For Iowa citizens interested in preventing crime on the largest scale possible, the perfect career opportunity is joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A national level law enforcement agency, the FBI is responsible for apprehending dangerous, violent criminals and working to prevent terrorism.
If you’re interested in career with the FBI, you must fulfill certain requirements, including passing a physical fitness exam and earning a bachelor’s degree.
FBI Agent Requirements in Iowa
Basic Requirements
- Certification: No certification exists for becoming an FBI agent.
- Age: The age range of applicants to become FBI agents is between 23 and 37. After you have turned 37, you will need a waiver in order to become an FBI agent.
- Licensure: FBI agents do not need licenses prior to application.
- Degree: While the FBI does not require a specific degree subject for its applicants, you will need to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution.
- Experience: All candidates must have three years of work experience to be considered by the FBI. However, if you are a certified accountant, or possess a Juris Doctorate or other advanced degree, the work requirement can be waived.
- Citizenship: US citizens are the only people allowed to become FBI agents.
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Additional Requirements
- Flexibility: Once you become an FBI agent, you will be assigned to a field office. Because your field office can be anywhere in the country, you will need to be comfortable with moving wherever the Bureau requests.
- Background: An in-depth background check into nearly every facet of your life is required to become an FBI agent.
- Fitness: Applicants to become FBI agents must pass a physical fitness test to ensure they can handle the rigors of the profession.
Application Process in Iowa
- Application: The application process to become an FBI agent is comprised of multiple tests and interviews to determine you possess the skills and personality needed in a successful agent. If you pass these steps, you will take a basic field training course. Passing this course makes you a probationary agent. Over the 18-month probationary period, you will work in the field and gain experience as an agent.
Iowa FBI Agent Education
The FBI tries to hire agents with wide ranging skill sets and educational backgrounds. This means that anyone who has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university can become an FBI agent if they make it through the application process. FBI agents can have degrees in law, engineering, science, accounting and many other subjects.
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Major Cities in Iowa
- The largest city in Iowa is Des Moines, which as a population of 2017,510.
- Second in population is Cedar Rapids. It has 128,429 residents.
- Davenport has 102,157 residents, making it the third largest Iowa city.
What Does an FBI Agent Do in Iowa?
- An FBI agent arrests criminals who have committed offenses in multiple areas, including cyber crimes, public corruption and violent offenses.
- The FBI is also responsible for preventing terrorism. FBI agents work both at home and overseas to work against terrorism.
- Another area where FBI agents can work is counterintelligence.
Related Careers
Careers related to crime prevention will be very similar to working as an FBI agent. For example, police detectives perform many of the same investigative tasks that you might be responsible for as an FBI agent.
Employment Numbers in Iowa
The FBI does not release statistics on the number of agents that they employ on a year to year basis. However, most estimates put the number of working agents in the thousands. Iowa is one of the few states that does not possess an FBI field office. Iowa is instead covered by the office in Omaha Nebraska.
Iowa FBI Agent Salary
FBI agents can earn between GS-10 and GS-13 level salaries based on the government’s General Schedule (GS) payscale. Iowa FBI agent salaries can range between $56,876 and $112,045.
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FBI Training Programs and Schools in Iowa
Criminal Justice Programs and Schools in Iowa
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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!