Becoming an FBI Special Agent

I’ve wanted to write about my experience becoming an FBI Special Agent for awhile, now that my application journey is over. I’ve hesitated to do so with the current political climate here in the US as well as being a very private person. With that said, I apologize for the lengthy post but I know for the last couple years applying to the bureau, that I had tons of questions about the journey, what to expect, and what to do but could not find any information outside my communications with my application liaison and some very old (5+ years) posts online that were as outdated as their information. So here we go…

First and foremost, for those thinking of applying or are in the process, always go to your coordinator for answers first. I do not pretend to be a subject matter expert nor claim that my experiences are what everyone is going to experience in their journey. Second, I do not dive into politics in my personal life with others and will not here. I will say briefly and only once, that if you are questioning wanting to be an FBI Special Agent or work for any government agency, DO NOT let the news, other’s politics, or other’s viewpoints dictate your passions, beliefs, or goals in life. Perhaps I will create another post to discuss those three things later but for now, understand, what you see on the news or hear from your neighbor is not always, and in fact, are rarely how things actually are. Lastly, I am happy to help if anyone has questions about the process or my experiences but there are a number of things during the process, I cannot go into detail about.

Now, I did not grow up wanting to be an FBI Special Agent nor did I know anyone who worked for the federal government other than those in the military. I grew up following my family around as the Army moved us every couple years and decided to spend my post college years serving in the Army as an Armor Officer. I spent 7 years in the Army and after resigning my commission in 2020, I spent a few years collecting experiences and skills in different industries and jobs that have taught me a lot. Soon after moving to Austin, TX to be closer to family, I followed the Gabby Petito case closely on the news and began to hear more and more about FBI agents conducting investigations in an effort to locate her and found myself commending them for dedicating so many resources and manpower to find her. One day, I asked myself, “I wonder if I qualify to be a Special Agent?” and “Can I be a part of such good in a world of such sh**?” So, one night around midnight, I jumped online and began my research on qualifications and what it would take to apply.

Now, I am not going to go through the initial requirements to apply as anyone reading this with the slightest interest can look it up on FBIJobs.gov but to say the least, I qualified. Here is how my application process went:

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09.24.21 — I submitted my application on the FBIJobs portal following the Federal resume template to the letter. I knew I was an initially strong candidate having military experience, but I was concerned that having a VA rating % which was put on the resume could be seen unfavorably. I had family review my resume prior to submission but I would recommend anyone at this initial step to get as many people as possible to proofread to catch spelling/grammatical errors. The bureau also expects resumes to highlight their Core Competencies of collaboration, communication, initiative, leadership, etc. within the actual resume. These are also easily found along with many other resources on FBIJobs.gov. OUTCOME: Within the week (unsure how quickly), I was notified that my resume was accepted first time round and that I needed to complete the Phase I written test at a local certified test center.

10.??.21 — I looked at the application guides on FBIJobs.gov and did what I could to test myself for the Phase I test as it seemed to be heavy in logic (random shapes and designs ordered to see if you can use logic to determine the order of the next image). I will admit that I did spend some money on an online practice test that specifically used the same logic tools and feel this helped me immensely. The rest of the test used word-based logic through paragraphs which was also on the online test but unless you have spent a lot of time with the random shapes and sizes (which I don’t know any profession that does that), you too may need some practice to get the hang of it. OUTCOME: Before I could even drive away from the test center, I was notified via email that I had passed (does not give you a grade, just a pass/fail) and that an application coordinator would reach out to schedule a “meet-and-greet.”

