Asif, FBI Special Agent Exam expert at JobTestPrep.
Have a question? Contact me at: ask_asif@jobtestprep.comAspiring special agents in the FBI are required to pass two challenging assessments as part of their hiring process. The first is the Phase I Test, also named the FBI Special Agent Exam. It is a three-hour written test with cognitive and behavioral questions. The top 30% who pass this test will move on to the FBI phase 2 exam.
*Taken from JobTestPrep's FBI Preparation Pack
This section of the FBI test contains 11 questions, each presents a set of facts within a paragraph based on which you must determine the correct conclusion out of 5 options.
For example, this question is taken from our complete FBI phase 1 preparation:
Most burglars that break into homes are out for cash, jewellery, and electronics. Many are driven by addiction, looking for a quick buck. A few, however, break-in with the intention of hurting the residing families. Although most burglars would be deterred by signs that people are at home - such as noises, music being played or the lights left on - some might assume no one is home and break in anyway, even if they are wrong. Others just don't care.
From the information given above, it can be validly concluded that:
Such questions can get very confusing under time pressure. To be able to solve these quickly and accurately, it is highly useful to be rely on general rules, such as:
To learn more similar thumb rules that help increase accuracy and speed in this test, our FBI Phase I testing Preparation includes 2 study guides and 6 Logic-Based Reasoning practice tests (66 Questions) , as well as 7 additional extra practice tests.
There are 19 questions in this section of the FBI test. Each question contains a description of a work scenario, followed by a list of possible responses. The challenge here is correctly rate the effectiveness of each response (from most effective to ineffective), so it aligns with the core values and capabilities expected of special agents.
For example, this question is taken from our complete FBI phase 1 preparation:
You are doing a performance evaluation for Janet, one of your team supervisors. Which of the following should you avoid doing during the review?
This question measures abilities related to effective relationships with other co-workers. Other questions examine the ability to adapt to changing environments, organize and prioritize, and evaluate information in order to make decisions.
To rate the responses according to the expected values, the Phase I PrepPack contains 43 SJT questions mirroring those on the test, with fully detailed explanations of what is being assessed and expected of candidates.
This section assesses your ability to identify shape or image patterns and complete them accordingly. There will be 9 questions, each containing a sequence of shapes or symbols with one missing shape.
To practice different types of patterns and sharpen the ability to notice them, our practice pack contains a variety of questions with thorough explanations and solving tips, just like you've seen above. These will help you learn the most efficient solving techniques for each and every question.
The personality assessment measures aspects of your personality to identify those that possess traits necessary to be a successful FBI special agent. There will be 100 statements in this section.
For each question, you will be shown a pair of statements with a scale of 4 options between them: Agree with A/Slightly Agree with A/Slightly Agree with B/Agree with B.
I like helping others. | Agree | Slightly Agree | Slightly Agree | Agree | I am a very organized person.
Note that this personality test is adaptive, which means your responses affect the questions that will be shown to you during the test.
To make educated choices and show relevant personal strengths, our FBI Test Prep includes a full guide on the expected personality profile of promising special agents, with a personality practice test and detailed feedback.
To try more questions, go to our free FBI Phase I practice test.
The FBI Phase 1 Test evaluates your cognitive abilities, professional judgment, and personality, while the Phase 2 Test focuses on your ability to communicate effectively. It includes a writing assessment that lasts 150 minutes and a structured interview that lasts 1 hour. If you purchase the FBI Phase 1 Test, you can also opt for Phase 2 Test preparation by checking the box on the right.
Click here to learn more about the FBI Phase II Test Preparation
The FBI Entrance Exam has a 30% passing rate. If you fail to pass the test for the first time, you'll have a second chance to retest 90 days after your final test session. If you fail it for the second time, your application for the FBI Special Agent position will be permanently deactivated.
The hiring process and testing for FBI Special Agent roles are lengthy and may take anywhere between several months to more than a year. Here's a breakdown of the process:
The first step in the hiring process for FBI special agents is submitting your online application. When filling out the form, be prepared to answer questions about specialized skills, professional experiences, and your willingness to commit to the FBI and its mission. Additionally, you must complete a physical fitness evaluation, in accordance with the FBI's physical fitness requirements, as part of the initial application.
Those who meet initial pre-screening and eligibility requirements are asked to take the Phase I Test. The FBI Phase 1 testing is a three-hour exam consisting of cognitive, behavioral, and logical reasoning tests. If you pass, you will be invited to a "Meet and Greet" interview. During the meeting, you will learn more about the Special Agent Selection System and be evaluated by a recruitment team.
After passing Phase I testing and completing the "Meet and Greet," you will be reviewed by an internal FBI hiring board regarding your ability to meet the current needs of the FBI.
After passing this review, you will be contacted to complete Phase II, which consists of two parts—a writing task and a structured interview. Phase II Writing is a 90-minute written exam meant to test your ability to analyze data and prepare a comprehensive report. At the beginning of the exercise, you will be given a set of background materials to use. The Phase II Structured Interview is a one-hour, structured oral panel interview. This interview is designed to measure critical skills and abilities.
Once you pass the FBI Phase II testing, you are extended a conditional job offer (CJO). Upon accepting the CJO, you will be scheduled to take the official physical fitness Test (PFT)—a rigorous physical examination administered in accordance with strict FBI protocol. CJOs are contingent upon successfully passing the PFT, physical, and background investigation.
Receiving a high score on the FBI entrance exam may increase your chances of gaining employment with the FBI. That's because your phase 1 test score will be kept in your candidate file, and will likely carry weight on the final hiring decision.
Once you get hired, the starting salary for an FBI special agent is $47,630. The FBI provides its employees with health benefits, a thrifts savings plan, life insurance, and time off for vacation and sick leave, with an additional 10 days off for federal holidays.
The best way to prepare for the FBI exam is by practicing solving the same question types that are found on the real test. Moreover, it's crucial to prepare using the actual time constraints.
In our complete FBI Test Prep, you can find hundreds of practice questions similar to the ones you'll face on the real FBI Phase 1 Test. These questions are equipped with full explanations and tips, to provide you with the best preparation process.
If you don't pass the FBI Phase 1 Test on your first try, you'll be eligible to retake after 90 days. Note that not all candidates will be invited for a retest. If you fail the test twice, your application will be terminated and you'll be ineligible for future consideration for the Special Agent position.
It's estimated that around 70% of the FBI Phase 1 test-takers fail the exam every year. Some get a second chance to retake it in 90 days, but there are candidates who are ineligible for a retest and their application terminates once they fail the exam.
If you are looking for a different test, or are not sure which test is relevant for your position, check out our Civil Service practice questions or contact us, and we'll do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming exam.