FBI Assessments

Prepare for the FBI recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

Careers In The FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is responsible for upholding national security and the safety of all US citizens through intelligence and law enforcement duties.

Anyone pursuing a career as an FBI Special Agent must meet stringent requirements and possess a diverse set of skills to meet the demands of this challenging profession.

Types Of FBI Jobs

The FBI is assigned to investigate a range of activities, including:

  • Organized crime
  • Cybercrime
  • Terrorism
  • Counterintelligence
  • Public corruption
  • Violent crime
  • Civil rights

As an FBI agent, you may use your skills in any of these fields, and the agency seeks top talent in everything from STEM subjects, law and psychology, to accounting, education, and healthcare.

How To Get A Job In The FBI

To be considered for a post, you must be a US citizen between the ages of 23 and 36. You'll also need to hold - at a minimum - a bachelor's degree in a valued discipline, and two years' work experience in your field of expertise.

On meeting these requirements, you'll then go through a rigorous selection process, which can often take up to a year to complete.

FBI Application Process

FBI Online Application And Screening

The first step is to complete the online application, and submit your resume and any required documentation.

You should closely follow the Federal Resume Guide, and provide real-world examples of the following core competencies:

  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Initiative
  • Flexibility/adaptability
  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal ability
  • Problem-solving/judgement
  • Organization/planning

Your application will then be screened to determine your suitability. Successful applicants are then invited to take the computerized Phase I test.

FBI Phase I Tests

What Is the FBI Phase I Test?

FBI Phase I test is a three-hour psychometric assessment, which is considered the most challenging part of the process. Only around 30% of candidates achieve a passing score on this test. The test is split into five sections: logic-based reasoning, figural reasoning, personality assessment, preferences and interests, and situational judgement.

FBI Logic-Based Reasoning

This verbal reasoning test measures your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You'll be presented with paragraphs of text and will need to use the information provided to draw logical conclusions on the inference that may or may not lead from the evidence given.

Questions are multiple-choice, with five answer options per paragraph, and there are 11 problems to work through in total.

FBI Figural Reasoning

This is another measure of your problem-solving skills, but this time in the form of an abstract reasoning test. You'll work through nine questions, each containing a sequence of shapes and patterns, with one part of the sequence missing.

The task is to identify rules and relationships that define the order of the arrangement and use them to determine which of five possible options completes the sequence.

FBI Personality Assessment

The personality test is used to assess how your character traits match up to those required of an FBI agent. You'll see two statements placed on either side of a sliding scale, and will need to pick which of the two you agree with more.

The statements given may bear no relevance to each other and you may agree or disagree with both to some extent, however, you must always pick one over the other and cannot leave the slider in a neutral position.

You'll have 100 statement pairs to work through in total.

FBI Preferences And Interests Assessment

This follows on from the personality test and focuses on your specific response to various statements about your character.

37 questions present different scenarios around behavioural styles and working preferences. You'll rank each of these from strongly agree to strongly disagree.

FBI Situational Judgement Test

The situational judgement test contains 19 questions, all of which revolve around hypothetical scenarios you'd likely encounter in the working environment. Each scenario is accompanied by five different courses of action, and you must select which you'd take in response to the situation described.

As with the personality sections of the test, there are no right or wrong answers here, and it's in your best interests to answer questions honestly.

FBI Meet And Greet

If you achieve the required score in the Phase I assessment, you'll be invited to an in-person meet and greet session for additional screening.

Though not a formal interview, you will be asked to discuss your resume in more detail and will be further assessed on FBI core competencies. Only those seen as competitive candidates at this stage will progress to Phase II.

FBI Phase II Tests

What Is The FBI Phase II Test?

The FBI Phase II Test is an assessment, which is made up of two parts. It includes a writing assessment and a structured interview.

FBI Writing Assessment

In this two-and-a-half-hour exam, you'll be asked to read through a large amount of information, which you'll use to compile two detailed, well-crafted reports.

In this test, you're being measured on your analytical, decision-making, and communication skills, as well as spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

FBI Structured Interview

In the second part of Phase II, you'll attend a one-hour interview in front of a panel of three.

You should prepare to answer a range of performance-based questions, using your experience to demonstrate key skills, competencies, and behaviours.

FBI Conditional Appointment Offer (CAO)

At this stage, successful candidates will be given a Conditional Appointment Offer. This is a provisional offer of employment that will become official provided you meet certain conditions assessed in the latter stages of recruitment.

FBI Background Information Checks

This process can take around six months and includes medical, fingerprinting and drugs tests, credit and criminal record checks, a polygraph exam, Personal Security Interview (PSI), referencing, and document verification.

