FBI Phase I

Overview

Phase I is the first written test in the FBI's Special Agent Selection System (SASS). It is a computerised, proctored exam of about three hours, including check-in and check-out, made up of five timed assessments. Together they measure critical thinking and reasoning, and whether the special agent work environment suits you. You sit it at a local test centre run by a contractor on behalf of the FBI, after your application has passed initial screening.

Who can apply

To apply as a special agent, the FBI requires that you:

• have a bachelor's degree and at least two years of full-time professional work experience, or an advanced degree and at least one year

• are at least 23 years old

• apply before your 36th birthday and enter on duty no later than the day before your 37th birthday, unless you qualify for an age waiver

• hold a valid driver's licence

• meet the FBI's physical fitness requirements

• can obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance

Age waivers may apply to some current or former federal law enforcement officers, current FBI employees and preference-eligible veterans. You must also meet the FBI's general employment eligibility rules.

Selection process

1. Application and screening. Submit a federal resume (at most two pages), transcripts and any military or prior federal employment documents. With a complete packet, a minimum-qualification decision usually takes about 10 days.

2. Phase I test. Once invited, you have 21 days to schedule and complete it.

3. Physical Fitness Test self-evaluation and Meet and Greet. You submit a self-evaluation form before attending the Meet and Greet information session.

4. Physical Fitness Test (PFT). From 1 January 2026, you get one baseline attempt within 30 days of your Meet and Greet and, if needed, two official attempts within six months. You move on with at least 10 total points and at least one point in each event.

5. Phase II (a), Written. A computerised writing assessment at a test centre, about two and a half hours.

6. Phase II (b), Interview. A structured interview of about one hour with a panel of three special agent assessors at one of nine regional sites.

7. Conditional Appointment Offer, followed by a background investigation for Top Secret SCI clearance (including a polygraph, drug test and fingerprinting) and a fit-for-duty medical exam.

8. Pre-Quantico PFT and the Basic Field Training Course, which lasts 18 weeks at Quantico.

Exam pattern

Each assessment is timed separately, and time limits are strictly enforced. Paper and pencil are not allowed.

Syllabus

Logic-Based Reasoning. Each item is a short paragraph followed by a question about what must be true. You use only the facts given, with no outside knowledge and no calculations. The FBI guide explains how to read "all", "no", "some" and "if-then" statements: for example, "all A are B" does not mean all B are A, and an if-then statement cannot be reversed.

Figural Reasoning. A grid of shapes has one piece missing. The pattern may run across rows or down columns and can involve shape, colour, number of shapes or sides, or overlapping figures.

Personality Assessment. Five pairs of statements appear on each screen. You move a slider towards the statement you agree with more, and you cannot choose a neutral middle point. The test is adaptive, so earlier answers shape later items.

Preferences and Interests. Single statements rated on a five-point agreement scale.

Situational Judgment. Workplace scenarios, each with five possible responses. You choose the one closest to what you would really do.

Marking and results

You learn whether you passed within about one hour of finishing. The FBI warns against trying to "beat" the personality, preference and judgment sections by claiming qualities you do not have; if a later background check shows you gave false answers anywhere in SASS, you can be permanently barred.

If you fail Phase I, you may retest 90 days after your last test session, but a new invitation is not guaranteed. Failing Phase I twice makes you permanently ineligible for the special agent position.

How to apply

Apply through the special agent posting on FBIJobs. If you pass screening, the testing contractor emails you an invitation; check spam folders. Pick a date, time and nearby centre through the contractor's system. You can cancel or reschedule without penalty up to 48 hours before your appointment.

On test day, arrive 15 minutes early with your driver's licence (plus another photo ID if your licence has no photo). Late arrivals are not admitted. Phones, other electronic devices, bags, papers and firearms are not allowed in the room. Accommodation requests go to the FBI by email and must be made separately for each test.

Letting two Phase I invitations expire, or failing to show up twice, can deactivate you unless you give an acceptable reason. After an expired invitation you wait at least 90 days for a new one.

After the exam

Phase I passers move on to the PFT self-evaluation and the Meet and Greet. For Phase II, you get two attempts at each part. A failed written assessment can be retaken after 60 days, and a failed interview after six months; two failures in either part end your candidacy. The background investigation averages about six months but can take 18 months or more.

Preparation tips

• Work through the practice test in the FBI's Testing Overview guide; the FBI does not endorse other prep materials.

• For Logic-Based Reasoning, practise reading only what is stated and watch words such as "must", "only", "not" and "except".

• For Figural Reasoning, check rows and columns for every possible pattern before choosing.

• Answer the personality, preference and judgment sections honestly and without overthinking.

• Start PFT training before you apply; the FBI advises being in training before you submit your application.