what does fbi training course entail

by Jean McClure 7 min read

The FBI Academy curriculum also includes intensive training in physical fitness, defensive tactics, practical application exercises and the use of firearms. Over the course of an Agent's career, the FBI provides additional training opportunities to keep him/her updated on the latest developments in the respective specialty fields.

The training includes over 800 hours, including a variety of web-based courses, in four major concentrations: academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operational skills. Currently, new agent training lasts approximately 20 weeks. It's a tough regimen, but trainees don't go it alone.

Full Answer

How long do you have to be in FBI training?

Once you have cleared all tests and requirements, you may be enrolled in a 21-week training program at the FBI academy. This training is a mandatory part of the induction process and all FBI agents must go through it. The program will cover intense physical training, hands-on law enforcement training, and academic learning.

What training is required for the FBI?

*The FBI provides the following training opportunities for its professional staff:

  • Annual training development plans drafted by the employee and his/her manager;
  • University Education Program, providing employees the opportunity to obtain an academic degree and/or certification;
  • Government Employees’ Training Act, used to fund external employee training;
  • Student Loan Repayment Plan, for federally-backed loans;

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What was the hardest part about FBI training?

That depends. FBI New Agent Training (FBI agents-in-training are referred to as NATs) is tough academically but their PT program is less demanding as is their firearms program. I’m less familiar with the training programs of the DHS agencies, but Border Patrol requires Spanish proficiency by graduation and has a fairly demanding firearms program.

How do you get into the FBI Academy?

To be eligible to even be considered for a job as an FBI agent, you must:

  • Be a U.S. ...
  • Be between 23 and 37 years old (some exceptions to the maximum age are granted for veterans)
  • Hold a valid drivers license
  • Hold a four-year degree (such as a B.S. ...
  • Be ready and willing to work nearly anywhere in the world
  • Have at least three years of professional work experience under your belt

How long does training for the FBI take?

20 weeksAll special agents begin their career at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for 20 weeks of intensive training at one of the world's finest law enforcement training facilities. During their time there, trainees live on campus and participate in a variety of training activities.

Do you get paid while training for the FBI?

While attending the academy, the base trainee rate remains at the GL-10, step 1 level, which is ​$52,440​ per year as of 2021. In addition to the base salary, special agents training and working in the expensive Washington, D.C area receive locality pay.

How do you start FBI training?

First, earn at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and work for two years in an area of specialty. Meet all the basic requirements for applicants, and once accepted, go through about 20 weeks of New Agent Training with the FBI at Quantico.

How tough is FBI training?

The training includes over 800 hours, including a variety of web-based courses, in four major concentrations: academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operational skills. Currently, new agent training lasts approximately 20 weeks. It's a tough regimen, but trainees don't go it alone.

Is it hard to join the FBI?

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.

How much does the FBI Academy cost?

Course Details The cost of training is paid for by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The approximate cost to train an applicant is $50,000. Applicants must sign an agreement stating that they intend to stay in law enforcement for at least three years after completion of their training.

Does the FBI have a height requirement?

In its "Special Agents" career profile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation website doesn't indicate any height requirements for agents. Agents do have to meet a number of physical and medical requirements, given the physically demanding aspects of the job.

Can FBI agents talk about their job?

There's only a very small amount of information that an FBI agent would not be able to share with someone. Unless something or someone is under investigation, we can usually talk about what were working on or have worked on in the past.

What is the FBI Academy?

It’s one of the most important missions of the FBI Academy: minting new agents. Each special agent must have the knowledge, skills, commitment, and fortitude to investigate terrorists, spies, and a raft of dangerous criminals—all while wielding their law enforcement powers with compassion for those they encounter and respect for the U.S. Constitution and the laws they enforce.

How many hours of training does a police officer receive?

Trainees also receive more than 90 hours of instruction and practical exercises focused on tactics, operations planning, operation of cooperating witnesses and informants, physical and electronic surveillance, undercover operations, and the development and dissemination of intelligence.

What firearms do FBI agents carry?

