What qualities does the FBI look for?

The FBI looks for U.S. citizens, aged 23-36 (with exceptions), with a bachelor's degree and professional experience, strong moral character, physical fitness, and excellent analytical/interpersonal skills, requiring a spotless background, tax/loan/child support compliance, and passing rigorous checks, tests, and polygraphs for high-level security clearance.

What skills does the FBI look for?

FBI skills center on core competencies like leadership, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, requiring strong analytical, judgment, initiative, and organizational abilities to handle complex investigations, manage risks, and build relationships, alongside practical skills in areas like firearms, tactical driving, and potentially foreign languages or tech expertise, all developed through rigorous training.
 

What will disqualify you from FBI?

You're disqualified from the FBI for automatic issues like being a non-U.S. citizen, felony convictions, failing drug tests, or not registering for Selective Service (if male), but also for financial irresponsibility (loan defaults, unpaid taxes/child support), dishonest application answers, serious past drug/alcohol abuse, or gang/subversive ties, as a thorough background check evaluates your whole person for integrity and suitability, says the FBI Jobs official site and the Yale Law School career guide.
 

What is the FBI looking for in applicants?

The FBI looks for U.S. citizens with strong integrity, diverse skills (STEM, languages, military), excellent character (no major legal/financial issues, good credit), and the ability to pass rigorous physical/background tests, emphasizing core competencies like leadership, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, not just a criminal justice degree. They value well-rounded individuals who can demonstrate crucial traits through varied experiences. 

How to stand out for FBI?

Communication. The ability to communicate seamlessly with a variety of people, both verbally and in writing, is essential for every FBI employee. No matter the audience or context, FBI agents should be equipped to listen attentively, persuade others, and communicate using advanced problem-solving and reasoning skills.

FBI Special Agent Careers

Is it difficult to get into the FBI?

Becoming an FBI Special Agent is a rigorous and selective process that typically takes about one year to complete, though it can sometimes extend longer.

What are the personality traits of an FBI agent?

Strong deductive skills, flexibility, and irreproachable moral character are key traits for those who want to succeed in the FBI. The sensitive nature of the work requires a person with sound judgment and discretion.

What would make you fail an FBI background check?

FBI background investigations disqualify candidates for issues like non-U.S. citizenship, felony/domestic violence convictions, current drug use, failing a drug test, defaulting on student loans, or failing Selective Service registration (males). Key disqualifiers also include dishonesty, serious financial irresponsibility, past serious crimes (like assault, robbery, arson), and violations of the FBI's strict drug policies, with investigations looking at past conduct and potential security risks. 

What will disqualify you from federal employment?

Federal employment disqualifiers center on suitability and security, including criminal conduct (especially felonies like fraud, drug dealing, violence), dishonesty (false statements on applications), substance abuse, financial irresponsibility, mental instability, foreign influence, and actions against the U.S. government, though many issues, like old misdemeanors or financial problems, are evaluated case-by-case using the "whole person" concept. 

What is the FBI age limit?

The FBI's age limit for becoming a Special Agent is generally 23 to under 37 years old at the time of appointment, with exceptions for veterans and current federal law enforcement, to ensure they meet the 20-year service requirement for retirement by age 57. Applicants must apply before their 36th birthday to allow time for the lengthy selection process, but age waivers exist for eligible veterans, and some current FBI employees or prior federal law enforcement may also qualify for waivers.
 

What do FBI background checks look for?

An FBI background check provides a comprehensive look at your national criminal history, revealing felony/misdemeanor convictions, arrests, pending charges, and incarceration records, all linked via fingerprints to ensure accuracy. It taps into national databases like the NCIC, checking for sex offender status, terrorism links, and even potentially sealed records (depending on state laws), and also flags major financial issues (bankruptcies) and residential history, crucial for federal jobs, licensing, or security clearances.
 

How long is FBI training?

The Basic Field Training Course (BFTC) is designed to train new special agents and intelligence analysts together to prepare them for collaborative work in the field. The NAT curriculum lasts 18 weeks, including orientation, while the NIAT curriculum lasts 12 weeks.

Can people with ADHD join the FBI?

We actively recruit persons with disabilities for all roles within the FBI.

Does FBI pay well?