FBI Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

The PFT is designed to ensure you're physically capable of fulfilling your duties and includes sit-ups, pushups, pullups, a 300-meter sprint, and a 1.5-mile run.

You'll need to achieve a baseline score here, with unlimited attempts for one year after your background investigation is complete.

FBI Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)

To complete the selection, you'll attend an on-site training course. This is 20 weeks long for New Agent Trainees (NATs) or 12 weeks long for New Intelligence Analyst Trainees (NIATs).

It's designed to prepare you for life in the FBI through skills lessons and practical exercises. Successful completion of the BFTC will result in your official career placement.

Tips To Get Hired At The FBI

Earn A Relevant Degree

Planning is essential to a successful FBI application, and you should consider your major carefully. Science, law enforcement, computer science and information technology, finance, and foreign languages are some of the best degrees to hold as an applicant.

Though not essential, a master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant subject will help you stand out from the competition.

Gain Professional Experience

Requirements state that you must have at least two years of work experience in your field, and you should use this time to focus on the core competencies sought by the FBI. You'll be judged on these throughout the selection, and the more examples you can give of them in action the better.

As a student, you can also apply for an internship with the FBI. The 10-week placements offer the chance to explore your career options and look great on your application.

Prepare To Ace The Phase I Test

The Phase I test is designed to be challenging, and a lot of applicants are eliminated from the selection at this stage. The good news is that with solid preparation, you can achieve the score required to progress.

Take plenty of practice tests to familiarize yourself with this form of assessment, build on your critical reasoning skills, and boost your confidence.

Sample FBI Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

The analytics team receives data that shows a steady increase in cybercrime reports over the last five years. What numerical reasoning skill would best help an agent to understand the significance of this trend for future operations?

  • Trend analysis
  • Immediate cost accounting
  • Basic arithmetic
  • Static budgeting

In law enforcement operations, clear communication is vital. From the paragraph below, what is the primary purpose of the communication strategy described? 'In handling critical incidents, law enforcement units depend on a communication protocol that prioritizes brevity and clarity. This includes a standardized code system to convey messages swiftly without misunderstanding. The language used must also be free from jargon that can confuse non-specialist responders or allied agencies.'

  • To ensure messages are delivered quickly and with precision to avoid errors in high-stakes situations.
  • To make communication more complex and resistant to interception by unwanted parties.
  • To provide a detailed account of the incident to the media and general public.
  • To train law enforcement officers in using sophisticated language.

An agent is analyzing patterns in behavior to predict potential security threats. Which abstract reasoning skill is the agent most likely relying on?

  • Pattern recognition
  • Quantitative calculation
  • Literal comprehension
  • Practical instruction

During a field assignment, agents need to set up a pulley system to lift heavy equipment to an upper floor. Which physical principle is most important to consider when constructing the pulley system?

  • Mechanical advantage
  • Electrical resistance
  • Thermal conductivity
  • Optical refraction

If an operation has a budget allocation and 75% is already spent, with the remainder barely covering projected costs for known variables, what would be the most logical step for a financial analyst to take?

  • Request additional funds to ensure coverage for unexpected expenses.
  • Spend the remaining 25% immediately on non-essential items.
  • Avoid paying for expenses already incurred to save money.
  • Do nothing and hope that projected costs are overestimations.

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FBI Assessments Tips

Understand the FBI's Mission

Getting to know the FBI's core values and mission is crucial. This insight helps you understand the mindset and analytical skills needed.

Practice Critical Thinking

Focus on enhancing your critical thinking and reasoning skills. These are fundamental traits that every FBI agent must possess.

Master Time Management

Timing is key when taking the FBI exams. Ensure you can work accurately under timed conditions by practicing with similar constraints.

Try Practice Tests on Psychometric Tests

You can give practice tests of these types of tests on this site for free. It's a great way to get familiar with the format and types of questions.

Stay Physically and Mentally Fit

The FBI looks for well-rounded candidates. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help maintain the sharpness required.

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FBI Assessments FAQs

What are the FBI tests?

The FBI tests are a series of assessments that measure a range of abilities including logic, judgment, and physical fitness, tailored to evaluate the qualifications for the Special Agent role.

Are the FBI tests hard?

The FBI tests can be challenging as they are designed to screen for elite candidates with strong analytical skills and sound judgment, alongside physical prowess.

How do I prepare for FBI tests?

Preparing for FBI tests is best achieved through practice. Psychometric Tests offers a plethora of practice tests that closely mirror the questions you'll face, boosting your readiness.

How long does the recruitment process take at FBI?

The recruitment process for the FBI varies by candidacy but usually entails a thorough multi-step evaluation that can last several months to over a year.

What are FBI's core values?

FBI's core values revolve around Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity. These principles guide the rigorous work and ethical standards expected of all agents and staff.