There are many who believe that working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation would be a thrill. However, there is a long list of requirements that need to be met before consideration is even placed on an individual. Our research led us to each of these, as well as the application process.

There are a number of skills that are considered critical and essential because of the wide range of responsibilities that the Bureau encounters.

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Physical Science
• Foreign Language
• Diversifies Program

• Law
• Accounting
• Business
• Education
• Health Care
• Placement in the diversified program requires a BS or BA in any discipline with three years full-time work experience or an advanced degree with two years full-time work experience.

Application to the FBI

• Extensive application form
• Variety of written exams within the individual's specialized area of expertise
• Interview based on the individual's qualifications, competitiveness among other candidates, and the needs of the FBI.
• After successful completion of each of these areas, a thorough background check is administered, which can take as long as four months.
• Other qualifications

• United States citizen
• Between the ages of 23 and 37
• Possess a valid driver's license
• A four-year degree from a college or university
• Individual must pass a polygraph test, a drug test, a hearing test and a vision test

The FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia

• 16 weeks of intensive training involving investigative and tactical, non-investigative, and administrative focus
• Focus on the following categories
• Academics
  • Trainees must pass examinations covering eleven academic areas with a score of 85% or better.
  • Included subjects are
    • behavioral science
    • interviewing
    • organized crime
    • violent crime
    • ethics
    • white-collar crime
    • drugs
    • informant and cooperating witnesses
    • interrogation forensic science
    • national foreign intelligence program
    • and two exams on law and legal aspects
• Physical
  • testing administered during first, seventh, and fourteenth week of training
  • at least one point must be scored in each of the five events with a minimum of fifteen points out of a possible fifty scored.
• Defensive Tactics
  • grappling and boxing
  • handcuffing
  • control holds
  • searching
  • weapon retention
  • disarming techniques
• Weapons Training
  • Shoot 80% or better on two of three courses and a cumulative score of at least 80% on all three
  • Qualify twice with a handgun and once with a shotgun

Hogan's Alley is a mock city built for practice of techniques used in the field. There they practice interview skills, surveillance techniques, and street survival techniqes.

The areas of investigation contained within the Federal Bureau of Investigation include:

• organized crime
• white-collar crime
• public corruption
• financial crime
• fraud against the government
• bribery
• copyright matters
• civil rights violations
• bank robbery
• extortion
• kidnapping
• terrorism
• foreign counterintelligence
• fugitive matters
• drug-trafficking