As part of the preparation for potential deadly force encounters, all new agent trainees currently receive training with a Bureau-issued pistol, carbine, and shotgun. The FBI’s basic law enforcement firearms training curriculum is grounded in the fundamentals of marksmanship and includes instruction on firearms safety, weapons orientations, weapon handling skills, and live fire training emphasizing marksmanship and practical shooting techniques. To demonstrate proficiency, trainees must successfully qualify with both the pistol and carbine, and participate in live-fire familiarization with the shotgun. The present firearms curriculum is comprised of 28 sessions totaling 110 hours of instruction, and includes approximately 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

What do FBI agents do after leaving the academy?

As they leave the Academy, the new agents pick up their firearms and ammunition. They are now ready to head out to their first office of assignment and begin work as FBI special agents. They will return to the Academy often for specialized training and refresher courses throughout their careers. Applying to become an FBI Agent.

How long does it take to become a new agent?

Currently, new agent training lasts approximately 20 weeks. It’s a tough regimen, but trainees don’t go it alone.

How many points do you need to pass the PFT?

To pass the test, trainees must achieve a minimum cumulative score of 12 points with at least one point in each of four areas: sit-ups in one minute, timed 300-meter sprint, push-ups (untimed), and timed 1.5-mile run.

What is defensive tactics training?

Defensive tactics training focuses on boxing and grappling, handcuffing, control holds, searches of subjects, weapon retention, and disarming techniques. Safe driving techniques are provided at the Academy’s Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center.

What were the courses in the FBI during World War II?

Courses at that time included scientific aids in crime detection, preparation of reports, criminal investigation techniques, and administration and organization. With the advent of World War II, courses were added in espionage and sabotage. Students on the range during a 1936 session of the FBI’s National Academy.

When did the FBI start accepting international students?

The number of international students began to rise in August 1962, when President Kennedy signed National Security Action Memorandum No. 177 to enhance the training of overseas officers in the United States. As a result, the FBI began accepting up to 20 international law enforcement executives in each National Academy Session.

How many years of college do I need to become a law enforcement officer?

Has 60 college credit hours or equivalent education experience. Agree to remain in law enforcement for a minimum of three years after graduating from the FBI National Academy.

When was the National Academy of Law Enforcement created?

Brief History of the National Academy. The Academy began July 29, 1935. It was created in response to a 1930 study by the Wickersham Commission that recommended the standardization and professionalization of law enforcement departments across the U.S. through centralized training. With strong support from the International Association of Chiefs ...

Who is invited to the FBI National Academy?

Leaders and managers of state, local, county, tribal, military, federal, and international law enforcement agencies attend the FBI National Academy. Participation is by invitation only, through a nomination process. Participants are drawn from every U.S. state and territory and from international partner nations.

When was the National Academy of Police established?

The National Academy was launched in 1935 as the “Police Training School.”. China, Canada, and Great Britain were among the first countries to send representatives in the late 1930s, but usually only a few officers per session.

Where is the FBI training facility?

The FBI training facility at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, VA, is the most advanced facility for training, research and education of its kind in the entire world. Its doors are open to police forces in many states and even to foreign partner nations, offering the best possible training to law enforcement of all stripes.

What is the FBI's investigative hub?

An Investigative Hub. FBI Agents work in close proximity with all of the other federal agencies, including the National Security Administration (NSA), Homeland Security (DHS), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) among others. FBI agents work both at home and overseas, helping to coordinate anti-terror operations ...

What is the FBI family?

The FBI Family. The FBI is a family who are dedicated to the defense and security of the American public. In the past 16 years, the Bureau’s activities have become heavily focused on anti-terrorist activities. However, they also hunt federal criminals who commit the worst of crimes—mass murderers, serial killers, kidnappers, ...

How many years of work experience do you need to become a field agent?

You must also have at least three years of work experience, though advanced degrees can substitute for a year of this work experience. Many prospective agents seek education in law enforcement, criminal justice or a similar field. Foreign language fluency is also a vital skill for field agents.

What do you learn in FBI training?

While training to become an FBI agent, you will spend classroom time learning about a variety of academic and investigative topics. As a future member of law enforcement, you will learn about the fundamentals of law, ethics, behavioral science and forensic science. The ethics training includes trips to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., aimed at teaching you the importance of upholding justice and civil equality for those you serve. You will also learn essential skills for your career as an FBI agent such as:

How many hours does the FBI take to train you to carry a gun?