11.01.21 — On a warm central Texas day, I arrived to the FBI’s field office that oversees the Austin area’s applicants wearing a brand new (arguably well overpaid) blue JoS. A. Bank suit. Intimidated, standing in the guard shack, clueless, and waiting for the coordinator to come and collect me, I met three other applicants there to do the same thing as me. Their backgrounds didn’t help my nerves as one worked for the state, another for Bureau of Prisons, and the last for CBP. Once we were collected, we were escorted by a very cordial and friendly female Special Agent that took us to a secure room where she explained the process moving forward for us, what she expects out of us, what her experiences were at Quantico as well as a Special Agent, and closed out with a Q&A session that answered a lot of our questions (to include my concerns about my VA % which she assured me has no bearing whatsoever in the process). During this event, she took copious notes and explained that once we were done, she would send her notes up to HQ and decisions would be made on whether or not we passed the meet-and-greet. NOTE: a common question about this event by applicants was whether or not they are ranked amongst each other throughout the US based on how they did. There was no evidence to confirm this and anyone going through this step should understand that they should take it as a very relaxed interview, but interview nonetheless — where the coordinator(s) will probe everyone with questions and see if they’ve read about the FBI, its mission and core competencies, etc. Be respectful, confident, and take it like all other steps as an opportunity to meet possibly new coworkers.

12.21.21 — I was notified by my coordinator that I had passed the meet-and-greet and to schedule my Phase II written test the same way I did for Phase I.

01.15.22 — I arrived at the same test center where I took my Phase I test and felt fairly confident even though I had no way of prepping for it as it is mainly an essay response test with multiple parts. I won’t go too into the test details other than I actually found it to be very easy. It presented me with a lot of details inside several pages of paragraphs I needed to read to include data, charts, and basic information surrounding a problem. For the first part, I needed to pull key information out of a lot of data which I wrote on my scratch paper and respond to some writing prompts. I was then given a 10(?) min break which I did not take and went straight into the second part. To my surprise, the second part was a continuation of the first (just with more refined data and info) and I had actually answered some of the questions of the second part as well as set myself up well to answer the rest from the first. I completed my writing portion very intentionally (did not rush through it even though I could see the answers laid out in front of me) and used the remainder of the time to proofread. Funny enough, I spotted several duplicate words and grammatical errors and right before I could correct them, the time expired and the computer program ended; rather disappointed that I could not perfect my answers. Ultimately, I felt I succeeded so well on this test because of life experience (the problem set involved city planning), common sense, college background in where I majored in Philosophy (actually taking logic classes), and overall confidence in my own reasoning skills and answers to the questions — ensuring that there was a logical flow to the answers which I feel was 80% of what they were looking for. OUTCOME: I was notified I passed this test first time go and that the Phase II board interview would be scheduled.

Note: Up to this point, I actually never felt like I had a chance of making it to being a Special Agent. It wasn’t until I passed this test that it hit me I actually had a chance and that I needed to either commit to the process and lifelong planning fully or pull out overall. Clearly, I chose the prior…

04.04.22 — After filling several forms to include COVID related and reimbursement forms, I travelled up to Dallas, TX where I was boarded in a comfortable Hilton hotel the day prior to my Phase II board interview. The months prior to arriving, I was given a guide on how to answer various prompted questions using the STAR method in preparation to the board. This was actually quite easy for me as I was introduced to the STAR method on my transition out of the military, where it was beat into my brain on how to answer situational based questions properly: being Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It also helps to have as many stories to tell as possible per practice question laid out in the STAR method which luckily, I had from my 7 years as an Army senior leader and other leadership roles in the civilian sector. So, I practiced these questions in my hotel room the night before, ensured I had a decent dinner (not too heavy), took time to walk around, get fresh air, and relax some, and finally went to bed early (2100ish) with a little TV to kind of reset my mind. All ensuring that I didn’t put too much stress on myself about how I thought I may do the next morning. I tend to beat myself up pretty brutally when I do not feel I am succeeding at something so I needed to make sure I did not do this at such a critical time. I then woke up early, went for a 3 mile run on a hotel treadmill, stopped by the breakfast buffet and had a light meal, then showered and got dressed. At no point did I practice my questions that morning. I knew I had done all I could do up to that point and cramming practice the morning of would just cause me risk of confusing answers and felt a relaxing morning was best. I met around 15 people in the lobby where we waited and were eventually greeted by Special Agents and taken to a conference room with chairs and desks. We were told how that morning would go and they did their best to break the ice to make us feel comfortable while all the interviewing agents got ready. They told us of a story about an applicant who was questioned about their work history in their background investigation; that he was missing some job information. Apparently his response was “I couldn’t remember so I figured you all being the FBI could help me look it up and fill out the information.” Safe to say don’t be that guy.

