How To Become an FBI Agent
How To Become an FBI Agent
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A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent is a federal law enforcement officer who investigates and enforces laws related to national security, criminal activity and civil rights violations. These agents often serve as the frontline defenders against threats ranging from cybercrime and terrorism to public corruption and organized crime.1
The FBI hires people for many different types of jobs, but special agents are usually the most well-known. If you're interested in this kind of high-impact career, earning a degree in criminal justice — or a related field — can be a valuable first step toward joining the Bureau.
Individuals employed by the FBI across various roles2
A career as an FBI special agent offers varied responsibilities, with no typical day on the job. The role often involves irregular hours and frequent travel, requiring adaptability and a strong commitment to public service.3
Special agents may pursue specialized work in areas such as cybercrime, counterintelligence, forensic analysis and public affairs, depending on their skills, experience and the needs of the Bureau.
Here's a list of key responsibilities often performed by agents:3,4
Pursue criminal cases that violate federal law
FBI agents investigate criminal offenses that fall under federal jurisdiction, such as fraud, terrorism, organized crime and civil rights violations.
Conduct surveillance operations
These professionals monitor suspects, gather intelligence and document activities relevant to ongoing investigations.
Assist with drug-related and financial investigations
These agents trace transactions, identify key players and uncover links between narcotics trafficking and money laundering.
Investigate federal crimes
FBI agents handle violations of federal law by investigating crimes that cross state lines, threaten national security or involve federal programs and institutions.
Interview witnesses
They gather and analyze evidence to interpret digital traces, financial records or physical materials that support federal investigations.
Embarking on a career as an FBI special agent requires meeting key educational and professional criteria. Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree or an advanced graduate degree, your academic path can play a major role in determining the experience you’ll need to qualify.
The first step to pursuing a career as a police officer, detective or another type of agent is to earn a high school diploma or GED.5 However, certain law enforcement agencies — especially at the federal level — may prefer or require postsecondary education.5
A bachelor’s degree in a field of study such as criminal justice, cybersecurity or legal studies is the minimum requirement to pursue various agent careers.5 To qualify, two years of full-time work experience may also be needed in addition to your FBI agent education requirements.5
Although not required, earning a Graduate Certificate of Completion in Homeland Security and Emergency Management may help you build on your existing skills and further explore how to become an FBI agent. This credential can show employers that you've gained additional knowledge that could be relevant for more advanced roles in protective services.
Before officially beginning their role, most types of agents, including police officers and detectives, are required to complete training at their agency’s academy.5 This is followed by a hands-on field training phase that resembles an internship in practice, though it's not labeled as one.
Many agents start in local law enforcement, gaining experience through police academy training in law, ethics, firearms and emergency response. Federal roles may require more advanced training at specialized centers. FBI candidates must also be U.S. citizens, meet the Bureau’s drug policy and qualify for a TS/SCI clearance.4,5
While some agents, police officers and detectives pursue specialized training in fields like forensic science or cybercrime, this is usually offered internally and may not require external certification.5 Advancement to detective or agent roles typically comes through departmental experience and promotion, with most officers spending several years on patrol first.5
To become an FBI special agent, a bachelor’s degree is required, though no specific major is mandated.4,5 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fields like criminal justice, law, cybersecurity, computer science, accounting and foreign languages are especially relevant and may align with the FBI’s operational needs.5 These disciplines can help develop key skills in investigation, analysis and communication that are crucial for federal law enforcement work.
When applying, be prepared to showcase specific skills related to the role, such as problem-solving, communication and sound judgment. Though meeting these criteria doesn’t ensure selection, reflecting on how you’ve used these abilities can help you better understand the job.
The path to becoming a special agent covers a range of topics, such as:4,5
Criminal law and procedures
Problem-solving and data-driven decision making
Interpersonal skills: Rapport, conflict resolution and empathy
Firearms and self-defense training
Ethics and professional conduct
Physical fitness and defensive driving skills
Interview and interrogation techniques
Degrees in fields like security and protective services or social sciences may support your path to becoming an FBI agent, though they do not guarantee selection.5
If you are looking to pursue a career as a special agent, you may want to begin your education path by pursuing one of the following undergraduate degree programs:
While a bachelor’s degree is required to become a special agent, earning a graduate degree can help strengthen specialized skills that may stand out in competitive applicant pools and support progression into federal law enforcement roles. Explore our graduate programs for more details.
If you're aiming to become an FBI special agent, consider starting with one of the certificate programs below. When combined with a relevant degree, these can help build federal and law enforcement skills.
FBI agents receive rigorous training to prepare for complex investigative work. This intensive program can help build critical skills in areas like analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication and writing skills.
Agents also develop specialized skills in areas such as:4,5
Physical readiness
Firearm training
Law and investigative techniques
Adaptability and emotional intelligence
Intelligence gathering and behavioral analysis
Technical expertise in digital forensics or cybersecurity
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific data on FBI agents, it lists them as examples within the broader category of police and detectives.3 In 2023, police, detective and agent careers spanned a range of specialized roles, including police and sheriff’s patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators, fish and game wardens and transit and railroad police.6
Work environments can vary widely depending on your assignment and specialization. Work locations may include:
Crime and accident scenes
FBI agents may work at crime and crash scenes to gather evidence, document findings, interview witnesses and support local and federal investigations.
Government agencies
Government agencies employed 96% of all police and detectives.6 Agents may use this workplace setting to carry out investigative tasks, collaborate with teams and manage case-related documentation.
Office work
An agent may use an office work setting to review case files, write reports, analyze data, coordinate with other agencies and conduct interviews or briefings. It supports the administrative and investigative aspects of their work.
Secure intelligence hubs
An FBI agent may use secure intelligence hubs to access, share and analyze sensitive information in a protected environment, supporting investigations and coordination with other agencies.
Diverse operational settings
These agents are often reassigned to different locations, requiring adaptability to new environments and mission needs. This mobility supports rapid response and effective interagency collaboration.
To pursue advancement in roles with federal agencies like the FBI, gaining experience in investigative or specialized work may help strengthen your qualifications for more complex responsibilities.4 Additionally, knowledge of a foreign language may be seen as an asset in some federal agencies and geographical regions.4
Stay informed with the latest insights and updates on FBI agents.
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