During more than 110 instructional hours, you learn about firearms safety and handling, along with live-fire training on marksmanship and shooting techniques. The FBI will issue you a pistol, carbine and shotgun, which you must demonstrate your proficiency with by the end of the 28 sessions.

What is FBI Academy?

The FBI Academy has a mock town, Hogan's Alley, where you and other students participate in simulated investigations that involve hired actors playing criminals. Through this simulation, you can conduct interrogations, collect and examine the evidence, arrest suspects and even perform a mock trial. The academy also employs the use of up-to-date technology such as virtual reality, to conduct more efficient training simulations.

How do I become an FBI agent?

To prove you can perform the responsibilities of the job, you'll complete an intensive training program that tests your mental and physical capabilities. By the end of your training, you will have the necessary techniques and tactics to enforce federal laws and protect citizens, enabling you to begin your career as an agent. In this article, we explain the various training and other requirements you must meet to become an FBI agent.

What can I do with a degree in FBI?

A degree can help you improve reading, writing and research skills as well as a strong foundation in critical thinking, which is necessary for FBI agents.

How do I become an FBI agent?

To begin the application process to become an FBI agent, you'll need to submit a federal resume and a college transcript. You can contact a recruiter at a local FBI field office or use an online portal through the official FBI website.

What is BFTC training?

When you complete BFTC training, you're officially part of the FBI. New agents are assigned to a field office within the United States or sometimes overseas. About half of the new recruits who request a specific field office are granted their first choice. Once you move to your new location, you can begin work as an FBI agent in the field.

How long does it take to accept a physical fitness test?

Once you pass the physical fitness test, you'll receive a conditional appointment offer that you have to officially accept. You have a week to make a final decision and submit your acceptance form.

How long is the FBI training academy?

FBI Training Academy. If all other steps have been completed and passed the next step of the process is the FBI Training Academy. This is a 20 week program that takes place on campus. After the academy has been completed, you are sworn in as an FBI agent, assigned to a field office, and are placed on a 2 year probationary period where you will be ...

How long does it take to become a FBI agent?

2. Gain Experience. To be considered for a position with the FBI you are required to have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in your selected field.

How do I become an FBI agent?

5 Steps to Becoming an FBI Agent. 1. Acquire Your Bachelor’s Degree. To qualify to become an FBI Agent you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. The degree that is being obtained is dependent upon the entry program you have chosen to pursue. The five entry programs are computer science and information, accounting, language, law, and diversified. ...

What are the five entry programs in the FBI?

The five entry programs are computer science and information, accounting, language, law, and diversified. An internship is a great way to get the feel for which program will suit you best. The FBI offers paid and unpaid internships.

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Mission

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Agent trainees study a broad range of subjects that grounds them in the fundamentals of law, ethics, behavioral science, interviewing and report writing, basic and advanced investigative and intelligence techniques, interrogation, and forensic science. Students learn how to manage and run counterterrorism, count…
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Participants

Curriculum

Access

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The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. The 10-week programwhich provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management …
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Origins

  • Leaders and managers of state, local, county, tribal, military, federal, and international law enforcement agencies attend the FBI National Academy. Participation is by invitation only, through a nomination process. Participants are drawn from every U.S. state and territory and from international partner nations.
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Membership

  • Sessions of approximately 220 officers take undergraduate and/or graduate courses at the FBI campus in Quantico, Virginia. Classes are offered in the following areas: law, behavioral science, forensic science, understanding terrorism/terrorist mindsets, leadership, communication, and health/fitness. Officers participate in a wide range of leadership and specialized training, where t…
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Discovery

  • Note: The most current National Academy orientation booklet can be obtained for incoming students by accessing the FBI National Academy Special Interest Group (SIG) on Law Enforcement Online (LEO), which is available through the Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP).
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Investigation

  • The National Academy was launched in 1935 as the Police Training School. China, Canada, and Great Britain were among the first countries to send representatives in the late 1930s, but usually only a few officers per session. The number of international students began to rise in August 1962, when President Kennedy signed National Security Action Memorandum No. 177 to enhan…
See more on fbi.gov

International

  • Following graduation, each officer has the opportunity to join the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., a dynamic organization of more than 16,000 law enforcement professionals who actively work to continue developing higher levels of competency, cooperation, and integrity across the law enforcement community.
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