How hard is it to become a detective?

The Federal Bureau of Investigations offers the weeklong Future Agents in Training (FAIT) program to interested high school students. Similarly, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) provides the Pathways Internship Program to qualified high school and college students.

In addition to the education requirements, applicants will need to pass physical exams, background checks, and other requirements. In some cases, once hired as a police officer, candidates will have to attend a police academy for further training. In general, applicants to the police academy must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a valid driver's license

• Have no felony convictions

• Have at least an associates degree

It should be noted that state and federal agencies require at least a four-year degree before entering the academy. The length of schooling varies by department and program but typically lasts between six and eight months and typically includes specialized training in:

• Firearm use

• Patrol procedures

• Ethics

• Self-defense

• Report-writing

• CPR

• First aid

• Physical fitness

• Emergency response

After graduating from the academy, aspiring detectives will need to continue to develop experience for a minimum of three years. They are urged to take on advanced training and responsibilities in investigative units to build their resumes. There are various branches of investigation, including homicide, fraud, and missing persons.

To be promoted, officers must complete an exam in addition to being evaluated based on their service as an officer. For those with sufficient experience, there are several tests available, including:

• The National Detective/Investigative Test (NDIT) measures a police officer's readiness to become a detective or investigator. The exam has 75 questions and measures their knowledge in criminal investigations, major court cases, and investigative interviewing.

• The Police Detective (PDET) 200 series exam. This is a 100-question test gauging law enforcement professionals' knowledge of investigative procedures, laws related to police work, and how to complete reports.

• The National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) offers the certified legal investigator (CLI) certification exam. Candidates must have at least five years of full-time experience, complete a 1,000-word research paper on investigations, and pass an examination with a score of at least 70%.

  To maintain certification, CLIs must complete 50 hours of continuing education every three years.