ALL YOU NEED TO

KNOW TO APPLY
Special Agent Selection System

The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.

Last revised February 2025.
MISSION.
PRIORITIES.
VALUES.
The mission of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) is to protect the American people and uphold
the Constitution of the United States.

The priorities of the FBI are to:

• Protect the United States from terrorist attacks.
• Protect the United States against foreign intelligence
operations and espionage.
• Protect the United States against cyberattacks and
high-tech crimes.
• Combat public corruption at all levels.
• Protect civil rights.
• Combat transnational/national criminal organizations
and enterprises.
• Combat major white-collar crime.
• Combat significant violent crime.

The core values of the FBI are:

• Rigorous obedience to the Constitution of the United States.
• Respect for the dignity of all those we protect.
• Compassion.
• Fairness.
• Uncompromising personal and institutional integrity.
• Accountability by accepting responsibility for our actions and
decisions, and the consequences of our actions and decisions.
• Leadership, both personal and professional.
INSIDE THE
GUIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Overview.............................................................................. 5

Special Agent Selection System.......................................... 6

FBI Employment Requirements......................................... 12

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application and Required Documents............................... 16

Eligibility Requirements..................................................... 17

Core Competencies Evaluation......................................... 19

PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT)

Preparing for Your Official PFT.......................................... 21

Protocol and Scoring Guide............................................... 22

Tactical Recruitment Program........................................... 27

Medical Exceptions........................................................... 28

Training and Preparation................................................... 29

GENERAL
INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 5

OVERVIEW
At the FBI, our mission is constantly evolving and expanding to respond to the nation’s
biggest challenges imposed by rapid advances in technology, terrorism, and intelligence
threats. This means our special agents must share their expertise in a variety of specialty
areas in order to help us stay ahead of the next threat.

Our special agents have a range of backgrounds,

education, and skillsets that collectively allows us to
FBI special agents must:
stay ahead of threats. Special agents are individuals • Adhere to standards of conduct and maintain
with leadership abilities who are motivated to take honesty and integrity.
on new challenges and set moral standards for their
• Undergo a background investigation, credit checks
colleagues and teams.
and a polygraph test in order to obtain a Top
While the demands vary, each role must be Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
performed competently and reliably. Special agents Clearance.
share a drive to help keep our nation safe and take
• Achieve and maintain required fitness levels.
pride in making a difference in the communities they
serve. • Pass a medical exam, which includes but is not
limited to, meeting visual and hearing standards.
FBI special agents are responsible for conducting
• Complete and graduate from the 18-week Basic
sensitive national security investigations and
enforcing more than 300 federal statutes. As a Field Training Course (BFTC) at the FBI Academy in
special agent, you may work on cases involving Quantico, VA.
terrorism, counterintelligence, cybercrime, organized • Be prepared for worldwide assignments throughout
crime, white-collar crime, public corruption, civil your career which may require temporary or long-
rights violations, financial crime, bribery, bank term relocation.
robbery, extortion, kidnapping, air piracy, interstate
• Work a schedule that may include irregular hours,
criminal activity, and other violations of federal
statutes. nights, weekends, 24/7 on-call availability, and a
minimum 50 hours per week.
• Carry a firearm and be willing to use deadly force,
if necessary.
• Be willing and able to participate in arrests,
execution of search warrants and other dangerous
assignments.
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 6

SPECIAL AGENT
SELECTION SYSTEM
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. An explanation of the SASS steps can be found on the next
few pages.

The SASS Process

STEP 1 STEP 7
Application & Screening Background Investigation (BI)

STEP 2 STEP 8
Phase I Test Fitness-For-Duty Medical Exam
STEP 3 STEP 9
Meet & Greet Pre-Quantico Physical
Information Session Fitness Test (PFT)
STEP 4 STEP 10
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Basic Field Training Course
(BFTC)
STEP 5
Phase II Test FINISH
Begin Your Special Agent Career
STEP 6
Conditional Appointment
Offer (CAO)
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 7

Step 1: Application and Screening Step 3: Meet and Greet

You must attach all necessary forms to your The Meet and Greet is an information session
application. These include your official or unofficial typically conducted by your processing field
transcripts, a DD-214 for former members of the office (PFO). During this session, you learn about
armed forces or your military enlistment contract for the special agent position and what to expect
current members of the armed forces. Applications throughout the hiring process.
are screened for eligibility and suitability.

If you currently reside abroad, you will have to travel to

the United States for all testing at your own expense.
You may choose whichever Processing Field Office is What to Expect: The average timeframe for
most convenient. A list of all 55 field Offices is on the a candidate to move from Phase I to Phase
FBI website at FBI.gov/contact-us/field-offices. II is 16 weeks.

Step 4: Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

What to Expect: The screening process
is dependent upon the submission of all You must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) with:
application materials, overall application
• A minimum score of 9 points
volume, and current needs of the FBI.
Follow the guidelines in the special agent • At least one point in 3 of the events
job posting and on FBIJobs.gov to expedite • No less than a zero in any event. (A negative score
your application processing. in any of the four events is considered a PFT
failure.)