I want to break here and make a very personal note. I tend not to judge people too often or harshly, but I will say I was quite shocked by what I saw from the other applicants in terms of their first impression looks. It was about a 70/30 male/female ratio and where all the females wore dress suits/skirts that were tasteful and conservative, a number of males (not all) wore considerably more outlandish clothes that screamed “this is my personality, accept it” or were pure laziness. What do I mean by this? Some men were wearing colorful plaid pants with suspenders and no jacket with a colorful bowtie, another wore suite pants but no jacket and an unbuttoned shirt at the collar (granted, the man was swole and probably couldn’t fit in his jacket, but a tie would have been an appropriate response), and several wore sneakers and or had sloppy, wrinkled clothing. Even too many who had not shaved in 48–72 hours as if god forbid they have to wake up early enough to shave their face. Please understand, I do not care what people choose to wear. Because it does not affect me. But I was shocked how so few individuals could fail to understand that being there and more importantly, being part of such a great organization as the FBI, has nothing to do with them as a person or their personality. What they want to see is not another suit with scripted answers, but someone who can present themselves professionally and not DISTRACT from the task at hand. I am sorry, but if a Special Agent of the FBI came to my house to question me in bright plaid pants, suspenders, and a bowtie, I would not take them or their questions seriously.

So, when my row of names was called, the ~4–6 of us stood up and were led to a hall where we each stood in front of a hotel room and faced it. We were told that once we were given the go-ahead, to knock three times and wait to be called in. When I entered the room, I was surprised to find three agents around a round table in a very cozy lit room, where I sat and felt like I was having a relaxed dinner with some friends. I know that sounds weird but understand that my crazy mind previously pictured that moment to be me sitting in a chair with nothing around me, in a bright open room, looking at a linear table of agents who were going to grill me with questions for an hour (my Army buddies on here will understand what I mean). I was immediately relaxed when one agent poured me water but sat up straight with my hands interlocked on my knees under the table. I won’t go through the questions here but I will say my success here was constant eye contact between the three agents, confidence in my clear and succinct answers, and the showing of emotion when it was appropriate; smile when I talked about the success of how I helped one of my Soldiers succeed, disappointment when I let down my team working in manufacturing, and appreciation when the agents responded to my answers. Its important not to get lost in the room and moment or come off as uptight or extremely nervous. What do I mean by this? First off, I started with a bad joke where the agent who seemed to be the lead asked me if it took long to drive there from Austin and I replied with “just depends how fast I drove I guess” where he replied “hopefully the speed limit”…no laugh or chuckle from them followed. So I confirmed and we moved on. One agent mainly kept their head down looking at their paper writing notes but when they looked up at me while I talked, they looked confused, angry, and irritated all at once. It wasn’t until some time in the interview that I realized that’s just how they looked when thinking. The third agent, who had a thick accent, rarely looked down to write, and kept their eyes on me the entire time. They had a friendly smile but to some, the constant stare could be unsettling. My point, just breath normally, stay calm, be confident, and end the interview with a smile, a thank you, hand shakes, and a polite step out.

04.11.22 — My coordinator sent me an excited email about how I had passed the Phase II board and that due to recent changes to the process, I needed to take a fitness test (that is now currently required prior to starting Phase II). I was greatly relieved by this email because not only was this the only time I would ever have to go through this phase as it stays on record for life, it is also one of the single most stressful moments in the process that a lot of applicants fail or struggle with.

05.20.22 — I took the PFT for the first time on a pretty warm Austin day scoring a 53 in sit-ups, 49.5 seconds in the 300-meter sprint, 42 pushups, and 11:48 for my 1.5-mile run. This was by no means a high performance, but it was passing and I was happy to just be done with it. Safe to say, quite a different fitness test than the Army’s old and new tests.

