FBI special agents must by in excellent physical shape.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI was established in 1908 and provides national security for United States citizens. Priority investigative areas for the FBI include counter terrorism, counterintelligence, cyber security and civil rights. Other investigative fields include white collar and organized crime, major thefts and violent crimes. Candidates for FBI special agent careers must undergo a rigorous application process. Applicants with specialized computer skills, advanced college degrees and speakers of foreign languages are ideal candidates for FBI special agent jobs.
Basic Qualification
Prospective applicants for FBI special agent jobs must be U.S. citizens and at least 23 years of age but younger than 37 at the time of their application. Prospective candidates must also have a four year degree from a nationally accredited college or university. Applicants must also have at least three years of work experience and hold a valid drivers license, and have the necessary skills for one of the five Special Agent Entry Programs comprised of accounting, computer science or information technology, language, law, or diversified programs.
Key Skills
Candidates who meet at least one of the five entry programs will be assigned according to their level of expertise. To qualify under accounting, applicants must be certified accountants or have a four-year degree and three years of work in the field. Candidates who satisfy the FBI's foreign language requirement must pass a qualifying entry exam, which includes both written and reading portions of the Defense Language Proficiency Test or DLPT. Law candidates must hold a law degree from a nationally accredited program.
Physical Fitness and Background Requirements
Applicants for FBI special agent jobs should be prepared to pass a physical fitness screening. The physical fitness test includes a timed 300-meter sprint, timed sit-ups, un-timed push-ups and a timed one-and-a-half mile run. The tests are scored according to gender. Prospective candidates must also pass a background and drug screening. Individuals who are convicted felons are automatically disqualified from FBI special agent candidacy. Additional disqualifiers include defaults on student loans, failure to register with selective services for males and failing an FBI administered urine test.
Considerations
Applicants for FBI special agent jobs must have at least 20/20 vision. The first step to becoming an FBI special agent is to fill out an online application form. Prospective applicants should submit their inquiry through the FBI office that covers their immediate residence, place of education or employment. Candidates who are admitted into an FBI special agent training must complete a 20 week intensive program at a law enforcement training facility. Prospective applicants must be in excellent physical condition.
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