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SPECIAL AGENT APPLICATION AND HIRING PROCESS
The FBI Special Agent application process consists of the following seven steps
1. Online Application
The first step towards becoming an FBI Special Agent is to complete the online application. You can only apply through
the FBI Field Office covering your residence, place of education, and/or place of employment.
Online Application
2. Phase I Testing
Based on the online application, the most competitive candidates will be contacted and scheduled for Phase I Testing.
Phase I tests take place at an FBI facility and consist of a battery of written tests. Candidates who indicated
specialized experience (e.g., foreign language proficiency) on the online application may also be scheduled for additional
testing in their field of expertise.
Phase I Testing
3. Phase II Testing
Candidates that pass the Phase I tests may be eligible to proceed to Phase II Testing based upon their overall qualifications,
their competitiveness among other candidates, and the needs of the FBI. The Phase II test consists of a writing test and an
in-person interview conducted by a panel of current FBI Special Agents.
Phase II Testing
4. Conditional Letter of Appointment
Candidates who pass Phase II testing are eligible to be considered for the next stage of the Special Agent application process
— the Conditional Letter of Appointment. Based on budgetary requirements and the critical skills needed by the FBI, qualified
candidates will receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment. This letter makes a conditional job offer to the candidate and provides
details on the FBI Background Investigation and next steps.
5. Physical Fitness Test
Candidates who receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment will then be scheduled for the
Special Agent Physical Fitness Test.
In order to be eligible for the Physical Fitness Test, an applicant must:
The Physical Fitness Test is administered to a Special Agent applicant at his/her processing FBI Field Office. Special Agent
applicants who pass the Physical Fitness Test are considered sufficiently fit to safely and successfully complete the physical
training and defensive tactics portion of New Agent's Training at the FBI Academy.
Applicants who fail to pass the Physical Fitness Test on their first attempt are subject to a waiting period before being afforded
the opportunity to re-test. Failure of the Physical Fitness Test will result in an applicant’s conditional letter of appointment
being rescinded. Once the conditional letter of appointment is rescinded, it is the responsibility of the applicant to notify his/her
Applicant Coordinator in writing when he/she is physically fit enough to pass the Physical Fitness Test. The applicant must wait a
minimum of 60-days prior to notifying the Applicant Coordinator of his/her readiness to re-take the Physical Fitness Test.
6. FBI Background Investigation
Candidates that receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment will also be asked to submit the paperwork necessary to begin the FBI
Background Investigation. The background investigation includes: a polygraph examination; credit and arrest checks; interviews with
associates, personal and business references, past employers and neighbors; and verification of educational achievements. All
applicants must receive an FBI Top Secret security clearance in order to be eligible to become FBI Special Agents.
Details about the FBI Background Investigation
7. Medical Examination
Special Agent candidates who pass the Physical Fitness Test and the first stages of the FBI Background Investigation must also pass
a thorough Medical Examination to determine whether any medical issue (or condition) could potentially affect the applicant’s ability
to perform the basic functions of the Special Agent position. This medical review ensures that each candidate’s situation is reviewed
on an individual basis. If you have undergone a particular surgical procedure (e.g., radial keratotomy) and/or have some preexisting
medical condition (e.g., hypertension), this will require careful review during the physical examination process. The Medical
Examination also ensures that applicants meet the Special Agent Vision Requirements and Hearing Requirements.
Vision Requirements
Hearing Requirements
Issues/conditions that surface during the Medical Reviews may delay an applicant’s final processing for employment. Although an applicant's doctor provides information about the applicant's medical condition, it is the FBI's Health Care Programs Unit who provides recommendations regarding the applicant's physical ability to perform the job. This decision is based on the review of the applicant’s doctor’s findings and the FBI’s knowledge of the requirements of the job. The FBI is committed to treating all applicants fairly and equitably in all aspects of our hiring/selection process.
Special Agent candidates who have passed all phases of the application process will then be scheduled for a Special Agent class at the FBI Academy. Please note: All Agent candidates must have a record of previous or current meningococcal vacination (Menactra preferred) prior to arrival for training.
Details about the FBI Academy.
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