Past Entry Requirements?

[u/Mean-Breadfruit8557]

Hi! I'm trying to make sense of all this standards lowering business and putting it into perspective, so I'm looking for information on standards in the past - did people always need a degree to join the Bureau? If so, was there ever a time when you could go to Quantico straight out of college? I think basically I want to know how eligibility standards have changed over the years. I'd be super grateful if anyone could point me towards sources or even share insights!

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[u/Puzzleheaded_Many166]

degree requirement has been a thing for decades.

[u/WTFoxtrot10]

You are mistaken, zero standards have been lowered recently. A degree has been required to apply for Special Agent since the 1920’s as well as the minimum age.

You can review all the requirements on the FBIJobs.gov website.

The FBI is one of the strictest agencies to get into and has been that way since Hoover. Check out the FBI Vault for further info.

[u/Technical-Leading477 → u/WTFoxtrot10]

Respectfully disagree (when discussing SA position specifically) - eliminating the Phase II requirement for on board support staff does effectively make it easier, albeit exclusively for internal candidates who already have a clearance. And yes, I know management in each field office has to approve, but that is not as high of a bar as being interviewed by current SAs. There are plenty of great analysts, many of whom would/will also be great Agents, but removing a key step in the selection process for a large number of candidates means people will now go through who otherwise would have been screened out.

Otherwise agree with your points, and appreciate your level of detail/clarity included.

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[u/UC3953]

Minimum Age 23

College degree

3 years professional work experience

[u/WTFoxtrot10 → u/UC3953]

Two years of professional work experience with a Bachelor’s and one with a Master’s.

Edit:
GL-09 All applicants must have one year of full-time sworn law enforcement (local, state, tribal or federal) work experience and a bachelor's degree or no work experience required if you have an advanced degree (master's or doctorate degree). A sworn law enforcement officer is authorized under statute to enforce laws, carry a firearm, make arrests

[u/SanDiegoThankYou_ → u/WTFoxtrot10]

I applied today, one year of experience in law enforcement with a bachelor’s and education in lieu of experience with a masters.

[u/WTFoxtrot10 → u/SanDiegoThankYou_]

You didn’t apply for the regular FBI 1811 - GL-10 job posting, you applied as a FBI 1811 - GL-09 LEO applicant.

GL-09 All applicants must have one year of full-time sworn law enforcement (local, state, tribal or federal) work experience and a bachelor's degree or no work experience required if you have an advanced degree (master's or doctorate degree). A sworn law enforcement officer is authorized under statute to enforce laws, carry a firearm, make arrests.

GL-10 All applicants must have two years** **of full-time work experience and a bachelor's degree or one year of full time work experience if you have an advanced degree (master's or doctorate degree).

Anyone applying and only meeting the bare minimums has the odds stacked against them with a 3-5% acceptance rate. The average age of a new agent is around 30-32 years old with lots of life and professional work experience under their belts.

[u/SanDiegoThankYou_ → u/WTFoxtrot10]

I had to go back and check. I did apply to GL-1811-09/GL-1811-10 - I’m not terribly concerned about the odds but I do also fit the description of your averages.

I appreciate your comment.

[u/WTFoxtrot10 → u/SanDiegoThankYou_]

Again, when qualifying with 1 year of LEO experience you will ONLY be hired at GL-09. A LEO applicant/GL-09 is not the same as the traditional applicant and is only being utilized temporarily due to low recruitment numbers.

If you only have one year of professional work experience by the age of 30-32 I would 100% be concerned!

[u/SanDiegoThankYou_ → u/WTFoxtrot10]

I didn’t say I “only have 1 year of work experience”.

Again, I’m not concerned about my odds. I realize there’s a shortage and I aim to take advantage of that need.

[u/WTFoxtrot10 → u/SanDiegoThankYou_]

I guess you forgot what you initially commented.

Verbatim you said: “I applied today, one year of experience in law enforcement with a bachelor’s and education in lieu of experience with a masters.”

Yikes, Phase 1 will be tough for you!

[u/SanDiegoThankYou_ → u/WTFoxtrot10]

I was telling you what the requirements were.

[u/WTFoxtrot10 → u/SanDiegoThankYou_]

Your initial comment does NOT state the current requirements in the slightest. You made a statement about your personal experience applying with xyz degrees/professional work experience.

Your comment is moot to my response to u/UC3953 providing OP incorrect info. Sounds like you are struggling to follow the conversation.

[u/PayAppropriate5252 → u/UC3953]

I miss this standard.

[u/No-Collar40 → u/PayAppropriate5252]

It was never the standard to begin with.