The Federal Bureau of Investigation is a federal agency of the United States with jurisdiction over various crimes such as ( but are not limited to) white-collar crime, cyber-crime. It is the principal intelligence and security service which protects its nation from domestic and international threats. The FBI was started in 1908 by US Attorney General Charles Bonaparte, who hired a group of federal investigators. The job of an agent of the FBI is extremely rigorous and requires dedication and intensive training. We will discuss here how long does it take to become a fbi agent in this article and eligibility criteria for agents.
At a minimum, it would take you at least seven years to become an FBI agent. It includes a bachelor’s degree, two years working in the field, and twenty weeks of rigorous special training at the FBI academy. The training at the academy includes specific training in operational skills, case exercises, firearms, and academics. A key factor to note is that those who apply to the FBI must be US citizens. They must also have lived for three years or more in the country.
Eligibility for Applying and Becoming an Agent at the FBI
- The candidate must be between the ages of 23 and 36 years of age.
- Candidates must at minimum have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in the United States.
- Post their bachelor’s degree. They must have two years of full-time work. One year of full-time work is accepted provided the candidate has earned a master’s degree or anything higher. Many candidates who apply for the FBI bring in more than three years of experience after their degree.
- The experience that the candidate gains from the time they have spent working should apply to the work they want to work in.
- For example, if the candidate wants to work in white-collar crimes, they will need to have experience in accounting or any relevant field. If the candidate wishes to work in cybersecurity, they would have to have work experience building computer bases or anything relevant.
- A valid driver’s license as well as six months of experience.
- A thorough background check will be taken. This includes medical history, credit, employment, criminal background check, etc.
- The background checks are more rigorous and involve written tests, drug tests, polygraph tests, or lie detector tests.
- After graduating training, the agent is to be posted in one of the 56 Field Offices of the FBI.
Physical Requirements
In this field, it is important to be mentally and physically strong. The training in the physical aspect tends to be intensive and has a scoring procedure that helps evaluate each candidate going through this process.
- As a result, it is necessary to pass the ‘Physical Fitness Test’(PFT) given by the FBI to be allowed in the field.
- The PFT test has four events and an extra one for candidates going for the Tactical Recruitment Program (TRP). There are only five minutes of rest between each event and should have a passing score of 12 points. There should be one point in at least each category.
- The events are as follows:
- Sit-ups: In this test, the maximum number of sit-ups in one minute is counted
- Sprints: In this test, it is a 300-meter sprint that is timed
- Push-ups: In this test, the maximum number of push-ups but is NOT timed
- Run: In this test, a 1.5-mile run is timed
- Pullups (This event is for the TRP): In this text, the maximum number of pull-ups done continuously.
- The candidates are given three opportunities to pass the official PFT test within a year of passing.
- Other than the physical test, medical tests are also needed to ensure that no candidate has any underlying diseases that could hinder their career.
It is important to note that even though the twenty weeks of training have been complete, training and learning continue to make sure every agent adheres to the highest level of efficiency and integrity. There is continuous physical training to maintain strength and form and other pieces of training in leadership and field training exercises.
Other Skills That Are Helpful In This Field
It is common for the bureau to look for unique skills that would make an individual stand out. These unique skills should be usable in the field depending on the job that is given.
- Foreign Languages: Learning a foreign language is especially useful for tasks involved in counterintelligence work. It is also beneficial for those agents who are posted outside the US. Being fluent in languages other than English is extremely helpful for the reasons mentioned above. Some examples would be learning Russian, Chinese, Arabic, French, Italian, etc.
- Soft Skills: Another aspect that the bureau stresses is the development and showcasing of soft skills. These soft skills include communication, leadership, and adaptability. The FBI has eight core competencies that they stand by. Three of those skills are given above. As a result, it is encouraged to demonstrate such skills.
- IT Skills: This set of skills, as an example, are important for cases involved with cybercrime. These skills are instrumental in investigative and intelligent activities. These skills help combat threats by criminals or terrorists that use technology. There is a whole department that is dedicated to this kind of specialized work.
- Military/Law Enforcement Background: Many candidates have military training or law enforcement before joining the FBI. Skills that have been picked up during that training period could be used and help in situations such as hostage rescue.
Degrees to Pursue for a Future in the FBI
While there are no specified degrees that are asked for by the FBI, there are degrees that can be pursued that can boost skill sets as well help and be utilized for their career in the FBI.