Training doesn’t stop there. You may be required to

take the PFT again and achieve a minimum score
Step 2: Phase I Test within 120 days before you report to the Basic Field
Training Course (BFTC).
The Phase I test is a computerized test within
a proctored environment. This is a three-hour
exam consisting of five assessments: Logic-
Based Reasoning, Figural Reasoning, Personality
Assessment, Preferences and Interests, and What to Expect: If you pass an official PFT
Situational Judgment. with a score of 12 or higher (with at least
1 point in each of the four events), you will
not have to retake the PFT before BFTC if
that PFT was completed within one year of
your scheduled BFTC start date.
What to Expect: Once invited, you will have
21 days to schedule and complete your
Phase I Test. You will receive a notification
if you passed within one hour after
completing the test.
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 8

IMPORTANT
You must not post information about the application process on social
media, message boards, chat rooms, blogs, internet forums, or any
other public forum. Use discretion when discussing the process with
family and friends. You must not solicit help, tips, advice, or assistance
of ANY kind on social media, message boards, blogs, internet forums, or
from current or former FBI employees.

Step 5: Phase II Test Step 7: Background Investigation

Phase II consists of a writing assessment and a Once you receive a CAO, you will need to complete a
structured interview conducted by a panel of three background investigation to obtain a Top-Secret SCI
special agents. (See Testing Overview Guide for Clearance.
more information.)
The background investigation includes a Personnel
Security Interview (PSI), polygraph examination,
drug test, fingerprinting, and medical examination.
It also includes credit and arrest checks, interviews
What to Expect: You will receive your
with associates and references, and verification of
cumulative Phase II results within two
educational achievements.
weeks of completing both portions of the
test.

What to Expect: The average background

investigation takes approximately six
Step 6: Conditional Appointment months, but can take up to 18 months
Offer or more depending on where an applicant
Once you successfully complete and pass the Phase has lived, worked and traveled.
II Test and the PFT, you will be issued a Conditional
Appointment Offer (CAO).

Hiring is contingent upon your successful completion

Step 8: Fitness-For-Duty Medical
of the remaining SASS components, including the
polygraph examination test, medical evaluation, and Exam
background investigation. Next is a fitness-for-duty examination. The purpose
of this medical exam is to determine whether the
applicant is physically and mentally capable of
performing the job functions of a special agent.
What to Expect: Candidates will receive
their CAO shortly after passing the Phase II Step 9: Pre-Quantico Physical
Writing Assessment and Interview. Fitness Test
You must demonstrate physical readiness to
perform law enforcement duties by passing the
PFT, which requires scoring a minimum total of nine
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 9

points, with at least one point earned in each event. Finish: Begin Your Special Agent
To qualify for the BFTC, you must pass another PFT
Career
within 120 days before your scheduled arrival date.
Upon graduation from the BFTC, you will officially
Step 10: Basic Field Training Course join the FBI as a special agent. You will be assigned
a location at one of the 55 field offices located
Each BFTC has a limited number of spots and is across the country.
based on the needs of the FBI. Your BFTC may be
scheduled for three to six months before reporting to
Quantico.

The BFTC prepares you with the foundational

knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job
of a special agent. The curriculum includes lessons
in a variety of areas, such as firearms, defensive
tactics, interview and interrogation, and human
intelligence. The BFTC also consists of multiple
practical exercises that center around a simulated
investigation in which you will demonstrate skills you
acquired throughout the program.

You must also demonstrate physical readiness to

perform duties; therefore, you must complete at
least one PFT during your time at the BFTC. To pass
this PFT, you must score a minimum total of 12
points, with at least one point earned in each event.
If you are unable to pass at least one PFT, you will be
dismissed.

What to Expect: BFTC lasts 18 weeks

(including orientation). You typically
receive a reminder of your scheduled
class date two to four weeks in advance
of reporting to Quantico. You have one
opportunity to decline a BFTC class date
without penalty when offered. You may
request another BFTC class date through
the Applicant Coordinator (AC) in the
processing office.
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 10

Physical Requirements • If you are Color-Vision deficient, you must

successfully complete a Farnsworth D-15 color
Special agents are often placed in situations that vision test administered at the field office to be
challenge their physical endurance. Strength, considered.
flexibility, and endurance are necessary for personal
safety in an arrest situation, as well as to help ensure Hearing Requirements
the safety of fellow Agents, other law enforcement
Hearing is considered a critical and essential job
officers and civilians. To become a special agent,
function for the special agent position. Special
you must possess the necessary fitness levels to
agents must be able to detect, localize and locate
complete the duties assigned to you.
the source of sounds that may indicate danger
Once you’ve passed the official PFT, you will be or risk while entering locations tactically, while
considered ready to complete the physical training pursuing, confronting and arresting subjects and
and defensive tactics portion of training at the FBI while transporting subjects to custody. Additionally,
Academy. You will also be prepared to effectively special agents must be able to hear and understand
respond to life-threatening situations on the job. the speech of subjects and witnesses during
interviews and interrogations, which are sometimes
You must be able to pass several physical tests to be conducted in noisy, hectic situations, as well as
medically cleared to attend the FBI Academy. These
communicate with team members during raids,
include:
arrests and searches when accurate communication
• Vision test without repetition is necessary. If you have an
average hearing loss greater than 25 decibels (ANSI
• Hearing test
standards) at 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 Hertz, then
• Medical/health review you should have no single value at 35 decibels.
Note: Applicants for the Tactical Recruitment Program (TRP) have Additionally, no single reading may exceed 35
additional requirements. (Visit the TRP section.) decibels at 500 Hertz or 45 decibels at 4,000 Hertz.

