Montana is mostly known for its scenic views and wide open spaces. However, despite its low population, Montana still experiences serious crime, some of which must be handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI and its agents are tasked with handling the most dangerous criminals and serious crimes that there are, which is why anyone working for the FBI must fulfill several steps and requirements.
Finding out about the qualifications an FBI agent must have is your first step in embarking on this exciting career.
FBI Agent Requirements in Montana
Basic Requirements
- Certification: You will not need to be certified in any way before becoming an FBI agent.
- Age: To apply to be an FBI agent, you need to be over the age of 23 and under the age of 37. If you have not received an appointment before your 37th birthday, you will need to get a waiver to work as an FBI agent.
- Licensure: There is no licensing procedure to become an FBI agent.
- Degree: At the minimum, applicants must have attended an accredited institution and earned a bachelor’s degree.
- Experience: In order to become a Montana FBI agent you must complete three years of professional experience, though an advanced degree, a CPA or a Juris Doctorate can substitute for work experience.
- Citizenship: FBI agents must be U.S. citizens.
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility: Before applying for status as a Montana FBI agent, understand that FBI agents are very often required to relocate where the Bureau needs them, and these moves happen in a short time frame.
- Background: Background checks are required of anyone applying to become an agent with the FBI.
- Fitness: You will be required to pass a physical fitness test and medical checkup before you will be able to work as an FBI agent.
Application Process in Montana
- Application: The application process for becoming an FBI agent includes a cognitive and behavioral test, a 90-minute writing exam, a meet and greet interview and a structured interview. If you complete these steps successfully, you will undergo a course of field training, and passing this class makes you a probationary FBI agent. Probation periods are 18 months and will be used to gain work experience as an agent.
Montana FBI Agent Education
The degrees that would be most useful to a potential FBI agent are criminal justice and law degrees. However, the only actual requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Many FBI agents have degrees in important areas like STEM, accounting, foreign languages and engineering. A military or law enforcement background can also be useful to an FBI agent.
Major Cities in Montana
- Billings has a population of 109,059, the most in Montana.
- Missoula’s population is 69,122, which is second in this state.
- The third most populous Montana city is Great Falls, which is home to 59,351 residents.
What Does a FBI Agent Do in Montana?
- As a crime-fighting organization that operates at the federal level, the FBI is responsible for a wide range of crimes. Just a few of the areas where FBI agents operate include violent crime, most wanted offenders, public corruption, and cybercrime. The FBI also works to limit the occurrences of domestic terrorism.
- When a case requires it, the FBI will direct law enforcement agencies to prevent crimes and apprehend fugitives.
- Counterintelligence is another primary responsibility of the FBI.
Related Careers
Working in law enforcement is the closest profession to an FBI agent. Just like FBI agents, law enforcement officers can investigate crime and arrest criminals, protecting their communities.
Employment Numbers in Montana
There is no existing employment data for FBI agents out of security concerns. Montana is a state without an FBI field office. Crimes under the jurisdiction of the FBI that occur in Montana will be handled by the Salt Lake City field office.
Montana FBI Agent Salary
The General Schedule (GS) paytable for law enforcement officers is used to calculate the pay of FBI agents. FBI agents pay starts at the GS-10 level, which has a base salary of $49,218.
Montana Related Organizational Links
FBI Training Programs and Schools in Montana
Criminal Justice Programs and Schools in Montana
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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!