Yes, all new FBI Special Agents must go through the intensive training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, a mandatory, multi-month program covering academics, physical fitness, firearms, and tactical skills, ensuring a standardized foundation for every agent before they begin field work. This training is a crucial part of the hiring process for all agents and analysts, equipping them for the demanding nature of their roles.
All new FBI special agents and intelligence analysts train together at the FBI Academy in the Basic Field Training Course (BFTC). There, new agents and analysts learn the basics of working together in a collaborative approach, as they will do in one of the FBI's 56 field offices after they graduate.
All special agents will spend their first 16 weeks at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, where they participate in intensive training. During their time at the FBI Academy, trainees live on campus, participate in a variety of training activities and study a wide variety of academic subjects.
The base is the home of major training institutions for both the Marine Corps and federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including:
There's no single "best" FBI agent, but John Douglas (pioneering criminal profiler), Melvin Purvis (famous G-Man of the 1930s), and Joseph Pistone (iconic undercover agent) are legendary figures, alongside the infamous spy Robert Hanssen, whose negative impact highlights the job's extremes. The best often depends on the criteria: bravery, impact on law enforcement, or specific case success.
What are the highest-paying jobs?
Despite occasional references in the media, the FBI does not rank their list; no suspect is considered "#1 on the FBI's Most Wanted List" or "The Most Wanted".
In addition to these educational qualifications, all potential FBI agents must complete a rigorous physical fitness test, undergo a detailed background check, and complete training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
The Hostage Rescue Team: 30 Years of Service
The FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT)—federal law enforcement's only full-time counterterrorism unit—is a highly trained group of special agents often called upon during the toughest times.
In accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) policy, all runners, volunteers, spectators and sponsors requiring access to the base for the MCM Event Series must have an approved ID or Common Access Card (CAC) & TESLIN (active, retiree, dependent, reserve, individual ready reserve) or be registered into the Defense ...
Tattoos, brands, and body markings are prohibited on the head, face, neck, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos are limited to one ring tattoo on one finger on each hand.
The FBI cites a pay range from $78,000 for a new agent recruit to $153,000 at the top end for experienced 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.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S.-accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) gathers foreign intelligence abroad, focusing on national security threats outside the U.S. and operating covertly without law enforcement powers, while the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is America's domestic security and intelligence agency, investigating federal crimes within the U.S., handling counterintelligence, and possessing arrest powers as part of the Department of Justice. Key differences: CIA = Foreign, Intelligence, No Arrest Powers; FBI = Domestic, Law Enforcement & Intelligence, Has Arrest Powers.
Experts in the Behavioral Analysis Units (BAUs) work a variety of cases across the country, including terrorism, cybercrime, and violent crimes against children and adults. They consult on new, active, and cold cases—working in tandem with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners.
The HRT's equipment and tactics are the most advanced of the FBI's 56 SWAT teams and the 14 enhanced SWAT teams. The HRT's capabilities are distinguished because the HRT operators (assault and sniper teams) serve full-time and train daily.
Robert Hanssen. On January 12, 1976, Robert Philip Hanssen swore an oath to enforce the law and protect the nation as a newly minted FBI special agent. Instead, he ultimately became the most damaging spy in Bureau history.
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.
FBI eligibility
To be eligible for employment, you must meet the following guidelines before we will consider your application. You are a U.S. citizen. Your public record is in good standing with no felony convictions. You adhere to the FBI drug policy.
Listing
Most Wanted Fugitives
In the end, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International were canceled because of finances. According to Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, the network had "to be fiscally responsible" when choosing which projects to renew.
1950s. John Patrick Hannan was an Irish prisoner who escaped from HM Prison The Verne and has not been seen since. He holds the record for the longest escape from custody without being caught.