Vision Requirements If you fail the initial pure-tone audiometry screening,

you will be asked to complete additional audiometry
• Your distant visual acuity, corrected or testing (at your own expense and conducted by an
uncorrected, must meet FBI standards, which are audiologist of your choosing) to more accurately
20/20 in one eye and no worse than 20/40 in the assess the candidate’s hearing ability. If you fail
other eye. testing with your audiologist, using the above
• If you have distant visual acuity greater than standards, you will be offered the FBI Hearing
or equal to 20/100, you must provide medical in Noise Test (HINT). Only the FBI HINT will be
accepted. This test was developed to evaluate one’s
documentation of successful soft contact lens
ability to functionally hear human communication
use for at least one year without significant
in a noisy environment and is specifically designed
problems or adverse effects.
to assess the hearing requirements for law
• Applicants with recent refractive surgery involving enforcement duties.
the creation of a corneal flap must wait six months
The HINT uses short sentences instead of pure
following surgery and complete an ophthalmology
tones to establish a functional level of hearing
evaluation to document complete healing prior to
using both ears. Passing criteria include the Speech
applying for employment.
Reception Threshold (SRT) in quiet (27.0 decibels)
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 11

and Composite SRT in noise (71 decibels) measured • Travel health clinic records
in noise at 75 decibels. If you are an applicant who
• Local or state health department records
wears hearing aids, open field testing is available.
• School records
Immunization/Vaccinations Note: Hepatitis immunizations may take up to six months to
complete if you have not already started the series with the
Candidates must provide documentation showing exception of HEPISLAV-B (newly approved by the FDA), which can
the following required immunizations: be completed in four weeks.

• Polio (four childhood doses) and/or a

recent booster Reasonable
• Meningitis (Menactra, Menveo or Menomune) Accommodations
within the past five years
The FBI provides reasonable accommodations
• Tetanus Diphtheria (TD) or Tetanus, Diphtheria to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you
and Pertussis (Tdap) within the past 10 years believe you have a disability that will require special
arrangements during the hiring process, you may
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) (two doses)
request a reasonable accommodation at any time by
• Hepatitis A and B completed by one of the notifying your Applicant Coordinator.
following means:
Every test in the hiring process is evaluated
• Twinrix (A Hepatitis A and B combination,
differently. Therefore, you must submit a reasonable
three doses) accommodation request for each test, if needed.
• Hepatitis A (two doses) and HEPISLAV-B Reasonable accommodations are granted on
(two doses) a case-by-case basis. Your request will receive
an individualized assessment; requests will be
• Varicella (two doses) or proof of history of having
processed in the order they were received.
had chicken pox. This can be completed with a
personal statement that includes the approximate According to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
year of disease or by providing proof of a positive amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
titer (blood test) of 1990, applicants may demonstrate proficiency
on essential job tasks with or without reasonable
• Influenza (current season)
accommodations. To ensure that the PFT is
The FBI accepts the following documents as proof consistent with this legislation, a section is included
of vaccination history: on the FD-876 Special Agent Applicant Liability
Waiver form that asks applicants to indicate whether
• CDC 731 “International Certificate of Vaccination
or not they require reasonable accommodations to
or Prophylaxis” or Yellow Card
complete the PFT.
• Physician’s or licensed health care provider’s
records
• Proof of positive titer (blood test) will only be
accepted for MMR, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B
and Varicella
• Military records
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 12

FBI EMPLOYMENT
REQUIREMENTS
The mission of the FBI is vital to the safety and security of our nation and its citizens.
Often, our work is very sensitive in nature. Therefore, all FBI positions require at least a
Top Secret Clearance; special agents must be able to obtain a Top Secret SCI Clearance.

Employment Disqualifiers Employment Drug Policy

The following factors will automatically disqualify The FBI is firmly committed to a drug-free
job candidates from employment with the FBI: workplace. Interested applicants who are currently
using illegal drugs or misusing or abusing legal
• Non-U.S. citizenship
drugs or other substances for illicit purposes at
• A felony conviction the time of the application process will be found
• A domestic violence conviction unsuitable for employment.

• Violating the FBI Employment Drug Policy The FBI balances the needs of the organization and
the importance of maintaining the public integrity
• Defaulting on a student loan insured by the U.S.
necessary to accomplish its law enforcement and
government
intelligence missions by hiring the most qualified
• Failing an FBI-administered urinalysis drug test candidates. The guidelines are used by all entities
• Failing to register with the Selective Service in the hiring process to help determine whether an
System (for male applicants only, exceptions apply applicant’s prior drug use makes them eligible and/
– please click here to find out more) or suitable for FBI employment.

