If you’ve decided you want to be a Special Agent, you may be wondering “how do you get into the FBI?” Fortunately, the FBI has a very straightforward and outlined hiring process. From meeting the basic requirements to the additional steps in the hiring process, we’ll review what to expect as you apply and help you understand expectations for becoming a Special Agent within the FBI. Preparing for the FBI exams through practice exams will help you know how to approach the exam better, and preparing for the FBI Entrance Exam will give you a better chance of becoming an FBI Special Agent.
Step 1: Meeting the Basic Requirements
The FBI has specific requirements regarding age, citizenship, education requirements, work experience, and physical fitness standards. Background checks and security clearance are also necessary. The following guidelines must be followed before applying for the FBI:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- No felony convictions with good public records
- Adherence to FBI drug policy
- Pass background investigation and urinalysis
- Student loan repayments must be in good standing
- All required taxes (annual federal, state, and local taxes) filed
- Up to date on court-ordered child support payments
- No engagement with organizations planning to overthrow the U.S. government
- Register with the Selective Service System (for applicants who were assigned male at birth only; exceptions apply)
For a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements, read this PDF provided by the FBI on their website. More restrictions apply to those seeking to become an FBI Special Agent.
Step 2: Application
File all necessary documents and paperwork.
Step 3: FBI Phase 1 Exam
The FBI Phase 1 exam, also known as the FBI Special Agent test, is essential to becoming an FBI Special Agent. The FBI Phase 1 exam uses multiple-choice questions to test your cognitive, behavior, and logical reasoning skills. The exam also helps determine whether or not the Special Agent work environment would be a good fit for the candidates taking the exam—assessing whether the candidate’s behaviors and personality align with the role of a Special Agent and the FBI’s core values. The core values of the FBI include upholding the Constitution along with compassion, fairness, integrity, accountability, leadership, and diversity.
The FBI exam is a 3-hour exam that includes five assessments:
- Logic-based reasoning includes several problem-solving passages and 40-50 questions to be answered in 90 minutes.
- Figural Reasoning features figures that test your ability to analyze and complete the pattern.
- Personality Assessment, where you will be given a personality test designed to see if you possess the character traits needed for the job.
- Preferences and Interests includes 37 questions designed to gather information about your preferences on several topics.
- Situational Judgment assesses how you can adjust to changing environments, make decisions, organize, and prioritize.
FBI Practice Exam – Why It’s Essential
The benefit of taking an FBI Practice Exam is that you will gain exposure to the types of FBI exam questions you’ll encounter on the test. Peterson’s FBI exam prep prepares you for the questions you can expect on the exam with two full-length, online FBI Exam Phase 1 practice tests. By taking FBI Phase 1 practice tests, you’ll have a great idea of this type of test and become much more confident on test day. Many test takers find that dedicating time to preparing for the logic-based and figural reasoning sections of the FBI Phase 1 exam is incredibly beneficial and essential for success.
With Peterson’s two full-length FBI entrance exam practice tests, you will become familiar with the test format and questions, thus allowing you to increase your final score on the FBI exam. We recommend you take multiple practice tests before taking the real FBI exam for the best results. For the FBI Phase 1 exam sections that focus on personality, preferences, interests, and situational judgment questions, try to give a true reflection of yourself. Strive to respond honestly and not with what the selection committee wants to hear. The more you practice in these sections, the stronger your intuition will be.
Step 4: Additional Steps in the Hiring Process
Additional Steps to expect for becoming a Special Agent are:
- Meet and Greet
- Physical Fitness Test
- FBI Phase 2 Exam
- Conditional Appointment Offer (CAO)
- Background investigation and polygraph test
- Fit for Duty Medical Exam
- PFT Test
- Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)
- Beginning Your Special Agent Career
Please visit the FBI website’s Special Agent Selection System page for a more comprehensive overview of the steps to becoming a Special Agent after the FBI exam.
Wrap-Up
Remember, the FBI exam helps determine whether or not the Special Agent work environment would be a good fit for you and whether your behaviors and personality align with the role of a Special Agent and the FBI’s core values. While taking the exam, we hope you uncover more information about yourself and your values while finding areas that align with the FBI. Use all the resources available to you through the FBI website and by preparing with FBI-specific practice exams, like the ones available to you through Peterson’s. Some final tips for aspiring FBI Special Agents: have a strong moral compass, upkeep your physical fitness, major in something that interests you and teaches you an important skill, and keep your GPA up. You’ve got this!
