How Long Does it Take to Become an FBI Agent – A Detailed Guide

FBI agent is one of the most looked-after careers in the law department in the country.

The maximum of special agent careers, including those with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, usually offer higher pay. It is often a six-figure salary after a few years.

They also give great health insurance for all and a good retirement plan. Given that we very well know and respect the FBI government agencies in the world.

We also generally see careers as FBI agents in particular as having a certain level of status and pride. Given that, it makes sense that you might be interested in such a great career. How you become an FBI agent is the question.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the main fact-finding division of the US government.

It is also one of the top groups that see the law in the entire world. The FBI’s special agents work to keep security in the country while also looking into bad crimes.

We define federal crimes as actions that break federal law.

It is as opposed to crimes that are breaking state or local laws.

These crimes include things like kidnapping, mail fraud, and bank theft. The FBI usually can control all criminal activity that happens across state lines. To apply to be a special agent with the FBI, a person must have a strong educational background. They have to be able to pass core background checks and then complete physical fitness tests.

Fbi agent requirements

Let us start by seeing the minimum criteria. Your job form won’t get very far if you don’t meet these criteria. You must meet the following criteria in order to get into a position as an FBI agent:

  • Have U.S. citizenship. Or you can be a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands or other U.S. territories.
  • Being between the ages of 23 and 37. Some special case allows the maximum age to be greater for old soldiers.
  • Possess an ongoing driver’s license
  • Hold a four-year degree from a certified body with a degree, such as a B.S. or B.A.
  • Have at least three years of experience working professionally, and you have to be ready to work almost anywhere in the world.

Fbi Agent Require Physical Fitness

You must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT).

To ensure that you can safely and successfully complete training at the FBI Academy.

And also effectively handle situations on the job.

There are four main events in the PFT. There is also a fifth event that is only for participants in the tactical recruitment program (TRP).

Also, there will be no more than five minutes of rest in between each of the events, which we will conduct in the following order:

  • Sit-ups: Perform as many as you can do it in a minute.
  • Sprint: 300-meter timed sprint
  • Push-ups: Perform the most consecutive push-ups possible (untimed)
  • Run: 1.5-mile timed run
  • Pull-ups: The most consecutive pull-ups possible (only TRP candidates will complete this event)

Fbi agent job description

Fbi agent job description

By looking into central crimes, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent serves to protect the American people.

They work in five such places and look into crimes like bomb blasts and identity theft.

Some agents might be field agents.

They work away from the office to gather ideas, talk to people or suspects, and do search operations.

Other agents might be working in the office to carry out certain duties.

Like online clues collecting and looking after FBI security systems.

Being reliable and honest are good qualities for an FBI agent.

They must also have a strong sense of respect and be great problem solvers. They should be able to perform well under pressure and have great spot-thinking abilities.

Employers also look for people with the following skill set in addition to these qualities.

Core ability: According to the job postings we looked at, people looking for FBI Agents with these abilities. If you want to work for the FBI, pay attention to the following.

  • A bachelor’s degree in any field from a four-year body that we all know.
  • Possibility of passing medical and mental tests.
  • Legal driving license.
  • Basic computer skills, including knowledge of word documents and sheets.
  • Knowing probate, civil, and criminal laws

FBI listed the following advanced skills as preferred in many job listings.

It is despite the fact that most people did not require them. Increase your skill set with these to increase your career options.

  • Speaks many languages with ease
  • Police academy instruction or a similar program

Fbi agent training

The training consists of more than 800 hours and spans four main concentrations.

These are academics, case studies, firearms instruction, and operational skills.

At the moment, new agent training takes about 20 weeks. Although the training is demanding, trainees don’t do it alone.

They give them a solid foundation in the fundamentals of law, ethics, behavioral science, interviewing, and report writing.

The agent trainees study a wide range of subjects fundamental and advanced investigative and intelligence techniques, interrogation, and forensic science.

This area of study covers a wide range of topics, including surveillance, defensive tactics, and even tactical driving. Training in defensive tactics emphasizes boxing and wrestling, handcuffing, control holds, subject searches, weapon retention, and disarming methods. The Academy’s Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center teaches safe driving methods.

They have allowed Special agents to carry firearms while carrying out their duties since 1934. All new agent trainees currently receive training with a Bureau-issued small gun, long gun, and shotgun.

It is a part of their preparation for potential deadly force encounters.

To be a special agent, you must be physically fit and able to handle the demands of the position. In order to succeed in a standardized physical fitness test, agent trainees receive a variety of fitness training (PFT).

We use case studies to put the trainees to the test in situations. So that those are similar to what they will face in the field.

Supervisory special agents from the Training Division choose each session’s class supervisors are chosen by. The new agent trainees are present at the Academy with a rotating pair of special agents from our field offices.

The trainees are prepared to graduate once they have successfully completed the training course. And have been found to be exemplary representatives of the FBI’s core values.

How to apply for Fbi agent

How to apply for Fbi agent

Less than 1 in 5 (less than 20 percent) people for entry-level spots or career ways are found by the FBI as agents. You must have a college degree in accounts and at least 3 years of skills working as an accountant in a good accounting firm or for a central agency in order to apply for the said track. If you become a Certified Public Accountant, the experience requirement could be replaced (CPA).

You must have a college degree in the EE sector, IT sector, CSE sector, or a closely related field if you want to take part in the computer and IT entry program. You must have either a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or a Cisco Certified Internet Working Expert (CCIE) certification if you lack a degree in technology. The prerequisite will still be a four-year degree.