• Knowingly or willfully engaging in acts or activities A candidate will be found unsuitable for employment
designed to overthrow the U.S. government by and automatically disqualified if they deliberately
force misrepresent their drug history in connection with
their application for employment. Additionally,
• Failing to pay court ordered child support
candidates are automatically disqualified under the
• Failing to file federal, state, or local income tax following criteria:
returns
Marijuana Usage
• Candidates cannot have used marijuana or
Please note that if any of the cannabis in any form (natural or synthetic) and in
above factors apply to you, you any location (domestic or foreign) within the one
don’t qualify for FBI employment. (1) year preceding the date of their application for
Please make sure you can meet employment.
FBI employment requirements and • Cannabidiol (CBD) or hemp-derived products
pass all disqualifiers before you which consist of more than 0.3 percent
submit an application.
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 13

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) meet the legal investigation. The background investigation

definition of marijuana. process is very thorough; it can take several months
or more to complete. Once you are cleared, you will
• Dronabinol (sold as Marinol, Syndros, or
receive your Top Secret SCI Clearance. You must
generic equivalents) is the only pharmaceutical
be approved for an SCI Clearance before beginning
drug containing THC that the Food and Drug
employment with the FBI. The investigation includes:
Administration has approved for lawful use with a
medical prescription. • A polygraph examination
• Urinalysis test
Other Illegal Drugs
• Fingerprints
• Candidates cannot have used any illegal
• Credit and records checks
drug, other than marijuana, within the ten (10)
years preceding the date of the application for • Extensive interviews with former and current
appointment. colleagues, neighbors, friends, etc.

You will be contacted by the FBI field office

Prescription Drugs/Legally processing your background investigation to
Obtainable Substances schedule your interview, urinalysis test and
• Candidates who have misused any prescription polygraph examination. The polygraph is used as
drug within one (1) year preceding the date an investigative tool to verify the truthfulness of
of application for employment may be found your responses on the FBI background investigation
unsuitable and disqualified. forms. In the next phase of the process, the FBI will
perform extensive records checks (credit checks,
• Candidates who have abused any prescription
police records checks, etc.) and FBI investigators will
drug or over-the-counter substance within three interview past and present associates.
(3) years preceding the date of application
for employment may be found unsuitable and
disqualified. Things to Consider
• Candidates who have abused any legally obtained Scheduling
substance (e.g., inhalants, solvents, etc.) within
If you are currently employed, please be aware that
three (3) years preceding the date of application
you may be scheduled for testing during your regular
for employment may be found unsuitable and
working hours (midday/midweek) and sometimes
disqualified.
within a short timeframe.
• Candidates cannot have used anabolic steroids
If you are on active duty with the military, you must
without a prescription from a licensed practicing
be within 15 months of completing your service
physician within ten (10) years preceding the date
before applying.
of the application for employment.
You may receive no more than a two-week notice

Background Investigation to report to the Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)

and must successfully complete approximately 20
Process weeks of employment as a NAT while housed at the
FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.
After you receive a conditional FBI offer of
employment, you must complete the necessary
documentation to launch your background
GENERAL INFORMATION All You Need to Know to Apply 14

Assignment and the Transfer

Process Top ranked Field Office Choices
Percentage of New Agent Placement, FY2016- FY2019
As a new special agent, you are encouraged to relay
your preference of assignment for consideration
during selections; however, assignments are made
based upon career path and FBI staffing needs.
55.5% 83.9%
of SAs Placed in Top 3 of SAs Placed in Top 10
Preferred Locations Preferred Locations
While field office position vacancies take priority over
all transfer-request decisions, the FBI bases transfers
on special agent office preferences, seniority, budget Typical Number of Transfers
During a 20-year Special Agent Career
considerations and mission needs. If your top choice
is New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco or San 23.6
25.2

Juan, Puerto Rico, you will have an excellent chance 19.6

% of Agents
of getting that preferred office assignment. It’s
12.2
also worth noting that, on average, a special agent
8.3
transfers just twice during a 20-year career. 5.4 3.0 1.6 .7 .7 .1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
# of Transfers

IMPORTANT
All special agents must sign and adhere to a mobility agreement, which states
that you accept the possibility of a transfer as a condition of employment.
APPLICATION
PROCESS
APPLICATION PROCESS All You Need to Know to Apply 16

APPLICATION AND
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Do: Don’t:
• Fill out the Education, Work Experience, and Profile • Attach a cover letter in the Attachments
Information sections on the application. Include section. Instead, fill out the Education, Work
ALL prior work experience. Experience and Profile Information sections on
• Attach your resume and official or unofficial the application.
college transcript(s) in the Attachments section. • Upload any picture files (JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP).
• Current or former federal employees should also All uploaded documents to your application
attach your SF-50. should be in PDF format.

• Military veterans applying for Veterans’ Preference

should attach your DD-214 (Member 4 or Service
2 copy), Statement of Service (required if not yet
separated from the military), and VA Letter dated
within one year and/or SF-15 (optional).
Note: When scanning and uploading document(s), make sure that
all pages are readable and facing upright in the same direction.

If you are missing any of the items listed above,

please attach them to your profile as they become
available. Please apply when you have obtained the
required documentation. Your application will not
be processed until you have provided all required
documentation.
APPLICATION PROCESS All You Need to Know to Apply 17

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The following are required at the time of application: amassed 20 years of service by age 57.

