The FBI is the principle investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice and a full member of the U.S. Intelligence Community. The mission of the FBI is to protect and defend the U.S., uphold and enforce the criminal laws, and provide leadership and criminal justice services. As of Jan. 4, 2011, 35,506 people worked for the FBI.
To apply for a career in the FBI, you must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 23 years old and younger than 37, pass hearing and vision tests, possess a valid U.S. driver's license, and possess an accredited four-year degree in a language, law, accounting or another field plus three years of full-time employment. The FBI also looks for applicants who have skills in interrogation, surveillance, report writing and giving testimony. Cognitive tests, polygraph tests, interviews, background checks and drug tests are also administered during the selection process. Applicants will also need to pass a physical training requirement. An example physical requirement would be the PRT -- a 1.5 mile run test (passed with scores of 14 minutes 10 seconds or less for females, and 12 minutes 40 seconds or less for males.
Every special agents begins at the FBI Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia, where agents undergo 20 weeks of intensive training. Trainees live on campus and participate in training activities. Classroom hours are spent studying academic and investigative subjects, including law, report writing, forensic science, behavioral science, basic and advanced investigative, intelligence techniques, and interviewing. Trainees also learn about counterterrorism, counterintelligence, criminal investigations, weapons of mass destruction and cybercrime. The curriculum also includes defensive tactics, intensive training in physical fitness, the use of firearms and practical application exercises.
Prospective FBI agents can initially apply online. Check the current job postings (see Resources) to see if the agency is accepting applications. Based on the online application, the most competitive candidates will be contacted for a written test and interview. Candidates who pass the written tests are eligible for the next stage -- the Conditional Letter of Appointment. Candidates who receive a Conditional Letter of Appointment will be asked to submit paperwork necessary for a FBI background investigation. After passing the background investigation, candidates must also pass thorough medical examinations. Candidates who've passed all phases of the application will be scheduled for a police officer training class.