The job of special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation is one of the most sought after jobs in the federal system. Along with the prestige that comes with being a special agent, there are daily challenges which utilize the schooling and training learned before working with the Bureau. The FBI also has many non-agent employees, from secretaries and analysts to linguists
Special Agent:
Special Agents perform police duties for the United States government, enforcing crimes and violations of the various federal criminal provisions. This includes but is not limited to the following types of police work:
*Bank Robbery Investigation
*All Manner of White Collar Crimes
*Drug Trafficking and Manufacturing
*Civil Rights Violations
*Bribery
*Corruption
*Counter Terrorism
To qualify as a special agent, applicants must be at least 23 years old but not over 37. They must also possess a 4 year degree from an institution accredited by the United States Secretary of Education. In addition, applicants must have three years of professional work experience, a drivers license and the ability to relocate anywhere the FBI has jurisdiction.
If the above requirements are met, the applicant must then qualify under one of the FBI's five entry programs:
*Accountancy
*Computer Science/Information Technology
*Language
*Law
*Diversified
Then, applicants are selected according to the special skills and knowledge they may possess which the FBI may need at the time of hiring. The following is a short list of some of the special skills and knowledge the FBI actively seeks:
*Accountancy
*Law Enforcement/Investigation
*Physical Sciences
*Military Experience
*Diversified Experience
Applicants are also given an extensive background check. According to Bureau policy, there are certain instances in an applicant's past which may be considered automatic disqualifiers.
*Felony Conviction
*Violation of FBI drug policy
*Not Registering with Selective Services
*Failure of an FBI Administered Urinalysis for Drugs
*Student Loan Default
Physically, special agents must be at a certain level of fitness in order to be offered employment. There are four levels at which the a potential special agent's physicality are tested:
1. Physical Exertion Test
2. Vision Test
3. Hearing Test
4. Medical Examination
Professional Staff
The professional staff of the Bureau represents a wide range of careers and disciplines. The following on the list are some of the common positions on the FBI professional staff.
*FBI Police
*Intelligence Analysis
*Information Technology
*Business Management
*Linguistics
Professional staff must also pass an extensive background check.
If you are not sure a career in the FBI is right for you, take our career aptitude test to see what field might be a better fit.
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