• Be a U.S. citizen • Current FBI Employees — Special agent

candidates who are current FBI employees must
• Be between 23 and 36 years of age
submit an application prior to their 39th birthday
• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S.- and be appointed to the FBI Academy no later than
accredited college or university one day preceding their 40th birthday. They must
• Have at least two years of full-time professional successfully complete and pass all phases of the
work experience SASS and pass the background investigation to be
• Have a valid driver’s license and six months of considered for an age waiver.
driving experience • Preference Eligible Candidates — Applicants who
• Meet the physical requirements are members of the Armed Forces (rank 0-3 or
below) and are over the age of 36 at the time of
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret SCI Clearance
application may apply no sooner than 15 months
prior to their separation from the military. During
Technical Explanations and initial processing, the applicant will be required
Exceptions to submit a Statement of Service from his or her
Armed Services branch, with an expected
Age Requirement discharge/release date and honorable or general
FBI special agents have a mandatory retirement Character of Discharge. Preference eligible
age of 57. In order to achieve the required 20 years applicants must successfully complete all phases
of service for retirement, you must enter on duty of the SASS, pass the background investigation
no later than the day before your 37th birthday. You and submit a qualifying DD-214 before requesting
must apply for the special agent position prior an age waiver. Without a qualifying DD-214, an age
to your 36th birthday to allow adequate time to waiver will not be considered.
complete the SASS. The FBI may disqualify you at Please Note: Veterans who retired at the rank of Major, Lieutenant
any time during the process if it is determined that Commander or higher (0-4 or higher), are not eligible for
you will reach age 37 before appointment. preference in appointment unless they are disabled veterans.
Applicants in this category must submit a DD-214 at the time of
Potential Exceptions: Applicants with certain prior application, along with the SF-15 and Veterans Affairs disability
rating letter. This does not apply to reservists who will
federal law enforcement service, applicants who
not begin drawing military retirement pay until age 60. For more
are current FBI employees or preference eligible information visit:
veterans may qualify for an age waiver. www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/veterans-preference.

• Nonpreference Eligible Candidates — Applicants

with prior/current service as a federal law
enforcement officer (LEO) and other federal
positions (must be supported by an SF-50) do not
require an age waiver as long as they will have
APPLICATION PROCESS All You Need to Know to Apply 18

Education Requirement
For ANY degree from an overseas institution, you
must provide a foreign equivalency certification at
the time of application. No processing will take place
without that documentation.

Potential exceptions: If your bachelor’s degree is not

from a U.S.-accredited college, but your advanced
degree is from a U.S.-accredited college, the FBI will
accept the accreditation of your advanced degree and
no other documentation is required.

Work Experience Requirement

Current or former federal employees must meet the
specialized experience required for all applicants as
outlined below at the GS-8 level or higher.

All applicants must either:

• Demonstrate two years of specialized work

experience with a bachelor’s degree

OR

• Demonstrate one year of specialized experience

with at least a master’s degree

Specialized experience is defined as:

• Gathering and analyzing information and data to

make proper conclusions or decisions.
• Establishing solutions to problems, assessing
vulnerabilities, considering risks, and choosing the
best outcome.
• Organizing, planning, and prioritizing various and
competing work assignments.
• Consistently navigating complex and/or
evolving environments.
• Communicating orally and in writing to prepare
and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange
information.
APPLICATION PROCESS All You Need to Know to Apply 19

CORE COMPETENCIES
EVALUATION
The FBI uses a category rating system and does not evaluate applicants against other
applicants. You will be independently evaluated on the competencies listed below. Please
ensure that these competencies are evident in your application and provide details on how
each competency was demonstrated.

Collaboration Initiative
Work together to develop ideas, solve problems Display a willingness to begin or participate in
and work toward a common goal while leveraging new projects; anticipate and plan for additional
others’ expertise and perspectives; establish workloads; show interest and positivity despite
rapport with the community and internal FBI setbacks; and eagerly accept or respond to
partners; maintain composure and display problems or subsequent tasks.
professionalism at all times; and share information
with others you deem appropriate when needed. Interpersonal Ability
Deal effectively with others; establish and
Communication maintain rapport with management, colleagues
Express thoughts and ideas clearly, concisely, and subordinates; recognize and show sensitivity
persuasively and effectively both orally and in to differences in the needs and concerns
writing; interpret and understand verbal or written of others; and mediate concerns between
communications; tailor communication to recipient individuals and groups, as well as settle disputes.
experience, exposure or expertise; and proactively
share information when appropriate. Organizing and Planning
Establish priorities, timetables and goals/
Flexibility and Adaptability objectives; structure a plan of action for self
Adapt rapidly to changing circumstances; and others; and develop both strategic and
anticipate problems and work proactively to solve tactical plans.
them; accept new direction eagerly; and positively
consider new points of view when offered. Problem Solving and
Judgment
Leadership
Critically evaluate conditions, events and
Motivate and inspire; develop and mentor; gain alternatives; identify problems, causes
the respect, confidence and loyalty of others; and relationships; base decisions or
and articulate a vision, give guidance and provide recommendations on data or sound
direction in accomplishing goals. reasoning; and formulate objective opinions.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
TEST (PFT)
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 21

PREPARING FOR YOUR

OFFICIAL PFT
The FBI special agent position requires a commitment to physical fitness as part
of daily life. Applicants will take an official PFT during the application period and at the
FBI Academy.