- Computer Science/ IT: In today’s day and age, IT has taken precedence in many different fields, and the FBI is no different. There is an immeasurable amount of information and data that comes from technology. Hence why a degree in computer science or IT is extremely valuable. It opens up many opportunities in the field. Examples include but are not limited to specializations in data science, software development, cybersecurity, etc.
- Sciences: This includes degrees in Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics. Pursuing Sciences is also one of the degrees that are encouraged by the FBI. Reasons for this include work in the Laboratory Division, Operational Technology division, etc. Those who have a degree in science have the opportunity to become FBI scientists and help in forensic work.
- Finance: White-collar crimes are generally dealt with by the FBI’s white-collar crime division, and there are many variants to this kind of crime, from fraud to financial theft and embezzlement. Those who pursue a degree in Finance, whether it’s accounting or Business, Finance are held in high regard by the FBI.
- Others: Degrees in Psychology, Sociology, or Law are also important fields to consider when it comes to an understanding of the minds of criminals or in court. They become essential for deeper understanding and can add to the set of skills for the individual when pursuing a career in the FBI.
While studying, it can also be quite beneficial to opt for an internship to learn more about the career path that the candidate has chosen. There is a 10 week paid ‘Honors Internship with the FBI’ will allow the candidate to gain exposure and explore the different possibilities for their career. While the internship may be extremely competitive, it can be extremely fulfilling and help narrow down a path of choice.
What does an FBI Agent do?
There are various tasks that an FBI agent will perform, and it ranges from fraud to capturing fugitives. Agents may have managerial roles as well. Depending on which branch of the FBI you are assigned, task-related jobs to that branch will be given. Assignments can range from gathering evidence to testifying in the federal court to issuing search warrants. More specific roles and assignments, as mentioned before, will depend on the branch that you are in. If a special agent is in cybersecurity, they would have tasks related to that. Other services include lab work, public affairs, and training that is also a part of the agent’s daily work schedule. There is generally no set timetable that is followed, and each day can vary greatly. They must put in 50 hours of work every week, and their scheduling may be irregular. They must also carry a firearm at all times and use force only when necessary. They are also asked to be available for any given assignments regardless of the duration period. Information sharing is a very common practice and also enhances good relationships and cooperation. There is a lot of intelligence that is gathered to help for future cases. Analysis and fieldwork to gather evidence as well as catching fugitives.
What will disqualify you from the FBI?
Due to the high-risk position and the nature of the position and job that the FBI is, lots of the rules imposed are meant to make sure that each candidate upholds the highest integrity and security. Some rules must be adhered to, and if any of them are broken, it results in immediate removal from the FBI. Some of those rules are listed below.
- If the candidate is a non-US citizen
- If the candidate has been convicted of a felony such as domestic unjust misdemeanor or any more serious offense.
- If the candidate violates the FBI employment drug policy
- If the candidate fails the administered urinalysis drug test
- If the candidate fails to pay court-ordered child support
- If the candidate fails to file federal, state, or local income tax returns
- If the candidate knowingly engages in activities that are meant to overthrow the US government.
- If the candidate defaults on their student loan insured by the government.
- If the candidate fails to register with a selective service system (with exceptions).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does an FBI Agent make?
While the amount does vary depending on the area, you are in and the position you start with. Generally, those who are in the training period at Quantico earn around $43,705. After the special agent’s graduation, the salary could range from around $53,743 to around $58,335. This again depends on the locality that you are in as well the assignment that you are given. Along with the salary, many benefits come with it, such as advancement opportunities, health benefits, etc.
- When does the FBI get involved in a case?
The FBI has various functions and branches that act depending on the situation at hand. They have programs for domestic and international wrongdoings, white-collar crimes, civil rights, organized crimes, violent crimes and offenders, and so on. Many of the FBI investigations that are conducted happen with cooperation from other agencies.
Conclusion
While there may be drawbacks to this profession, such as being on call 24 hours a day or being put in dangerous situations, a sense of pride comes along with this career path. That sense of pride comes from knowing that the time that you spend in the field or gathering evidence against a criminal and knowing that you will be able to save countless lives through your actions. There is a sense of dedication and honor that comes from knowing that you have spent countless hours training and honing the necessary skills to make sure that you are at your best to serve, protect your fellow agents and the people of the country.
