Is it hard to get hired by the FBI?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: July 23, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
Yes, it is very hard to get into the FBI; the agency accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making the highly competitive Special Agent Selection System (SASS) one of the most rigorous hiring processes in government. The multi-step journey can take a year or longer and demands a unique mix of professional experience, perfect character, and physical readiness.
How likely is it to get hired by the FBI?
Your chances of being accepted into the FBI as a Special Agent are extremely low, typically between 3% and 5%. The bureau receives tens of thousands of online applications annually but selects only about 900 to 1,100 candidates to enter the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia.
What disqualifies you from FBI?
EMPLOYMENT DISQUALIFIERS The specific elements that automatically disqualify candidates for FBI employment include but are not limited to: • Use of illegal drugs in violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy • Conviction of a felony • Default on a student loan insured by the U.S. government • Failure of an FBI- ...
How long does it take to get hired for the FBI?
With a complete application packet submission, you can expect a minimum qualification decision in about 10 days. You should start or be in training for the Physical Fitness Test prior to submitting your application. The Phase I test is a computerized test within a proctored environment.
Is 30 too late to join FBI?
You must be at least 23 years old at the time of your appointment. You must also be younger than 37, unless you qualify for an age waiver available to veterans.
Former FBI Agent reveals the FBI's hiring process
Does FBI pay well?
FBI boasts that its agents earn between $81,000 and $129,000 per year on average, though starting salaries are typically slightly lower. Supervisory agents can earn up to $170,000 annually.
How old is the youngest FBI agent?
🔹At least 23 years old. 🔹Apply before your 36th birthday (unless you have veteran's preference or federal law enforcement experience). 🔹Valid driver's license. 🔹Meet our physical fitness requirements.
Do FBI agents work 50 hours a week?
Yes, FBI Special Agents are required by law to work a minimum of a 50-hour workweek. This typically consists of a standard 40-hour administrative workweek plus an expected 10 hours of scheduled overtime.
What is the FBI's most wanted list?
The FBI's Most Wanted list—formally known as the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list—is a public roster of highly dangerous criminals, terrorists, and fugitives. Established in 1950, it publicizes offenders who pose a serious menace to society and rely on nationwide publicity and citizen tips to aid in their capture.
How hard is the FBI Phase 1 test?
The FBI Phase 1 test is highly challenging, with approximately 70% of candidates failing on their first attempt. It is a rigorous, 3-hour, computerized exam assessing logic, judgment, and personality, with a strict two-fail limit that permanently terminates your application.
Does FBI hair test?
Hair testing is only used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) when other information exists that indicates drug use and can remove a person from suspicion or associate them with criminal activity.
Who gets paid more, CIA or FBI?
Both the CIA and FBI determine salaries using the federal government's standard pay scales, making entry-level and mid-career pay relatively comparable, though the FBI often offers a higher starting salary due to mandatory overtime pay.
How long is FBI training?
FBI Special Agent training lasts approximately 18 weeks (about 850 instructional hours) at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. This Basic Field Training Course (BFTC) requires trainees to live on campus while undergoing intensive instruction in academics, physical fitness, defensive tactics, and firearms proficiency.
How fast do you have to run the 1.5 mile for FBI?
To pass the FBI Physical Fitness Test (PFT), men must run 1.5 miles in 12:24 or faster, and women must run it in 13:59 or faster. To achieve a perfect 10-point score, men must run it in 8:59 or faster, and women in 10:34 or faster. Walking results in automatic disqualification.
Do FBI agents get to pick where they work?
Roughly one-third of new agents get their first choice. Ultimately, the mission comes first. While field office position vacancies take priority over all transfer request decisions, the FBI bases transfers on SA office preferences, seniority, budget considerations and mission needs.
Is CIA or FBI more prestigious?
Prestige between the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) depends on the context, as the CIA handles foreign intelligence and the FBI handles domestic law enforcement and counterintelligence. Neither is universally "more prestigious," but they hold different standings based on public perception and operational scope:
Do FBI agents get a day off?
Yes, FBI agents receive paid days off, earning between 13 and 26 days of annual leave (vacation time) and 13 days of sick leave per year, alongside 11 federal holidays. However, because agents are on-call 24/7 and frequently work irregular hours, their ability to take time off depends on current case demands.
Do FBI agents have more power than cops?
Neither agency inherently has more power; rather, they hold different types of power and operate in separate jurisdictions, working as a partnership rather than a hierarchy. Local police have broader day-to-day authority, while the FBI holds supreme jurisdiction over federal crimes and national security.
Can FBI agents stay in one place?
In the old days of the FBI, agents moved around a lot, but that's not true anymore. Unless you want to move, you're assigned to your first office out of the FBI Academy in Quantico. You could stay there your whole career. A lot of people do that.
Do FBI agents travel a lot?
Yes, FBI agents travel frequently, but the amount of travel depends heavily on their specific assignment, squad, and seniority. While some agents are based primarily in local field offices or labs, others travel constantly for casework, multi-agency task forces, and special operations.
Who ran the FBI for 48 years?
Hoover died in his sleep on May 2, 1972, he had led the FBI for 48 years.
Who are the top 10 most wanted people by the FBI?
Listing
- KALPESHKUMAR RASIKBHAI PATEL.
- MICHAEL LIZASO MARASIGAN.
- BRANDON JAMES THOMAS.
- MARY CAROLE MCDONNELL.
- OLUMIDE ADEBIYI ADEDIRAN.
- ELAINE ANGENE ESCOE.
- HORST COSTA JICHA.
- ROMAN SEMENOV.
What benefits do FBI agents receive?
Benefits. The FBI not only invests in your career but also in your personal well-being and your future. As an FBI employee, you'll be able to enjoy paid time off, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, professional development and mentorships, tuition reimbursement opportunities, a secure retirement with pension, and more.
How much do undercover FBI agents make?
As of May 13, 2026, the average annual pay for an Undercover Agent in Los Angeles is $71,527 a year.
Where in the US does FBI pay most?
Top 63 Highest Paying States for FBI Detective Jobs in the U.S. We've identified 16 states where the typical salary for a FBI Detective job is above the national average. Topping the list is Washington, with District of Columbia and New York close behind in second and third.