During the application process, you must pass the Each event must be performed according to the
PFT, scoring a minimum of nine total points with strictly defined protocol in order to be scored. To
at least one point in three events and no less than pass the official PFT, you must achieve a minimum
zero in any event. A negative score in any of the cumulative score of 12 points in the first four events,
four events is considered a failure. You will have an with at least one point in each of the first four
unlimited number of attempts up to one year after events; therefore, it is possible for you to receive a
attending the Meet and Greet to pass the PFT. score of 12 (or more) and still fail the official PFT by
failing one of the individual events. If you are a TRP
All BFTC candidates must pass a PFT—scoring a
applicant, you must achieve a minimum score of 20
minimum of 12 total points with at least one point in
points and must score at least one point in each of
each of the four events—once while at the Academy.
the five events to pass the TRP PFT.
The official BFTC PFT consists of four scored
Tactical Recruitment Program Candidate
events. Tactical Recruitment Program (TRP)
candidates have different requirements. PFT Requirements

These events were chosen because they accurately If you are a TRP applicant, you must achieve a
measure an individual’s overall fitness level relative minimum score of 20 points and must score at least
to the essential tasks performed by FBI special one point in each of the five events to pass the TRP
agents. The events are administered in the following PFT.
order with no more than five minutes of rest in The events are administered in the following order
between each event: with no more than five minutes of rest in between
1. Maximum number of continuous sit-ups in one each event:
minute 1. Maximum number of continuous sit-ups in one
2. Timed 300-meter sprint minute
3. Maximum number of continuous push-ups 2. Timed 300-meter sprint
(untimed) 3. Maximum number of continuous push-ups
4. Timed 1.5-mile run (untimed)

A fifth event, pull-ups, is now required of all new 4. Timed 1.5-mile run
agent trainees (NATs) but is not scored as pass/ 5. Maximum number of pull-ups (untimed)
fail (the event is tracked for Academy fitness award
recognition). If you are a TRP applicant, you must achieve a mini­
mum score of 20 points and must score at least one
point in each of the five events to pass the TRP PFT.
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 22

PROTOCOL AND SCORING

GUIDE

Sit-ups Scoring Scale for One-Minute Sit-ups

The candidate lies on back with tops of shoulder Score Female Range Male Range
blades touching the floor; arms crossed over chest
with fingers in contact with the top of the shoulder -2 29 and below 31 and below
(trapezius muscle or seam on some T-shirts).
Knees are bent at a 90-degree angle with the feet 0 30-34 32-37

placed flat on the floor (feet are held in place by a

1 35-36 38
partner with the partner’s hands at the tongue of
the trainee’s shoes and knees on the trainee’s toes). 2 37-40 39-42

Candidate raises upper body until the elbows touch 3 41-42 43-44
mid-thigh, then returns to the starting position (the
tops of the shoulder blades must touch the floor) 4 43-46 45-47
to complete the repetition. Hips must remain in
5 47-48 48-49
contact with the ground throughout the repetition.
This is a timed one-minute continuous motion 6 49-50 50-51
exercise; if a candidate pauses before the minute is
up, he or she forfeits the rest of the minute. 7 51-52 52-53

8 53-54 54-55

9 55-56 56-57

10 57 and over 58 and over

PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 23

300-Meter Sprint Scoring Scale for Timed 300-Meter

The 300-meter sprint event usually takes place on Sprint (in seconds)
a quarter-mile oval track (although this may change
based on individual circumstances). The candidate Score Female Range Male Range

will start from a standing position and run 300

-2 67.5 and over 55.1 and over
meters (3/4 of one lap).
0 67.4–65.0 55.0–52.5

1 64.9–62.5 52.4–51.1

2 62.4–60.0 51.0–49.5

3 59.9–57.5 49.4–48.0

4 57.4–56.0 47.9–46.1

5 55.9–54.0 46.0–45.0

6 53.9–53.0 44.9–44.0

7 52.9–52.0 43.9–43.0

8 51.9–51.0 42.9–42.0

9 50.9–50.0 41.9–41.0

10 49.9 and 40.9 and

below below
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 24

Push-ups Scoring Scale for Push-ups (untimed)

The candidate begins in the front leaning rest position Score Female Range Male Range
(hands on the floor one to two hand widths beyond
the shoulders and elbows must be away from the -2 4 and below 19 and below
body, with arms fully extended, body held straight
with the feet no more than three inches apart and the 0 5–13 20–29

toes touching the floor). As the arms are flexed, the

1 14–18 30–32
body is lowered toward the floor until the upper arms
are parallel to the floor (straight line from center axis 2 19–21 33–39
of elbow to center axis of shoulder). The candidate
completes the exercise after returning to the starting 3 22–26 40–43
position. This is a continuous-motion exercise.
4 27–29 44–49

5 30–32 50–53

6 33–35 54–56

7 36–38 57–60

8 39–41 61–64

9 42–44 65–70

10 45 and over 71
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 25

1.5-Mile Run Scoring Scale for Timed 1.5-Mile Run (in

The 1.5-mile run event usually takes place on a minutes: seconds)
quarter-mile oval track (although this may change Score Female Range Male Range
based on individual circumstances). The candidate
will start from a standing position and run six laps -2 15:00 and over 13:30 and over
around the track.
0 14:59–14:00 13:29–12:25

