How do you get hired by the FBI?

The FBI lays out the following minimum qualifications to get hired by the bureau in any role:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Muse be able to obtain a top security clearance

• Must be in compliance with the FBI Drug Policy

For special agent roles, there are additional minimum qualifications, including but not limited to age, education, and experience.

Obtaining a top security clearance is an extensive and invasive deep dive into your background, including but not limited to records checks, reference checks, and interviews with anyone who might provide insight into your personality.

In addition to satisfying the minimum qualifications to get hired by the FBI, you must not meet any of the bureau's disqualifying criteria. Some examples of automatic disqualifiers are:

• Prior felony convictions

• Default on a government-issued student loan

• Failure to register with the Selective Service

• Engaged in acts to overthrow the U.S. government

• Failure to pay court-ordered child support

• Failure to file federal, state, or local income tax returns

Once you have met the minimum standards for employment with the FBI, you will need various technical and soft skills as they apply to the specific position for which you are applying.

To be competitive, you will need a bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field. The most common degree areas for a position with the FBI are criminal justice and business.

When most people think of FBI careers, the role of FBI special agent comes to mind. This is not the only role for which the bureau hires, though. The FBI hires for many different types of positions, including analysts, linguists, and scientists.