 LINGUIST APPLICATION & HIRING PROCESS 
The FBI Linguist application process consists of the following steps:
1. Online Application
The first step towards becoming an FBI Linguist is to complete the online application.
Please note: candidates interested in becoming Special Agent Linguists must apply to the FBI Special Agent posting.
Linguist Online Application
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2. Foreign Language Test Battery
As we have a need for applicants in a particular foreign language, we review applications. If your application meets our minimum requirements and we have a need for your language, you will be contacted by your local field office and scheduled to take the Foreign Language Test Battery. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, it could be an extended time before your application is reviewed.
The Foreign Language Test Battery consists of three different types of exams:
- Listening and Reading Tests – In the listening comprehension test you will hear conversations in the foreign language and answer multiple choice questions in English about what was said. In some languages you will also be asked to write a summary of the conversation in English. In the reading comprehension test you will answer multiple choice questions in English about the content of short passages written in the foreign language.
- Translation Tests – The translation test from the foreign language into English consists of three to four short passages. Your translation must contain exactly the same information as the original and be written in correct English. It will be scored for both accuracy of content and quality of expression. The same applies to translation tests from English into the foreign language. If a translation test is not available for your foreign language, you will take the English composition test, which involves writing an essay on a given topic. For both translations and compositions you are allowed to use a dictionary, as long as it is not electronic.
- Speaking Tests – After passing the written test, you will take a speaking test in the foreign language and English. These tests consist of a structured conversation, conducted over the telephone, with native speakers of the test language. Passing scores are valid for three years.
Different Linguist positions require applicants to pass different components of the Foreign Language Test Battery (some requirements are language specific). The requirements for each Linguist position are as follows:
- Contract Linguist - Requires that you pass listening and reading tests in the foreign language, a translation test from the foreign language into English, and speaking tests in both English and the foreign language. Some languages require a translation from English into the foreign language.
- Contract Language Monitor – Requires that you pass a listening test, an English composition test, and speaking tests in both English and the foreign language.
- Contract Tester – Requires that you pass speaking tests in both English and the foreign language.
- Special Agent Linguist – To qualify you must pass listening, reading, and speaking tests in the foreign language.
The Foreign Language Test Battery is administered at your local FBI Field Office.
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3. FBI Background Investigation
Candidates who pass the Foreign Language Test Battery will be asked to submit the paperwork necessary to begin the FBI Background Investigation. The background investigation includes: an in-depth security interview and polygraph examination; credit and arrest checks; interviews with associates, personal and business references, past employers and neighbors; and verification of educational achievements. If the candidate has delinquent issues on their credit report, they must provide documentation to show that they have been addressed. Candidates will also be asked to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and their current and any past passports.
All applicants must receive an FBI Top Secret security clearance in order to be eligible to become FBI Language Specialists, Contract Linguists, or Contract Monitors. Contract Testers do not undergo an FBI Background Investigation.
Details about the FBI Background Investigation.
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