What is the age limit for FBI?

Asked by: Eriberto Hettinger  |  Last update: November 13, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (51 votes)

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. See our qualification requirements webpage for more information on what it takes to become a special agent.

Can you work for the FBI at 40?

Applicants must apply for the special agent position prior to their 36th birthday to allow adequate time to complete the Special Agent Selection System (SASS). The FBI may disqualify applicants at any time during the process if it is determined that they will reach age 37 before appointment.

How hard is it to become a FBI agent?

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.

Are there exceptions to FBI age requirement?

The FBI may disqualify you at any time during the process if it is determined that you will reach age 37 before appointment. Potential Exceptions: Applicants with certain prior federal law enforcement service, applicants who are current FBI employees or preference eligible veterans may qualify for an age waiver.

What degree does the FBI require?

All FBI agents must hold a bachelor's degree at minimum, and many possess a master's degree or higher. FBI agents often earn degrees in fields such as criminal justice or political science, though the Bureau does not maintain any specific academic major requirements for applicants.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

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How long is FBI Academy?

All special agents begin their career at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for 20 weeks of intensive training at one of the world's finest law enforcement training facilities. During their time there, trainees live on campus and participate in a variety of training activities.

Will the FBI hire you without a degree?

The FBI requires agents to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution in the United States. While the agency doesn't have requirements for a specific field of study, some majors may be more beneficial in preparing for an FBI job than others.

Can I work for the FBI at 45?

You must also be younger than 37, unless you qualify for an age waiver available to veterans. See our qualification requirements webpage for more information on what it takes to become a special agent.

Can you get a job with the FBI if you are over 50?

The FBI and CIA don't specify age limitations for analysts, so odds are these organizations will hire you at age 40, 50 or 60 if you have the right skills.

Can I join the CIA at 50?

There's no maximum age limit for any role at the CIA with the exception of operations officers, which for them is 35. However, even for operations officers, its a case by case basis, and they may take you in the clandestine service beyond that age if you have in demand skill sets.

What disqualifies you from becoming an FBI agent?

Automatic Disqualifiers From Becoming an FBI Agent

Committed knowing or willful acts or activities intended to overthrow the United States government by force. Defaulted on a United States government-backed student loan. Violated the FBI's drug policy. Failed a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.

What is the hardest part of FBI training?

For many applicants, the FBI special agent physical fitness test (PFT) is, without a doubt, the most challenging part of the process. Our PFT doesn't just test physical fitness. It tests qualities like self-discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to plan and adjust to challenges.

What GPA do you need to be a FBI agent?

Have and maintain a 2.95 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and through graduation. Not be a current, permanent FBI employee. Pass all of the FBI employment background investigation requirements and be able to receive a Top Secret Clearance.

Can a 48 year old join 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.

Is FBI above police?

No. State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations. Instead, the investigative resources of the FBI and state and local agencies are often pooled in a common effort to investigate and solve the cases.

How long does the FBI hiring process take?

The Special Agent Selection System (SASS) is a multi-step process designed to hire individuals who can help to make a difference in this job. The SASS typically takes one year to complete, often longer.

Can you work for FBI after 57?

Courtesy of the FBI4. The mandatory retirement age for special agents is 57. In rare circumstances the FBI director may grant one-year extensions, up to age 60, on a case-by-case basis.

Do FBI agents travel a lot?

As an FBI agent, you may travel all over the country. There are FBI stations all across the country, covering different jurisdictions. The FBI reassigns agents to new stations as necessary, allowing them to work in various locations. In addition, you may need to travel to conduct investigations and interview witnesses.

Does the FBI hire retired people?

Part-time jobs for retirees will be between $30 and $60 per hour. The full-time jobs will be at agent pay with full benefits. You can learn more about the jobs on the FBI's website.

Is FBI Academy hard?

The 21-week training program is mentally and physically tough. The academic requirements are stringent, and failure to pass tests and proficiencies will render a person out of a job.

Does the FBI hire ex military?

We strongly encourage military service members and veterans to apply. Veterans who apply may be eligible for Veterans' Preference. For more information, visit our military and veterans page.

What age can you join the CIA?

Minimum Requirements

For us to consider you for a job at CIA, you must be: Physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK. A U.S. citizen (dual U.S. citizens also eligible) At least 18 years of age.

Do all FBI jobs require a fitness test?

You must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to ensure you are able to safely and successfully complete training at the FBI Academy and effectively respond to situations on the job. The PFT consists of four main events, with a fifth event only for those in the Tactical Recruitment Program (TRP).

Do you need a bachelor for FBI?

If you're interested in protecting national security by becoming an FBI agent, you may wonder what degree to pursue. The minimum education requirement for this position is a bachelor's degree, though FBI agents who work in leadership and technical positions often have a master's degree.

How to be a CIA agent?

How to become a CIA agent
  1. Earn a bachelor's degree. ...
  2. Consider earning a master's degree. ...
  3. Become fluent in one or two foreign languages. ...
  4. Gain relevant experience. ...
  5. Complete the required testing and medical examinations. ...
  6. Finish an internal training program.