How long is FBI training?

All special agents begin their career at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for 20 weeks of intensive training at one of the world's finest law enforcement training facilities. During their time there, trainees live on campus and participate in a variety of training activities.

How long does it take to become an FBI?

How many years does it take to become an FBI agent? To become an FBI agent, you must have a bachelor's degree and two years of working experience, and you must complete the SASS process, which takes about a year. This time totals about seven years.

How hard is the FBI training?

Before beginning field work, FBI agents must pass through New Agent Training at the FBI Academy. This approximately 20-week course is one of the most difficult training programs law enforcement officials will ever go through, and it will test both physical and mental limits.

Do you get paid during FBI training?

During the Basic Field Training Course (BFTC), New Agent Trainees (NATs) will earn GL-10 salaries, plus locality pay for the Washington, D.C. area, plus availability pay (AVP), which is 25% of their basic pay (base plus locality).

How much does the FBI Academy cost?

The cost to attend FBI Academy ranges from $2,000 to $50,000 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $10,000. When asked how they paid for their training, most reviewers responded, "My company paid for my training". To navigate, press the arrow keys.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

Does the FBI allow tattoos?

Facial piercings are not permitted, except for female trainees, who are authorized to wear earrings. Tattoo(s) determined to be disruptive to the learning environment must be covered by similarly colored long sleeves or a long-sleeve shirt to wear under the uniform polo shirt. Must be clean-shaven throughout training.

How old are FBI trainees?

Be at least 23 years old. Apply before your 36th birthday unless you have veteran's preference or federal law enforcement experience.* Possess a valid driver's license.

What is the youngest FBI agent age?

As with many positions within the federal government, there are a few minimum requirements to meet before you can land a job as an FBI agent. To even be considered for the role, you must meet the following requirements: Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 23 and 36.

Can I join FBI at 35?

You must be at least 23 years old at the time of your appointment. You must also be younger than 37, unless you qualify for an age waiver available to veterans.

What disqualifies you from the FBI?

Additionally, candidates cannot have sold, distributed, manufactured, or transported any illegal drug or controlled substance without legal authorization. Candidates cannot have misused any prescription drug within one (1) year preceding the date of application for employment.

Do FBI agents tell their families?

The agents' work can be discussed only with other bureau employees, which means they cannot discuss investigations with their families or friends. The FBI operates 56 field offices, approximately 380 resident agencies, and nearly 65 foreign legal attaché offices.

Can FBI take over police?

If a crime is committed that is a violation of local, state, and federal laws, does the FBI “take over” the investigation? No. State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations.

What degree does the FBI look for?

All FBI agents must hold a bachelor's degree at minimum, and many possess a master's degree or higher. FBI agents often earn degrees in fields such as criminal justice or political science, though the Bureau does not maintain any specific academic major requirements for applicants.

Where do FBI agents live?

Many FBI agents work at the official FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., while others work in regional offices around the country in cities like Albuquerque, Indianapolis, Seattle, Kansas City, and Miami. The FBI can call on agents to change locations at any time, so agents often move around.

Can FBI agents carry guns anywhere?

Agents carry Bureau-issued or approved handguns and may be issued additional equipment as needed. Those in specialized areas like the Hostage Rescue Teams may also be issued weapons that fit their duties. Agents are allowed to carry personal weapons, provided they do not violate the policies regarding firearms.

Is there a height requirement to be an FBI agent?

The FBI does not have a height requirement, but candidates must meet the other qualifications to be hired and attend the training academy in Quantico, VA.

What is the failure rate for the FBI Academy?

The FBI Entrance Exam has a 30% passing rate. If you fail to pass the test for the first time, you'll have a second chance to retest 90 days after your final test session. If you fail it for the second time, your application for the FBI Special Agent position will be permanently deactivated.

How many hours do FBI agents work a day?

Work a minimum of 50 hours per week, which may include irregular hours, and be on-call 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Maintain a level of fitness necessary to effectively respond to life-threatening situations on the job. Carry a firearm and be willing to use deadly force, if necessary.

Do you get weekends off at FBI Academy?

Virtually every 1811 academy is a live-in training program. Expect to stay at the facility for the entire duration of the academy with regular breaks on weekends and federal holidays.

Who is on FBI Most Wanted?

What do FBI agents do after retirement?

Many retired FBI agents enjoy a robust second career as business executives, consultants, private investigators, writers, public speakers and educators. With a goal in mind, you can strategize a job search.

How old is the average FBI agent?

Don't assume that becoming an FBI agent is a young person's game: the average age of special agents is 43. Many of the recruits are indeed young and hoping to make the FBI their career. Others are older Americans launching a second career after some years in the military, law enforcement or criminal justice.

Why do FBI agents wear suits?

They wear uniforms because their jobs require them to be recognized as police officers. Many of these officers are posted at different areas around the White House, at the vice president's residence and at embassies. These officers protect these buildings as well as the people in them.

Do FBI agents work a lot?

Depending on their case assignments, FBI agents may work a very strenuous and variable schedule. The FBI says that special agents must "work a minimum of 50 hours a week (which may include irregular hours) and be on call 24/7, including holidays and weekends." They are on call for possible assignment 24 hours a day.

Is there a weight requirement for the FBI?

The test is primarily designed to ensure that agents can move quickly during a mass shooting, chase suspects and restrain them if they resist arrest. There are no weight limits, but agents have to achieve certain requirements in four different exercises depending on their age and gender.