Yes, the FBI pays well, especially when factoring in competitive starting salaries, significant pay increases with experience, locality adjustments for high-cost areas, and Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for extra hours, plus excellent federal benefits like pensions and health insurance, though some agents feel current pay struggles to keep up with rising living costs in high-demand locations. New agent salaries can start around $80,000+, with experienced agents earning well into the six figures, and these figures are boosted by LEAP (an extra 25% for working over 40 hours) and locality pay. 

What are the three main core competencies?

While "3 core competencies" vary by context (education, leadership, business), common themes focus on Thinking/Cognitive Skills, Communication, and Personal/Social Responsibility, essential for learning, working, and growth, encompassing critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and self-management to navigate complex environments. 

What GPA does the FBI look for?

The FBI generally requires a minimum GPA, often around 3.0, for student programs and some entry-level roles, though specific requirements vary by position (like Special Agent vs. Intern) and can sometimes be nuanced with work experience, advanced degrees (Master's/JD), or specialized skills (IT/language). For the highly competitive Special Agent role, while a 3.0 is common, factors like work history, education level, and specialized talents can influence consideration, and some sources mention programs with slightly lower requirements like 2.95 for certain graduate hires. 

What are 5 employment disqualifiers of the FBI?

Automatic disqualifiers to becoming an FBI agents

• Failure to file local, state, or federal income tax returns.
• Failure to pay court-ordered child support.
• Engagement in treasonable acts.
• Failure to register with the Selective Service System, if applicable.
• Failure to pass a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.

What fails a federal background check?

Federal employment background check disqualifiers center on criminal history (especially felonies/espionage), dishonesty (lying on applications), substance abuse (recent/chronic), financial irresponsibility (bad credit/debt), and security risks (foreign ties/subversive acts), but most issues are evaluated case-by-case for suitability, focusing on rehabilitation and relevance to the job, though certain severe crimes like treason are automatic bars. 

Is it difficult to get hired by the FBI?

How Does the FBI Hire Agents? The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag on a background check is any concerning information that questions a candidate's honesty, reliability, or suitability for a role, such as criminal history (especially financial or violent crimes), major discrepancies in education or employment dates, unexplained job hopping, poor credit for finance roles, or unprofessional social media content. While not always automatic disqualifiers, these flags signal the need for deeper investigation, depending on the job's requirements, as they can indicate issues with integrity or capability.
 

What could ruin a background check?

6 Common Reasons for Failing a Background Check

• Criminal Records. ...
• False and Misleading Information. ...
• A Poor Employment History. ...
• Poor Credit. ...
• Substance Abuse. ...
• Social Media. ...
• Always Obtain Consent. ...
• Be Consistent.

What is the most common reason for failing a background check?

Common issues include criminal history related to the job, failed drug tests, credit problems for finance roles, driving violations when the job involves driving and differences between what you said on your application and what's actually true.

What type of people does the FBI hire?

The FBI hires a wide range of professionals for roles beyond just Special Agents, including Intelligence Analysts, IT Specialists, Forensic Scientists, Linguists, Accountants, Lawyers, Engineers, and Skilled Trades people, needing diverse backgrounds in STEM, finance, law, and communications, all requiring U.S. citizenship, strong backgrounds, and the ability to pass rigorous security/background checks. Special Agents need a bachelor's degree, work experience, physical fitness, and must meet age/citizenship criteria, while other roles focus on specific technical or analytical skills. 

What are the disadvantages of being a FBI agent?

Cons of Being an FBI Agent

• Education Requirements. ...
• Extensive Background Investigation. ...
• They Contact Everyone You Know. ...
• Risks and Dangers. ...
• Physical Fitness Test Requirement. ...
• Forced Retirement. ...
• Not Everyone Gets Retirement Benefits.

What does the FBI look for in an applicant?

The FBI looks for highly ethical, trustworthy U.S. citizens with strong character, analytical skills, and a clean background, requiring a bachelor's degree, specific experience, physical fitness, and passing rigorous checks (polygraph, extensive background investigation, drug tests) for a Top Secret clearance, disqualifying felonies, drug use, and financial irresponsibility. Key traits include collaboration, communication, flexibility, and organization, alongside meeting education/age/fitness standards.