What education do you need to be in the FBI?

OBTAIN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE

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 get 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.

How many years of schooling does it take to become an FBI agent?

How long does it take to become an FBI agent? It's a long process to become an FBI agent—generally at least six or seven years. First you need at least a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years of full-time study. You will also need at least two years of full-time professional work experience.

How hard is the FBI Academy?

If a person makes it past all of the steps, they will be invited to attend a Special Agent class at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. The 21-week training program is mentally and physically tough. The academic requirements are stringent, and failure to pass tests and proficiencies will render a person out of a job.

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.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

Do FBI agents travel a lot?

Many FBI agents work at the official FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., while others work in regional offices around the country in cities like Albuquerque, Indianapolis, Seattle, Kansas City, and Miami. The FBI can call on agents to change locations at any time, so agents often move around.

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.

Does the FBI Academy cost money?

Course Details

All attendees stay in dorms in the FBI Academy complex located at a Marine Base just outside of Washington D.C. The cost of training is paid for by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The approximate cost to train an applicant is $50,000.

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.

How old is the youngest FBI agent?

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.

What disqualifies you from the FBI?

What are the salaries of FBI agents?

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.

Who is on FBI Most Wanted?

How long do FBI 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.

Can you go straight to FBI?

How Do I Become an FBI Agent? First, earn at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and work for two years in an area of specialty. Meet all the basic requirements for applicants, and once accepted, go through about 20 weeks of New Agent Training with the FBI at Quantico.

Can you join the FBI without school?

Yes, there are education requirements to join the FBI. You must have a bachelor's degree to join the FBI as an agent, though there's no specification on what your major must be. That said, a major in a field like criminal justice or computer technology can be extremely useful in your role at the FBI.

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.

Does the FBI allow beards?

Can FBI Agents Have Beards? General FBI grooming and hygiene standards are codified, unless otherwise as specified for a duty or position, post-training, as: Clean shaven through training, clean mustaches permitted afterwards. Jewelry and piercings must be small, simple, and not pose a safety risk.

Do you have to cut your hair to join the FBI?

Hair must be of reasonable length without faddish or exaggerated style or color. Men's hair must not be longer than the bottom of the collar, without adornment such as buns, ponytails or braids.

Can FBI agents date each other?

Can FBI agents date each other? Yes, with some constraints, depending on the agency they work for. Generally, a superior should not be personally involved with a subordinate in their chain of command, e.g. a police officer should not be dating their sergeant.

How often do FBI agents move?

Q8: How often do FBI agents relocate? A8: The average Special Agent transfers twice during a 20-year career. With that being said, almost 25% of Special Agents spend their entire career in one field office.

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.

What are the disadvantages of being a FBI agent?

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.

Do FBI agents have free time?

Depending on their case assignments, FBI agents may work a very strenuous and variable schedule. The FBI says that special agents must "work a minimum of 50 hours a week (which may include irregular hours) and be on call 24/7, including holidays and weekends." They are on call for possible assignment 24 hours a day.