has.

Why is it hard to get into the FBI?

It is extremely hard to become an FBI agent. First, you must satisfy several minimum qualifications and not meet any of the bureau's disqualifying criteria. But, that alone is not enough. You will also need a college degree, impeccable character and background, and various technical and soft skills.

Can a felon become a FBI agent?

Felony Convictions or Serious Misdemeanors

If you want to work for the FBI, you cannot have been convicted of a felony. In addition, for special agent positions, you cannot have a conviction for a domestic violence misdemeanor or any serious misdemeanor.

What degree does the FBI prefer?

All FBI agents must hold a bachelor's degree at minimum, and many possess a master's degree or higher. FBI agents often earn degrees in fields such as criminal justice or political science, though the Bureau does not maintain any specific academic major requirements for applicants.

Is it hard to pass the FBI test?

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.

What is the best major to get into the FBI?

1. 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.

What personality does FBI look for?

FBI agents need critical thinking skills and the ability to keep calm and make decisions under intense pressure. They also need good communication skills and physical stamina, especially when it comes to speaking to witnesses and tracking down alleged criminals.

Does the FBI pay well?

How much does Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States pay? The average Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) salary ranges from approximately $50,000 per year for Support Staff to $144,000 per year for Resident Agent.

What are the 12 critical skills the FBI looks for?

Will I fail a polygraph if you are nervous?

Anxiety isn't an automatic disqualifier from passing a polygraph. While it may affect your results, anxiety and depression shouldn't keep you from pursuing positions that require passing a polygraph.

What is an FBI polygraph like?

The examine will be told the FBI polygraph [device] is an instrument that measures a person's physiological responses—a person's physical/biological responses to questions posed by the examiner using: Two pneumograph tubes that are place around your chest and stomach to measure respiration.

What percent of people fail FBI polygraph?

How many applicants fail the polygraph? The FBI polygraphs about 13,000 people a year for job screening, criminal investigations, and national security inquiries. The bureau has at least a 30 percent failure rate in its job screening.