Application & Screening
To begin, you must submit a completed application packet including a federal resume, transcripts, and any applicable military or prior federal employment documentation. You can find a comprehensive list of forms on the Documents and Downloads page.
The screening process is dependent upon the submission of all application materials, overall application volume, and current needs of the FBI. Follow the guidelines in the special agent job posting to expedite your application processing.
Phase I Test
The Phase I test is a computerized test within a proctored environment. This is a three-hour exam consisting of five assessments: Logic-Based Reasoning, Figural Reasoning, Personality Assessment, Preferences and Interests, and Situational Judgment.
Once invited, you have 21 days to schedule and complete your Phase I test. You will receive a notification if you passed within one hour of completing the test. For more information and practice questions, check out the Test Guide (PDF).
Meet & Greet
The Meet and Greet is an information session typically conducted by your processing field office (PFO). During this session, you learn about the special agent position and what to expect throughout the hiring process.
Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
You must pass the PFT with:
- A minimum score of 9 points
- At least 1 point in three of the events
- No less than a zero in any event. (A negative score in any of the four events is considered a PFT failure.)
Training doesn't stop there. You may be required to take the PFT again and achieve a minimum score within 120 days before you report to the Basic Field Training Course (BFTC).
NOTE: If you pass an official PFT with a score of 12 or higher (with at least 1 point in each of the four events) you will not have to retake the PFT before BFTC if that PFT was completed within one year of your scheduled BFTC start date.
For more information on the PFT, check out the Physical Requirements page and download the PFT Training Guide (PDF).
Phase II Test
Phase II consists of a writing assessment and a structured interview conducted by a panel of three special agents.
You receive your cumulative Phase II results within two weeks of completing both portions of the test. For more information, check out the Test Guide (PDF).
Conditional Appointment Offer (CAO)
Once you successfully complete and pass the Phase II Test and the PFT, you are issued a CAO.
Hiring is contingent upon you successful completion of the remaining SASS components, including the polygraph examination test, medical evaluation, and background investigation.
Background Investigation
Once you receive a CAO, you must complete a background investigation to obtain a Top-Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.
The background investigation includes a Personnel Security Interview (PSI), polygraph examination, drug test, fingerprinting, and medical examination. It also includes credit and arrest checks, interviews with associates and references, and verification of educational achievements.
NOTE: The average background investigation takes approximately six months, but can take 18 months or more depending on where you have lived, worked, and traveled.
Fit for Duty Medical Exam
During the FBI pre-employment examination, a medical provider will review your medical history, physical exam components, and perform a head-to-toe physical examination.
Pre-Quantico Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
To qualify for the BFTC, you must obtain a PFT score of a 9 within 120 days of your scheduled arrival.
NOTE: If you pass an official PFT with a score of 12 or higher (with at least 1 point in each of the four events), you will not have to retake the PFT before BFTC if that PFT was completed within one year of your scheduled BFTC start date.
Official employment as a special agent is contingent on completing the 18-week BFTC. See Physical Requirements for more detail.
Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)
The BFTC lasts 18 weeks. Your BFTC may be scheduled three to six months in advance. You will receive a final offer two to four weeks in advance of your class date.
To demonstrate physical readiness to perform duties, you must complete at least one PFT during BFTC. If you are unable to pass at least one PFT, you will be dismissed.
For more information, check out the BFTC Guide (PDF).
Career Placement
An HR specialist schedules your first day at the FBI. You will attend orientation at FBI Quantico.
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