Special agents are responsible for investigating alleged criminal violations in local, state or federal levels. It is up to special agents to acquire evidence and determine whether prosecution is warranted. Agents will use informants to gather leads and establish evidence through interviewing, observing, interrogating, surveillance, photos and documents. Special agents may work undercover or in rotational protection assignments and may carry firearms to make arrests.
Requirements
According to the FBI, a potential agent must be a citizen of the United States or Northern Mariana Islands. Prospective agents need to be at least 23 years old, but no more than 37 years of age upon appointment. Special agents are required to have a four-year college degree and three years of professional work experience.
Physicality
Individuals must meet certain physical requirements when applying to become a special agent. Applicants are required to take the standardized Physical Fitness Test, which consists of four parts: the maximum number of sit-ups in a minute, a timed 300-meter sprint, maximum number of push-ups and timed 1.5-mile run.
Vision
Any special agent candidate must have at least 20/200 uncorrected vision in each eye. With correction, it is essential that one eye have 20/20, while the other have at least 20/40. If a prospective agent chooses to have laser eye surgery, he or she must wait six months before applying to the academy.
Hearing
Applicants need to meet certain hearing qualifications, in order to become an agent. Individuals will be given an audiometer test and must meet the minimum hearing standards. An audiometer is a machine used to determine hearing loss. A special agent cannot have an average hearing loss that exceeds 25 decibels at 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hertz.
Medical History
A prospective agent will have his or her entire medical history thoroughly examined to determine any possible medical issues or conditions. Reviews are done on an individual basis and are designed to ensure that an applicant can handle the basic functions of being an agent. An applicant's medical history is reviewed by the FBI's chief medical officer and any surgical procedures or pre-existing medical conditions are carefully reviewed.
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