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Application and Evaluation Process

YOUR NEW CAREER
STARTS HERE

Becoming a special agent is a multi-step process designed to find individuals who will be successful in this career. Learn how to navigate the process here.

Apply Today

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Applicant Coordinators assist you through the process
  • Stick with us, process can take more than a year
Apply Today
overview
Female FBI Agent smiling and speaking to female

Overview

Special agents are held to rigorous standards throughout their careers.

If selected, you will move on to the Special Agent Selection System (SASS). The process consists of ten consecutive steps designed to identify applicants suited to become special agents. The application and clearance process is thorough and can be lengthy, but an applicant coordinator guides you through the entire process.

Throughout the SASS process, you will be evaluated based on our Core Competencies (PDF). For special agents these are:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Initiative
  • Interpersonal ability
  • Leadership
  • Organization and planning
  • Problem solving and judgement

Download our application guide, or find a recruiter at your local field office today!

Application Guide

Find your field office

eligibility

Special Agent Eligibility

Special agents must meet the specified requirements listed below in addition to all FBI eligibility requirements.

  • Have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of full-time professional work experience, or have an advanced degree and at least one year of full-time professional work experience.
  • Be at least 23 years old.
  • Apply before your 36th birthday unless you have veteran’s preference or federal law enforcement experience. You must complete the SASS process and enter on duty no later than the day before your 37th birthday.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Meet our physical fitness requirements.
  • Be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.

FBI Eligibility

For the full list of eligibility requirements, visit the FBI Eligibility page.

Eligibility and Hiring

sass
A special agent applicant closely reviews her application materials

Special Agent Selection System

  1. Application & Screening

    To begin, you must submit a completed application packet, including a federal resume, transcripts, and any applicable military or prior federal employment documentation. You can find a comprehensive list of forms on the Documents and Downloads page.

    What to expect: The screening process is dependent upon the submission of all application materials, overall application volume, and current needs of the FBI. Follow the guidelines in the special agent job posting to expedite your application processing. With a complete application packet submission, you can expect a minimum qualification decision in about 10 days. You should start or be in training for the Physical Fitness Test prior to submitting your application.

  2. Phase I Test

    The Phase I test is a computerized test within a proctored environment. This is a three-hour exam consisting of five assessments: Logic-Based Reasoning, Figural Reasoning, Personality Assessment, Preferences and Interests, and Situational Judgment.

    What to expect: Once invited, you have 21 days to schedule and complete your Phase I test. You will be notified if you passed within one hour of completing the test. For more information and practice questions, check out the Test Guide (PDF).

Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Self-Evaluation

You must conduct a PFT self-evaluation in accordance with the FBI PFT protocols and submit a completed form prior to attending the Meet & Greet.

Self-Evaluation Form

What to expect: The PFT is a rigorous total body assessment. For information on PFT preparation, check out the PFT Training Tips for Special Agent Applicants.

  1. Meet & Greet

    The Meet and Greet is an information session typically conducted by your processing field office (PFO). During this session, you learn about the special agent position and what to expect throughout the hiring process.

    What to expect: You have 60 days to attend a Meet & Greet after successfully completing Phase I testing. You must have completed the PFT Self-Evaluation prior to attending a Meet and Greet.

  2. Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

    You must take the PFT within 60 days of your Meet & Greet completion date, and pass the PFT with:
     

    • A minimum score of 9 points
    • At least 1 point in three of the events
    • No negative scores (a negative score in any of the four events is considered a PFT failure)

    Training doesn't stop there. You may be required to take the PFT again and achieve a minimum score within 120 days before you report to the Basic Field Training Course (BFTC).

    What to expect: If you pass an official PFT with a score of 12 or higher (including at least 1 point in each of the four events), you will not have to retake the PFT within one year of your scheduled BFTC start date.

    For more information on the PFT, check out the Physical Requirements page and download the PFT Training Guide (PDF).

  3. Phase II Test

    Phase II consists of a computerized writing assessment taken in a proctored environment and a structured interview conducted by a panel of three special agents.

    What to expect: You receive your combined Phase II results within two weeks of completing both portions of the test. For more information, check out the Preparing for the Special Agent Applicant Phase II Guide (PDF). It could take up to 90 days to complete Phase II.

  4. Conditional Appointment Offer (CAO)

    Upon successful completion of the Phase II Test, you are issued a CAO.

    What to expect: Hiring is contingent upon your successful completion of the remaining SASS components, including the polygraph examination, medical evaluation, and background investigation. You can expect the CAO within seven days of passing the Phase II.

  5. Background Investigation

    Upon acceptance of the CAO, you must complete a background investigation to obtain a top secret sensitive compartmented information (SCI) clearance.

    The background investigation includes a personnel security interview (PSI), polygraph examination, drug test, and fingerprinting. It also includes credit and arrest checks, interviews with associates and references, and verification of educational achievements.

    What to expect: The average background investigation takes approximately six months, but can take 18 months or more depending on where you have lived, worked, and traveled.

  6. Fit for Duty Medical Exam

    A medical provider will review your medical history (vaccination records, surgeries, hospital visits, etc.). You must undergo a complete physical exam to include vision and hearing tests.

    What to expect: The medical assessment can happen concurrent with the background investigation. Ensure your medical records are up to date. You may be required to get certain vaccinations per FBI requirements.

  7. Pre-Quantico Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

    To qualify for the BFTC, you must obtain a PFT score of a 9 within 120 days of your scheduled arrival.

    What to expect: If you pass an official PFT with a score of 12 or higher (with at least 1 point in each of the four events), you will not have to retake the PFT within one year of your scheduled BFTC start date.

    Official employment as a special agent is contingent on completing the 18-week BFTC. See Physical Requirements for more detail.

  8. Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)

    The BFTC lasts 18 weeks. Your BFTC may be scheduled three to six months in advance. You will receive a final offer two to four weeks before your class date.

    What to expect: To demonstrate physical readiness to perform duties, you must pass one PFT during BFTC or you will be dismissed.

    For more information, check out the BFTC Guide (PDF) or visit our FBI Quantico page.

  9. Begin Your Special Agent Career

    Like what you read? Start your application and begin the process of becoming a special agent at the FBI.

    Apply Today

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