06.13.22 — I received and accepted my Conditional Appointment Offer and was scheduled for a polygraph exam.

06.14.22 — Background investigation begins. I completed my background investigation paperwork several months prior. This is a very, very, long packet that will require you to know your complete living and professional history. I even had to dig up my brother’s birth certificate as he was born on post in Germany and needed proof of citizenship. Best to compile your history in a word document if it is lengthy like mine prior to, just so you’re not having to figure it out during the packet fill out.

??.??.22 — Conducted a pre-polygraph interview with a Special Agent to go over some questions before the actual polygraph. Long story short, this is to help you understand what a lot of questions that will be asked actually mean when you take the test. Took a couple hours and was pretty relaxed.

07.08.22 — Polygraph complete and results end up inconclusive. I was pretty disappointed as up to this point, I had passed everything in the process with flying colors. I attributed it to the fact that I had worked my first night shift the night before and was definitely not feeling 100% between that and allergies kicking my butt. I will not discuss this test nor the process of this test but will highly recommend to go in feeling 100%. Don’t give yourself a reason to fail.

08.18.22 — Polygraph retake passed.

08.22.22 — After being scheduled at a clinic over an hour away, I underwent my medical evaluation. Out of the entire process, this was the only step that frustrated me by the process itself. I had to drive over an hour away to sit in a waiting room for a couple hours at some emergency clinic to eventually be brought in for hearing, vision, physical, etc. I also had to take a skin test that would require me to return 48(?) hours later just so I could sit in the waiting room again for over an hour, and for a nurse to look at my arm for all of 3 seconds and bless off on the test. Ultimately, no medical issues to report and I eventually pass the FBI’s Medical Unit review. The cherry on top was my coordinator reaching out to me a few months later telling me she never received my medical records from the clinic and needed me to forward them. Luckily I am a hoarder with all my personal medical records (child, Army, etc.) and was able to forward them to her with no issue.

09.07.22 — I am called into the Field Office for a urinalysis, fingerprinting, and sign a form stating I acknowledged that part of my employment requires me to agree to relocate.

10.07.22 — Background investigation complete (roughly 6 months). At this point, all that was required was a final fitness test and I was slotted for the April ’23 BFTC confirmed by HR in the same email notifying me above.

01.16.23 — As luck would have it, I end up getting injured fracturing my tibia putting me in a 6-month recovery holding pattern. I notified my coordinator and was told that the medical unit would need to bless off on my surgeon’s approval for full recovery when complete. And I still needed to take a fitness test for the academy…safe to say at this point in my life, both professionally and personally, I did not have the luxury of waiting to go to school and needed to shrink my timeline as much as possible.

06.16.23 — I don’t condone going against medical advice, but over the last 6 months, I have healed and slowly progressed back to physical fitness. On this day (one month shy of medical advice to be cleared to test), I took my fitness test for the August ’23 class passing with 60 sit-ups, 47.7 seconds in the 300-meter, 44 pushups, and 12:10 in the 1.5-mile run. Also not prime performance but I’ll take the 20 points with a previously fractured leg and 88 degree morning heat and humidity. It was a doozy but had great conversations with the two Special Agents conducting the test after.

08.03.23 — FJO received and accepted!!!

I have no doubt I will pass Quantico but will do what I can to create a post-academy post of my experience for those with burning questions or concerns. I am currently knee deep trying to rank order my preferred Field Offices so that I have this list ready for when they ask for it at Quantico.

It has been a long couple years but I am nothing special. If I can do it with all my personal events happening in the background and struggles within the process itself, you can as well. And if you end up disqualifying or choosing to do something else, do not beat yourself up for it. Take it all as a learning opportunity and hey, how many people actually take that first step and get to experience this process to begin with!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if anyone has any questions as, clearly up to when this post was published, this is the most recent process on how the FBI is conducting its application process.

Thanks for stopping by!