Many people imagine men and women in black suits driving nondescript dark-colored sedans and flashing their shields at crime victims and perpetrators to explain they are from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) (CIA). However, the United States has a plethora of federal law enforcement jobs available, not just in the FBI and CIA, and these jobs can be found in a variety of government departments. The training and requirements for becoming a federal agent vary by agency, but all applicants must pass a thorough screening and training process.
A person must first decide which job they want to apply for in order to become a federal agent. Those interested in becoming a federal agent can choose from nearly 100 federal agencies and organizations. The US Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), to name a few, are among these agencies. Each agency serves the government in a unique way, enforcing different laws and investigating various types of crimes. Although the education and requirements for each organization differ significantly, the requirements to become a federal agent are uniformly strict.
For example, the FBI requires applicants to be at least 23 years old but no older than 37 years old. The FBI’s mission is to investigate federal law violations and to protect the United States from foreign threats by gathering intelligence and sharing it with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. A valid United States driver’s license and a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university are required for applicants to become FBI federal agents. Those interested in working as a federal agent in this area must be drug-free, have no felony convictions, and have registered for the Selective Service if they are male.
Not all federal agent jobs are related to law enforcement. Federal agents can also work in a variety of research-related jobs. Most federal agencies are looking for translators with strong language skills or the ability to learn languages quickly. A federal agent’s hours and demands are numerous, whether working on the front lines or at a desk job. Most federal agents must work at least 50 hours per week and be available at all times.
Because of the long hours worked, federal agents who devote more time to their jobs are eligible for a variety of bonuses and pay increases. There is no standard salary for federal agents because the hours and type of work vary. Those interested in becoming federal agents should conduct their own research and contact the agency of their choice for more information on how to apply.