In Alabama, as in most states across the country, law and order is of the utmost importance. If you’re looking for an advanced law enforcement career that is both challenging and rewarding, then you should consider a career is an FBI agent. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is responsible for enforcing federal laws and protecting the country from both foreign and domestic terror threats.
Becoming an FBI agent is one of the most rigorous application processes a person will ever experience. The FBI has very strict requirements for becoming an agent, and meeting these requirements can be a process that takes months, if not years, to complete.
FBI Agent Requirments in Alabama
Basic Requirements
- Certification: There are no certifications that will make you eligible to become an agent with the FBI.
- Age: Applicants to become FBI agents should be between the ages of 23 and 37.
- Licensure: The FBI does not require its prospective agents to behold any form of licensure.
- Degree: An FBI agent must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Experience: Three years of continuous professional experience is required before you apply to become an FBI agent. Parts of the work experience can be waived if you possess a juris doctorate, are a licensed certified public accountant, or have completed an advanced degree.
- Citizenship: FBI agents are required to be citizens of the United States.
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility: When you apply to become an FBI agent, you must be willing to relocate anywhere in the country at a moment’s notice. An inability or unwillingness to locate means becoming an FBI agent may not be the ideal career for you.
- Background: Those with felony records are not eligible to become an FBI agent. Also, you cannot have used marijuana three years before application or any other illegal drug ten years before application. You will be required to undergo an intensive background check that will examine every area of your life, including your personal life.
- Fitness: Applicants must be physically fit and will have to take and pass a fitness test before their application will be considered.
Basic Requirements
- Certification: There are no certifications that will make you eligible to become an agent with the FBI.
- Age: Applicants to become FBI agents should be between the ages of 23 and 37.
- Licensure: The FBI does not require its prospective agents to behold any form of licensure.
- Degree: An FBI agent must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Experience: Three years of continuous professional experience is required before you apply to become an FBI agent. Parts of the work experience can be waived if you possess a juris doctorate, are a licensed certified public accountant, or have completed an advanced degree.
- Citizenship: FBI agents are required to be citizens of the United States.
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility: When you apply to become an FBI agent, you must be willing to relocate anywhere in the country at a moment’s notice. An inability or unwillingness to locate means becoming an FBI agent may not be the ideal career for you.
- Background: Those with felony records are not eligible to become an FBI agent. Also, you cannot have used marijuana three years before application or any other illegal drug ten years before application. You will be required to undergo an intensive background check that will examine every area of your life, including your personal life.
- Fitness: Applicants must be physically fit and will have to take and pass a fitness test before their application will be considered.
FBI Application Process in Alabama
- Application: Becoming an FBI agent requires a multi-step application process. Phase I includes a three-hour exam and a meet and greet interview. Phase II is a writing exam and a structured interview. If you pass Phase II, you will be given a conditional job offer. After Phase II, your background will be investigated and you will take a Basic Field Training Course. If you pass the training course, you will become a probationary agent.
Alabama FBI Agent Education
The FBI prefers that people from all backgrounds apply to be agents. This means you can apply to the FBI after completing almost any degree if you believe you would be a strong candidate. However, the FBI is always looking for people with skills in areas like law enforcement, engineering, STEM, and the military.
Major Cities in Alabama
- Birmingham is the largest Alabama city with 212,113 residents.
- 201,332 people live in Mobile, which is the second-largest Alabama city.
- Mobile is the third most populous city with 194,899 residents.
What Does an FBI Agent Do in Alabama?
- An FBI agent is primarily a law enforcement agent. This means they will investigate crimes, make arrests, and perform other common law enforcement tasks.
- FBI agents can work in several investigative areas, including domestic terrorism, cybercrime, civil rights violations, and violent crimes.
- FBI agents can coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to solve crimes and apprehend criminals.
Alabama FBI Agent Salary
Unlike other careers, typical salaries for FBI agents are not recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, because FBI agent salaries are based on the government’s General Schedule (GS) payscale, it is possible to get an idea of pay.
Entry-level FBI agents are considered GS-10 but can advance to GS-13. In Alabama, this means the pay range for an FBI agent can be between $54,878 and $111,720.
Related Careers
The careers that are the most closely related to working as an FBI agent are law enforcement jobs. Related careers include working as a police officer, a private investigator, or a lawyer.
Employment Numbers in Alabama
The FBI does not make its employment numbers public. However, the FBI does maintain several offices in Alabama. In addition to the two main branches in Mobile and Birmingham, there are satellite offices throughout the state.
Alabama Related Organizational Links
FBI Training Programs and Schools in Alabama
FBI Training Programs and Schools in Alabama
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. FBI agents are dedicated to America’s defense and security. There are a number of careers you can pursue within the FBI with current activities focusing heavily on anit-terrorism. No matter which career you pursue becoming an FBI agent requires deep commitment and dedication. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!