1 13:59–13:35 12:24–12:15

2 13:34–13:00 12:14–11:35

3 12:59–12:30 11:34–11:10

4 12:29–11:57 11:09–10:35

5 11:56–11:35 10:34–10:15

6 11:34–11:15 10:14–9:55

7 11:14–11:06 9:54–9:35

8 11:05–10:45 9:34–9:20

9 10:44–10:35 9:19–9:00

10 10:34 and 8:59 and

below below
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 26

Pull-ups* Scoring Scale for Pull-ups (untimed)

The candidate hangs from a horizontal bar, hands Score Female Range Male Range
at least shoulder width apart (but no more than 23
inches apart as measured from the outsides of the 0 0 0-1
hands) with palms turned away from the face and
arms fully extended. The candidate flexes his or 1 1 2-3

her arms and pulls the body upward until the chin
2 2 4-5
is higher than the bar. There can be no swinging or
jerking of the body or use of the legs in an effort to 3 3 6-7
propel the body upward. The candidate then lowers
the body back to the hanging position with arms fully 4 4 8-9
extended. This is a continuous-motion exercise.
5 5 10-11
*Note: Only TRP candidates are scored on this event.
6 6 12-13

7 7 14-15

8 8 16-17

9 9 18-19

10 10 and over 20 and over

PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 27

TACTICAL RECRUITMENT
PROGRAM
Special agent applicants with tactical experience interested in pursuing a position with
the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) are considered tactical applicants through the Tactical
Recruitment Program (TRP) and should be fully prepared to pass the TRP Physical Fitness
Test (PFT).

You may qualify for the TRP if you: Applicants not passing the special agent applicant
PFT with 12 or more points on the regular PFT and
• Have at least three years of tactical experience
20 or more points with pull-ups (pull-ups calculated
gained through positions in military combat arms,
as one point for every two pull ups performed) would
law enforcement SWAT or other government
be encouraged (not required) to increase PFT scores
tactical teams. prior to being considered for the TRP.
• Pass an interview with Hostage Rescue Team
You are reminded that minimum performance is just
(HRT personnel).
that — the minimum. Competitive performance at
• Pass the Special Agent PFT with 12 points or the HRT selection course will require physical fitness
better. well in excess of these minimums.

The TRP PFT consists of five mandatory events that

are administered in the following order, with no more
than five minutes of rest between each event:

1. Maximum number of continuous sit-ups in one

minute
2. Timed 300-meter sprint
3. Maximum number of continuous push-ups
(untimed)
4. Timed 1.5-mile run
5. Maximum number of pull-ups (untimed – when
pull-up bars are available)
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 28

MEDICAL EXCEPTIONS
Given the demanding requirements associated with training for and taking the PFT, the FBI
will excuse an applicant from his or her PFT with sufficient medical documentation.

Example: A candidate fractures her ankle Example: A candidate hurts his wrist during
two weeks before a scheduled PFT. The the push-ups event and informs the PFT
candidate must provide her field office with administrator that he cannot continue.
medical documentation clearly stating that The candidate is required to seek medical
she cannot physically complete the PFT. attention within 72 hours and provide
This document must be received within supporting documentation. If the candidate
72 hours prior to the PFT. The candidate does not submit acceptable documentation
will be deactivated if acceptable medical to the field office, the PFT will be recorded
documentation is not provided. as a failure.

If an applicant is injured or falls sick less than 72 If an applicant arrives at the PFT and is sick, the
hours before the scheduled PFT, the applicant must PFT will not be administered. The candidate will
advise his or her Physical Fitness Advisor (PFA) then have to provide documentation proving that
as soon as possible and must provide supporting he or she sought medical attention within 72 hours
medical documentation within 72 hours. for that specific injury or illness. If acceptable
documentation is not provided, the PFT will be
Illness/injury that occurs during the PFT, which
recorded as a failure.
prevents the candidate from completing the test,
must be supported by medical documentation If a candidate completes the PFT, the score will
obtained within 72 hours after the PFT. If the stand whether or not the applicant obtains a passing
candidate sustains injuries or falls ill during the score. No applicant will be granted a retest if he or
course of testing, he or she must stop taking the she completes a PFT with a failing score and then
PFT immediately and seek medical attention. If the claims that an injury or illness prevented him or her
candidate continues to take the PFT and fails, no from passing the test.
medical excuse will allow that failure to
be rescinded.
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 29

TRAINING AND PREPARATION

Training Principles

Overload To increase physical fitness, one must exercise at a level that challenges the body beyond its
current capacity. Overload is often expressed in terms of training frequency (how often), training
intensity (how demanding) and training duration (how long).

Progression For continued fitness improvements, the overload must be gradually increased.

Specificity To best prepare for the Physical Fitness Test, applicants should devote most of their training
time to sprints and sustained runs, as well as sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups* performed to
protocol. Applicants should also avoid training for each event in isolation.

Reversibility If physical training ceases, fitness levels will return to pretraining levels. Use it or lose it.

