SPECIAL AGENT FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How are special agents assigned to
oces and how often are special
agents rotated in their assignments?
Flexibility is key at the FBI. You must be prepared
and willing to be assigned according to the needs
of the FBI. All agents must sign and adhere to a
mobility agreement, which states that as a special
agent, you accept the possibility of transfer as
a condition of your employment. However, once
assigned to a eld oce, new special agents
are generally not transferred unless they request
voluntary transfer, apply for management positions,
or transfer as a result of an emerging or existing
critical need.
Upon graduation from the FBI Academy, you will
be assigned to one of the FBI’s 56 eld oces or
satellite oces. Roughly one-third of new agents get
their rst choice.
Ultimately, the mission comes rst. While eld oce
position vacancies take priority over all transfer
request decisions, the FBI bases transfers on SA
oce preferences, seniority, budget considerations
and mission needs. If an agent’s top choice is New
York, Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Juan,
Puerto Rico, they will have an excellent chance of
getting that preferred oce assignment. It’s also
worth noting that, on average, an SA transfers just
twice during a 20-year career.
What is the age requirement for
applying?
FBI special agents have a mandatory retirement age
of 57. In order to achieve the required 20 years of
service for retirement, special agents must enter on
duty no later than the day before their 37th birthday.
Applicants must apply for the special agent position
prior to their 36th birthday to allow adequate time
to complete the Special Agent Selection System
(SASS). The FBI may disqualify applicants at any
time during the process if it is determined that they
will reach age 37 before appointment.
Potential exceptions: Applicants with certain prior
federal law enforcement service, applicants who are
current FBI employees, or preference eligible veterans
may qualify for an age waiver.
Are waivers available for applicants
37 and older?
Per Public Law 93-350, enacted July 12, 1974,
the Attorney General and the Oce of Personnel
Management (OPM) set the date immediately
preceding one’s 37th birthday as the last date for
original entry on duty as a law enforcement ocer in
the Department of Justice.
Waivers are available for preference-eligible veterans
who have been discharged or released from active
duty from the Armed Forces under honorable
conditions (honorable or general discharge). The
Member 4 copy of the DD-214 and, in the case of
service-connected disabilities, a copy of the SF-15
“Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference,” as
well as other applicable documentation to conrm
Veterans’ Preference eligibility, must be submitted at
the time of application.
Military retirees at the rank of Major, Lieutenant
Commander or higher are not eligible for preference
in appointment unless they are disabled veterans.
This does not apply to reservists who will not begin
drawing military retired pay until age 60.
Current FBI employees are eligible to apply prior
to their 39th birthday and must be appointed and
assigned to the FBI Academy no later than one day
preceding their 40th birthday.