A Juris Doctorate (JD), or a law degree, from a good law school, is required if you are interested in becoming a person for the bar. Additionally, you might need to pass the bar exam.

You might still be able to work for the great entry courses even if you do not fall into one of the said options. People from any group must have either a college degree with at least two years of skill, a four-year degree in any subject, or three years of work skill.

After giving a form through one of the entry courses, people are then given a choice based on whether they have certain great skills that the FBI is currently in need of.

You must have a college degree in any field and be able to pass language saying exams that cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking if you can speak in a second or third language. Also Read – EKG Technician Education Requirements and Career Information

Fbi agent work

On any given day, FBI workers might carry out checking, gather and figure out data, keep an eye on online works, gather clues, and make arrests. Additionally, the FBI has offices all over the world that look after foreign bodies.

The agent’s area of work takes a toll on daily tasks as well. While another agent may look into cyber crimes, one agent may focus on money-related crimes. To do their work, they sometimes get together with local and local law-abiding bodies.

While some FBI agents work in local offices across the nation in places like Albuquerque, Indianapolis, Seattle, Kansas City, and Miami, others are employed at the FBI’s official office in Washington, D.C. Agents also move around because the FBI can request them to change places at any time.

Agents with the FBI also work all week, on holidays, and late hours depending on their workload. To gather news, speak with people, and make arrests in one case, they may travel to many places, or even many cities and states.

Fbi agent benefits

Let us see the plus points. Working for the FBI gives you the chance to make a great living, the feeling of knowing your work is important to keep your country safe, and a wide range of benefits.

FBI agents’ satisfaction with their jobs

If you have the ability to be an FBI agent, your work is likely to give you a lot of good feelings. According to NBC News, job feeling among FBI agents was rising as of 2019. With this rise in jobs, a feeling came an increase in FBI job applying people the first in three years.

FBI agents’ potential earnings

You can earn well by taking a career with the FBI, though your given job role will tell you how your pay differs from what you might make elsewhere. You will probably make more money working in a law firm than you would if you worked for a state, local, or other types of law firm agency. In 2020, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the middle annual salary for police and detective people across the nation was $67,290, but that figure for those working for the federal body was much higher at $92,080.

Special agents’ benefits package

Along with good benefits money, FBI workers also get a good salary. All federal workers’ benefit plans, such as those for health insurance, life insurance, and after-work savings accounts are available to them.

Additionally, up to $10,000 in annual student loan paying benefits, travel money for people who go by public transport, and tuition fees for many other good courses leading to a degree or certificate are benefits available to FBI workers only. Sick leave, some personal leave, 10 paid issued holidays, and, for those who are also serving in the military, designated military leave are all forms of paid time off that FBI workers are given to.

More of a lifestyle than a career

A strong want to serve your country is a key issue for taking up a career with the FBI. Employees of the FBI, especially Special Agents, go where they are needed and carry out the tasks required to do the agency’s missions of protecting national security and obeying the law. The job wants more than just this. It is important to have a strong sense of duty to serve and work.

In Summary

Being an FBI agent is a really popular career option because it pays well, has great benefits, and is seen as a prestigious job. These agents work to keep the country safe and investigate serious crimes such as bank theft, mail fraud, and kidnappings. If you want to become an FBI agent, you need to be a US citizen, have a four-year degree, a driver’s license, and at least three years of work experience. It’s also important to be physically fit and pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which includes things like sprints, push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed run. If you’re interested in the Tactical Recruitment Program, you’ll also need to do pull-ups. As an FBI agent, you might work in the field, gathering evidence, or in an office, analyzing data and maintaining security systems. The training to become an FBI agent is very tough and lasts around 20 weeks, with over 800 hours of studying law, ethics, interviewing, report writing, and firearms instruction.

How to become an FBI agent FAQs

1.    How much time does it take to become an FBI agent?

You could need up to 5 or 6 years to train to be an FBI agent. To obtain a bachelor’s degree, you must attend college for 4 years after high school. In addition, you will need to apply for the job and undergo training for another 6 to 12 months. If you don’t pass any tests or don’t comply with the requirements set by the agency, the process might be delayed.

2.    Is it not easy to get into the FBI?

The process of becoming an FBI agent is extremely competitive and difficult. Shape yourself into the type of applicant the FBI is seeking to hire, it takes years of time, planning, and hard work. The hiring process itself can take a year or longer, so it won’t happen overnight.

3.    Do FBI agents make a good living?

The federal government’s law enforcement pay schedule applies to FBI agents. First-year agents can make between $64,365 and $73,634 per year with locality pay and availability pay depending on where we station them.

4.    What requirements must I meet to become an FBI agent?

A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher overall, three years of relevant work experience, or a better degree (master’s degree or higher), plus two years of relevant work experience, is what they require for prospective FBI agents.

5.    What do FBI agents do?

The FBI’s current priorities include stopping terrorism, corruption, organized crime, cybercrime, and violations of civil rights, as well as looking into serious crimes like major thefts and murders. When necessary, they also support other law enforcement organizations. The FBI does not bring cases to court.

6.    How long is the FBI hiring procedure?

They Protract the Application Procedure: The completion of Phase 1 typically takes about 23 weeks, and Phase II, which includes the background check and field training, may take longer than a year. People thinking about working for the FBI should be ready for some disruption during this process.