How Can You Become an F.B.I. Agent?

By getting a Bachelor's Degree and at having at least three years of work experience a person can apply to be an F.B.I. agent. A candidate for the F.B.I. has to be between the ages of 23-36 and must pass several tests including a written examination, lie detector test, interview, and physical examination. The F.B.I. does a complete background investigation before hiring an agent. The candidate must also be a U.S. citizen and have valid drivers license.

The F.B.I. prefers people who have good leadership skills, confidence, assertiveness, and physical fitness. It is also important to have good writing and speaking skills. They hire many people who are lawyers and accountants.

Salary

An F.B.I. agent's average yearly pay is between $51,000 and $68,000!

F.B.I. Agent's Advantages

#1 Working with a lot of people.

#2 Traveling around the country

#3 Exciting cases

F.B.I. Agent's Disadvantages

#1 Working long hours.

#2 Working in dangerous situations.

#3 Being away from your family.

Do F.B.I. Agents Work Alone?

No, F.B.I. agents work as a team to help get information for cases.

F.B.I. Agent's Workplace

They work for the Department of Justice. Most of the time they work at one of the 59 field offices around the country.

Moving Up

F.B.I. agent's salaries increase with time and performance. Eventually they can become supervisors or administrators in the bureau.

There are women agents. In 1972 the F.B.I. had its first woman agent