Becoming A Special Agent
The process of becoming a special agent for the FBI is both physically and mentally challenging. While it is one of the nation’s most prestigious and rewarding jobs, it is also one of the most difficult ones to acquire. To become a special agent, there is a long list of disqualifiers that prevent you from even applying for the job. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (2017), some disqualifiers are: failure to pay taxes, child support, or student loans, failure of a drug test, conviction of a felony, or non-U.S. citizenship. In order for employees to receive Top Secret security clearance, they must go through an FBI background investigation. Their website states that “the preliminary employment requirements include a polygraph examination;
a test for illegal drug use; credit and records checks, and extensive interviews with former and current colleagues, neighbors, friends, professors, etc. (2017).”
Because the position of a Special agent is so prestigious, the candidates must meet all of the prior mentioned criteria, as well as requirements specific to the special agent position. The FBI (2017), requires applicants to have 3 years of full time work experience, be available for work anywhere in the world, and have skills in the areas of science, STEM, or detective work just to name a few.
Before applying for a position, applicants need to make sure they can pass a physical fitness test. The FBI describes the physical fitness test as “consisting of four events, with no more than five minutes of rest between each event. The test includes a maximum number of continuous sit-ups in one minute, a times 300-meter sprint, a maximum number of push-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run.” Applicants are encouraged not to apply until they are sure they can pass the PFT. Once it has been failed three times, the person is no longer eligible for employment consideration. There are also strict vision and hearing requirements and also a review of the applicant’s medical records by the FBI’s Chief Medical Officer. They will make the final decision in regards to the person’s health bases on their knowledge of the position. The physical requirements, along with the experience, and background information must be met before a prospective employee can even begin the online application.
a test for illegal drug use; credit and records checks, and extensive interviews with former and current colleagues, neighbors, friends, professors, etc. (2017).”
Because the position of a Special agent is so prestigious, the candidates must meet all of the prior mentioned criteria, as well as requirements specific to the special agent position. The FBI (2017), requires applicants to have 3 years of full time work experience, be available for work anywhere in the world, and have skills in the areas of science, STEM, or detective work just to name a few.
Before applying for a position, applicants need to make sure they can pass a physical fitness test. The FBI describes the physical fitness test as “consisting of four events, with no more than five minutes of rest between each event. The test includes a maximum number of continuous sit-ups in one minute, a times 300-meter sprint, a maximum number of push-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run.” Applicants are encouraged not to apply until they are sure they can pass the PFT. Once it has been failed three times, the person is no longer eligible for employment consideration. There are also strict vision and hearing requirements and also a review of the applicant’s medical records by the FBI’s Chief Medical Officer. They will make the final decision in regards to the person’s health bases on their knowledge of the position. The physical requirements, along with the experience, and background information must be met before a prospective employee can even begin the online application.