What disqualifies you from FBI work?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: July 21, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
Certain factors will automatically disqualify you from employment with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You can review the full Employment Eligibility Guide or the FBIJOBS Eligibility page for comprehensive details, but immediate, non-negotiable disqualifiers include:
What would disqualify me from working for the FBI?
Candidates cannot have used any illegal drug, other than marijuana, within the ten (10) years preceding the date of the application for employment. Additionally, candidates cannot have sold, distributed, manufactured, or transported any illegal drug or controlled substance without legal authorization.
How difficult is it 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.
Who can't work for the FBI?
FBI Eligibility
To be eligible for employment, you must adhere to the following guidelines prior to application consideration: Be a U.S. citizen. Public record must be in good standing with no felony convictions. Adherence with FBI drug policy.
What makes you fail an FBI background check?
Common Reasons For “Failing” A Background Check
From criminal convictions and driving violations to falsified employment and education credentials, there are several common reasons that can cause a “failed” background check.
10 Things That Will Disqualify You from Becoming an FBI Special Agent (Part 1)
What looks bad on a background check?
Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...
What are second chance employers?
In the United States, second-chance hiring or fair-chance hiring is when an employer does not automatically disqualify all prospective job applicants who have prior involvement in the criminal justice system.
Can you join FBI at 40?
Yes, you can join the FBI at 40, but the roles available to you depend heavily on whether you are applying to be a Special Agent or a professional support staff member.
How much do FBI workers get paid?
Average Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent yearly pay in Los Angeles is approximately $115,110, which is 6% above the national average.
Does FBI allow tattoos?
Yes, the FBI does allow tattoos, but they must be covered by a long-sleeved shirt or professional business attire while on duty.
Is it worth it to work for FBI?
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 long is FBI training?
Basic training for FBI Special Agents at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, is a rigorous 16- to 20-week program. New Agent Trainees undergo approximately 800 hours of intensive instruction spanning several core pillars:
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.
Who gets paid more, CIA or FBI?
Base pay for both the CIA and FBI is comparable as both rely on the federal government's General Schedule (GS) system, but the FBI generally provides higher overall take-home pay for entry-level and mid-career field agents due to mandatory Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which adds a guaranteed 25% to base salary.
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 "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list is a public database created in 1950 to publicize particularly dangerous individuals whose apprehension requires nationwide publicity. The list focuses on violent criminals, major cybercriminals, and international terrorists, relying heavily on tips from citizens to help locate them.
Can a 50 year old work for the FBI?
To become an FBI Special Agent you must be a U.S. citizen or a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands. You must be at least 23 years of age, but younger than 37 upon your appointment as a Special Agent. Age waivers may be granted to preference eligible veterans who have surpassed their 37th birthday.
Can I retire at 57 with 25 years of federal service?
To be eligible for early retirement, you must be: At least age 50 with at least 20 or more years of service, or • Any age with at least 25 years of service. "Years of service" refers to the sum of your creditable civilian and military service.
How old are FBI agents usually?
The average starting age for a new FBI Special Agent is 30 years old. This is largely because the FBI requires a minimum of two to three years of professional work experience and a four-year degree. The average age of all active agents across the bureau is approximately 43 years old.
What are signs you're not valued at work?
1 – Being Below Average. The first mistake is being below average or worse at the job you do. Doing an average or better job, especially after 6 months in role, is vital to being valued at work by bosses and team members. Below average means you are making their lives harder.
How do I get off the no rehire list?
Getting off a "no rehire" list requires directly contacting the company's Human Resources department or the previous manager to request a status change, ideally by explaining misunderstandings or demonstrating improved skills if significant time has passed. While some bans are permanent (e.g., for safety violations or fraud), others may expire after 5 years.
What jobs can you not hold as a felon?
Professions in certain industries: some jobs require workers to exercise due diligence or are otherwise placed in a position of trust. This means that some jobs in the banking, insurance and health care industries may not be available to convicted felons.
What slows down a background check?
While many TA professionals blame court delays or past employers for slow turnaround times, the most common bottleneck is incomplete or inaccurate candidate information.
What gets flagged on a background check?
Background checks typically flag criminal records, resume fabrications, and poor financial or driving histories. Specific types of checks will highlight varying issues:
What is considered a poor work history?
Poor employment history generally includes a pattern of job-hopping (frequent short-term roles), unexplained employment gaps, being fired for cause, and dishonesty on a resume. It suggests instability, unreliability, or a lack of commitment, which can make employers hesitant to invest in training a new hire.