What is the FBI Phase 2 Test?
Anyone applying for the role of Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be put through a comprehensive 10-stage process known as the Special Agent Selection System. The Phase II test is the fifth step of this process.
It comes after the FBI Phase 1 Test, a Meet and Greet information session and the official Physical Fitness Test. You must pass the written part and the PFT before you are invited to the interview.
This article looks in detail at what the test measures, what it involves and how to prepare for it.
The purpose of the FBI Phase 2 Test
The FBI's selection process has several consecutive steps designed to find applicants suited to the Special Agent role, and it assesses each applicant against its core competencies throughout.
While the FBI Phase 1 Test looks at your cognitive ability, professional judgement and personality, the FBI Phase 2 Test focuses on practical application.
It looks at how you’re likely to apply key skills and abilities on the job, and asks you to provide examples of how you’ve applied them in the past.
FBI Phase 2 Test structure
The FBI Phase 2 Test has two parts, a writing assessment and a structured interview, and each is a separate pass or fail test.
You take the writing assessment first. The FBI's current process page gives you 14 days from completing the Meet and Greet to sit it, and you are invited to the interview only if you pass it and the PFT.
FBI Writing Assessment
The FBI Phase 2 writing assessment asks candidates to apply their critical thinking, decision making and written communication skills.
At the start of the test, you’ll need to read a large amount of information. This will describe a hypothetical scenario and offer supporting and background information on the situation. Based on what you’ve read, you’ll then need to compile two detailed reports.
There are several skills under assessment here. The FBI says it tests your ability to analyse data and write two clear, thorough reports that reach a logical conclusion from the facts given. Your grammar, spelling and punctuation are also assessed.
You’ll have two and a half hours to complete the writing assessment, with an optional break offered halfway through.
The writing assessment is a proctored, computer-based exam taken at a test centre run by the FBI's testing contractor. When you book, you can choose a local test centre and a time and date that suit you.
FBI Writing Assessment Tips
Brush up your language skills: before the test, spend some time working on things like spelling, punctuation and grammar. You won’t have any spell-check tools to help you here so it’s wise to polish your skills.
Do not make assumptions: when writing your reports, use only the information you have been given and do not add details of your own. Draw a logical conclusion from those facts and explain how you reached it.
Focus on detail and structure: assessors will be looking for highly detailed reports that follow a logical order. Read instructions carefully and make sure you understand exactly what your reports should focus on.
Proofread: if you have time, go back and read what you have written. Check for any language use errors and ensure your reports follow the right format.
FBI Structured Interview
The second part is a one hour interview with a panel of three Special Agents, held at a local or regional testing site. This is a structured interview that uses a performance-based format and standardised scoring criteria.
Questions focus on the FBI's eight core competencies: collaboration, communication, flexibility and adaptability, initiative, interpersonal ability, leadership, organising and planning, and problem solving and judgement. You will need to give examples from your own experience that show these competencies.
FBI Structured Interview Tips
Think about your experience: before your interview, consider each of the core competencies carefully and any situation in which you’ve had to apply them. The examples you give don’t have to be from your most recent experience. If you have a better one from years ago, use it.
Use the FBI's Situation, Action, Result format: the FBI asks for answers built on situation, action and result, with most of your time spent on the action you personally took.
Stay focused: throughout your interview you’ll see the panel taking notes. Don’t let this put you off. Focus on the panellists themselves and maintain eye contact.
Be honest: do not try to second guess what the panel wants to hear. The FBI says there are no trick questions, so answer openly and honestly. Be aware too that the panel will have no information on you other than your name, so you’ll need to be specific with details.
After the FBI Phase 2 Test
On completion of the FBI Phase 2 Test, successful candidates will receive a Conditional Appointment Offer (CAO). This is not a final job offer. Hiring depends on passing the remaining stages of selection.
These include a background investigation with a polygraph, a fit for duty medical review and, where it applies, a pre-Quantico fitness test. You must then complete the 18 week Basic Field Training Course, which includes passing the PFT again.
FBI Phase 2 Test FAQs
What happens if I fail the FBI Phase 2 structured interview?
The FBI treats the written assessment and the interview as two separate pass or fail tests. If you fail the interview and are eligible to retest, you can apply again after at least six months. A second failure ends your application.
Can I retake the FBI Phase 2 writing assessment?
If you fail the written assessment and are eligible to retest, you can apply again after at least 60 days. The FBI says it will only retest you if you meet its current needs, and a second failure rules you out of the selection system.
Is there an age limit to participate in the FBI Phase 2?
You must be at least 23. The FBI changed its upper age limits in 2026, and its pages have given different limits during the year, so check the age rule in the current Special Agent job posting before you apply.
How is the FBI Phase 2 writing assessment scored?
The FBI does not publish a marking scheme for the writing assessment. Its guides say the test looks at your ability to analyse data, reach a logical conclusion from the facts given and explain your reasoning in two thorough reports, using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. The FBI's Testing Overview guide also includes sample responses with comments on their strengths and weaknesses.
Where can I practise for the FBI Phase 2 Test?
The FBI's Testing Overview guide includes a short practice written exercise with sample responses. If you cannot find it on fbijobs.gov, ask your Applicant Coordinator for the current version. To improve some of the skills you’ll need on the day you can also take practice verbal reasoning and situational judgement tests.