Warm-up and Cool-down Sample Training Program

Each workout should begin with a dynamic warm-up The FBI recommends that all applicants follow a
period of at least five to 10 minutes. This will increase disciplined workout program in preparation for the
core body temperature, lubricate the joints and prime PFT. To assist you with this, we have provided a
the nervous system for the workout that follows. The sample Physical Training Planner.
warm-up should include moderate-intensity aerobic
The Physical Training Planner includes four different
activities (cycling, jogging) and limited amounts of
types of workout programs in addition to the warm-up/
the specific movements to be trained that day (push-
cool-down:
ups, sit-ups). You should already be sweating before
the workout begins! Once the workout is completed, • Muscular Strength and Endurance
perform five to 10 minutes of moderate physical
• Aerobic Power
activity as a cool down and transition back to rest.
• Anaerobic Power

Reasonable Accommodations • Circuit Training

Applicants requesting a reasonable accommodation Muscular Strength and Endurance

during the PFT must submit written medical This type of workout will increase a muscle group’s
documentation to their Applicant Coordinator ability to exert force and resist fatigue. Since
from a certified medical provider describing the strength and endurance are specific to certain
medical disability and the need for reasonable muscle groups, we strongly recommend that you
accommodation during the PFT. The applicant or the perform push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups according
health care professional should propose the specific to the criteria used to score the PFT as your primary
accommodation needed by the applicant to take the strength and endurance exercises.
PFT. All reasonable accommodation requests are
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 30

Aerobic Power 3. Run for 90 seconds

This type of workout will increase the capacity of 4. Maximum continuous push-ups
the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal 5. Run for 90 seconds
systems to deliver and utilize oxygen for energy.
6. Maximum continuous pull-ups**
Sustained running should be your primary mode of
aerobic training. Exertion should be heavy throughout 7. Run for 90 seconds
the workout (you should be working hard enough that it 8. Maximum body weight squats or lunges in 30
is impossible to carry on a conversation). seconds
*Repeat entire circuit three to five times with one minute of rest in
Anaerobic Power between repetitions.

This type of workout will increase the body’s capacity **Note: Only TRP candidates are scored on this event.
to perform high-intensity work and should consist of
short bursts (30–90 seconds) of maximum exertion.
IMPORTANT
We recommend sprint running because this will best
prepare you for the 300-meter sprint on the PFT. While a sample training program is
provided for reference purposes,
Circuit Training* the FBI strongly recommends
Circuit training combines elements of aerobic consulting with a physician to create
and anaerobic, as well as muscular strength and a personalized fitness plan.
endurance exercises with limited rest periods.
Rather than always training for these fitness
components in isolation, we recommend that
General Training Guidelines
applicants perform at least one circuit workout The general guidelines for training to improve
per week to prepare for the multi-stage PFT. Listed muscular strength and endurance, aerobic power
below is a sample circuit workout: and anaerobic power are provided in the table
below. Applicants should use these guidelines to
1. Run for 90 seconds
help structure their workouts appropriately. Special
2. Maximum sit-ups in 30 seconds consideration should be given to circuit training as
this type of workout best replicates the PFT.

Muscular Strength Anaerobic Power Aerobic Power

and Endurance

Frequency 2–3 days per week; 1–2 days per week. 3–5 days per week.
nonconsecutive days.

Intensity 3–5 sets of max repetitions. 3–10 repetitions of 30–90 Heavy exertion: too difficult
Add resistance for sit-ups, second sprints; maximum to carry on a conversation.
push-ups. exertion.

Time 30–60 seconds of rest Rest twice as long as 20–30 minutes

between sets. exertion.
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT) All You Need to Know to Apply 31

Physical Training Planner Environmental Considerations — Running on

harsh surfaces (uneven terrain, banked surfaces,
The Physical Training Planner shown below provides concrete) can magnify the stress placed on the
applicants with a disciplined workout program musculoskeletal system. Opt for relatively flat,
in preparation for the PFT. As you increase in cushioned training surfaces when possible. Harsh
strength, endurance and power, you will be able to climates can also lead to heat or cold illness, so
progressively increase your speed, repetitions acclimate yourself with 14 days of moderate training
or intensity for each workout. within an environment.

Proper Footwear — Choose footwear that is

Avoiding Injuries appropriate for your activities and allows for normal
mechanics, especially during running. Replace your
It’s estimated that as many as 50% of people starting
running shoes after 300 miles or every six months,
an exercise program will report an injury within the
whichever comes first.
first six months. These injuries make it difficult, if
not impossible, to continue physical fitness training Overtraining — Too much physical stress applied
without some period of inactivity. This section too quickly with insufficient recovery can lead to
identifies the main risk factors that can lead to injury, dysfunction. Follow the physical training guidelines
as well as some risk-reduction strategies. addressed here and those set forth by leading
fitness and sports medicine organizations. Having
Inflexibility and Muscle Imbalances — Joint mechanics
regular rest days is important for recovery.
are disrupted when muscles on one side are excessively
weak and/or lengthened while muscles on the other Improper Technique — Faulty exercise techniques
side are overdeveloped and/or tight. Train in a way that can place undue stress on joints and soft tissues.
promotes muscular balance from front to back, side to Never sacrifice form and technique for more
side and top to bottom. Stretch the tight muscles and repetitions or faster times.
strengthen the weak muscles.

Monday Tuesday Wednes- Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

day

Warm-up Warm-up Warm-up Rest Day Warm-up Warm-up Rest Day

Muscular Aerobic Circuit Muscular Aerobic

Strength and Exercise Workout Strength and Exercise
Endurance (30 min) Endurance (30 min)

Aerobic Anaerobic
Exercise Exercise
(20 min) (Sprints)

Cool Down Cool Down Cool Down Cool Down Cool Down