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Q: What is a DEA "Special Agent"?
A: DEA Special Agents are a select group of men and women from diverse backgrounds whose experience and commitment make them the premier federal drug law enforcement agents in the world.
Q: Am I qualified to be a Special Agent?
A: You can find out if you qualify by taking our quick online eligibility quiz.
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Q: Is there an age restriction for applying to become a DEA Special Agent?
A: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and no older than 36 at the time of their appointment.
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Q: Is a college degree required in order to qualify?
A: The Most Competitive candidates possess a bachelor's or master's degree, along with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.95 or higher. Special consideration is given to candidates with degrees in Criminal Justice/Police Science or related disciplines; Finance, Accounting or Economics; foreign languages (with fluency verified) in Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, dialects of Nigerian languages, Chinese, Japanese; computer Science/Information Systems; and Telecommunications/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering.
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Q: How do I apply?
A: To begin the application process, contact your nearest DEA field division recruitment office.
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Q: How long is the hiring process?
A: Depending on scheduling and candidate availability, our hiring process may take 12 months or longer.
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Q: What is involved in the hiring process?
A: The multi-step hiring process includes the following phases:
- Qualifications Review
- Written and Oral Assessment and Panel Interview
- Urinalysis Drug Test
- Medical Examination
- Physical Task Test
- Polygraph Examination
- Psychological Assessment
- Background Investigation
- Final Hiring Decision
All applicants must successfully complete all phases of the hiring process, and remain Most Competitive, to receive a final offer of employment. For more information, please contact your nearest DEA field division recruitment office.
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Q: Where are applicant interviews held?
A: Scheduling, times and locations are handled by the local Recruitment Coordinators.
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Q: Will I receive training?
A: Yes. If selected for a Special Agent position, you will be required to successfully complete a 16-week Basic Agent Training (BAT) program at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. For more information on DEA training, click here.
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Q: What will I learn at the Academy?
A: Through this program, instruction and hands-on training are provided in undercover, surveillance and arrest techniques, defensive tactics and firearms training, as well as the basics of report writing, law and drug identification and recognition. In addition, you will participate in a rigorous physical fitness program. For more information, click here.
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Q: Where will I be assigned to work as a Special Agent? Can I request a location?
A: Between the 8th and 12th weeks of your training, you will be provided with your final duty station. Mobility is a condition of employment. Assignments are made based upon DEA's current operational needs.
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Q: How often will I be transferred?
A: Mobility is a condition of employment. Special Agents are subject to transfer throughout their career, based upon the needs of the agency.
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Q: What is the starting salary and grade for Special Agents?
A: DEA Special Agents are generally hired at the GS-7 or GS-9 level, depending on education and experience. The salary includes federal Law Enforcement Officer base pay plus a locality payment, depending on your duty station. Upon successful graduation from the DEA Training Academy 25% Availability Pay will be added to your base and locality pay. After graduation, the starting salaries are approximately $49,746 for a GS-7, and $55,483 for a GS-9. After four years of service Special Agents are eligible to progress to the GS-13 level and can earn approximately $92,592 or more per year." Click here to view the latest Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Pay Tables.
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Q: What is your drug use policy?
A: DEA is charged with enforcement of the Federal Controlled Substances Act; therefore, all applicants must fully disclose any drug use history during the application process. Applicants whose drug use history is outside of acceptable parameters will not be considered for employment. All DEA employees are subject to random urinalysis drug testing throughout their careers.
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Q: What is the PT test, and why is it important?
A: The Physical Task (PT) test determines if potential candidates can withstand the rigors of Special Agent training. Candidates must be in excellent physical condition in order to pass this test. To help prepare yourself, you may download a copy of our PTT training booklet (1.9 MB PDF*).
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Q: What happens if I fail the PT test?
A: If you fail your first PT test, administered in the field, you will get a second chance to pass it within 30 days. A second failure will be cause for your application process to be discontinued. Therefore, it is a good idea to train to ensure that you are prepared to successfully complete this test. To help prepare, you may download a copy of our PTT training booklet (1.9 MB PDF*).
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Q: What is a BI?
A: A background investigation (BI) is one of the final steps in the application process that seeks to discern a comprehensive snapshot of you. The investigation provides information on personal history, education and work experience, personal and professional references, as well as other necessary checks. The time it takes to complete the BI is dependent on the type and scope of investigation being conducted.
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Q: How can I apply for a non-agent position?
A: For more information on other DEA Career Opportunities, please click here. You may also visit USAJobs for more information.
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