The final phase before placement is the Basic Field Training Course at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. You can choose tasks according to your degree level and type of majors. The entire process may take up to 18 months. To become an FBI agent, the first requirement would be to hold a bachelor’s degree. The Best Majors For FBI. Only on successful completion of the training will they become full-fledged Special Agents. Usually a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is adequate for becoming an FBI agent. Basic field training course: The final step to becoming an active special agent is to go through 19 weeks of intensive training at the FBI Academy. In most cases one must be between 23 and 37 years old to become a special agent; the FBI's qualification requirements webpage has further information. Education: Prospective FBI agents must possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. If you become an FBI agent in California, you can expect to have diverse days that are often challenging. Agents will be involved in investigating incidents of terrorism such as bombings, hijackings or threats. To become an FBI agent, it is necessary to obtain a Bachelor's degree and gain 3 years of work experience or obtain a Master's degree which requires only 2 years of work experience. An FBI agent has multi-dimensional duties and responsibilities. Experience: Three years of professional work experience are required before joining the FBI. If selected, applicants become employees of the Bureau, with the status of New Agent Trainee at a GS-10, Step 1 pay grade. An aspiring FBI agent will also need to receive medical clearance from the FBI's chief medical officer, who assesses the applicant's overall health and long-term physical stamina. The process typically takes one year or longer to complete. Once complete, you earn the top-secret clearance necessary to become an FBI special agent. Specific Duties of FBI Agents in California. Background: Prospective agents undergo an extensive background check that looks into both suitability and security. They receive hundreds of applications for every Special Agent hired. Positions at the Federal Office of Criminal Investigation and most other occupations as a special agent usually provide higher pay (often in the six-figure range after a few years), high health coverage and excellent retirement benefits. How to Become an FBI Agent? The job of an FBI agent can be dangerous and challenging. An FBI career is perhaps one of the most sought after law enforcement jobs in the United States.That’s why it’s important to know how to become an FBI agent. An applicant must display a combination of physical skills and above average intellectual abilities, and other traits defined by the agency, to become an FBI agent. But other majors can also help you in pursuing career of FBI agent. FBI Agents have varying responsibilities for about 36,000 employees and with these varying responsibilities come varying salaries but most of the FBI agents, technicians and specialists are paid according to the Governments approved General Schedule System (GS). Texas FBI Agent Salary. The Application Process The Special Agent Selection System (SASS) is designed to identify the best candidates to become FBI Special Agents. Currently, the FBI has five entry programs in place for special agent candidates. The FBI is arguably the most competitive law enforcement agency in the country, possibly the world. The steps to becoming an FBI agent have been listed below: Meet the minimum requirements The type of degree and the major you choose depends on which entry program you are planning to apply to. Involvement in raids, arrests and search warrants are also included in the typical duties.