How to become an FBI Profiler?

Key takeaways

• This guide details the process of how to become an FBI profiler.
• You will need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in criminology, psychology, sociology, or other related fields. 
• Those with a bachelor’s degree need at least 2 years of work experience, and those with an advanced degree need 1 year of work experience to apply. 
• The minimum age limit is 23, and the maximum is 36 years unless the applicant has prior law enforcement experience or a veteran’s preference. 
• Clearing the Physical Fitness Exam is of the utmost importance, and candidates must do so multiple times during the selection process.
• You will be required to take two tests, one in Phase 1 of the application process and the second in Phase 2. 
• If you get selected, you will have to obtain field experience as an FBI Agent before becoming eligible to pursue profiling in the FBI. 

Understanding the criminal mind is a major priority across all institutions and jobs in the criminal justice field, especially the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI has a dedicated Behavior Analysis Unit (BAU) where profilers or supervisory special agents, as they are officially referred to, work. However, becoming an FBI Agent and joining the Behavioral Analysis Unit is not easy. 

In this article, you will find the answer to how to become an FBI profiler, including eligibility requirements, required training, and more. But first, let’s understand what the job entails. 

What does an FBI profiler do?

Profilers study human behavior to identify patterns, contributing factors for problematic behavior, and so on. The FBI also employs profilers under the title of Special Supervisory Agents employed in the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Their job is to study the minds of criminals, develop an understanding of criminal psychology, and use that knowledge to aid investigators and FBI Agents solve crimes. 

Profilers combine knowledge of psychology and sociology to identify the characters of criminals. The task not only requires thorough knowledge of how the mind of an offender works and how different kinds of criminals commit crimes. The responsibilities of FBI profilers include:

• Crime scene analysis
• Victim interview
• Analyzing the victim, including statements, account of the incident, and physical wounds
• Analyzing the offenders motivation
• Evaluating the medical examiner’s reports
• Evaluating police reports
• Creating interview strategies for offenders, victims, witnesses, and investigators. 
• Report writing on findings/ creating the offender’s profile
• Assess human behavior in groups to identify patterns and trends
• Work with multiple departments across the organization to review evidence and aid criminal investigations. 
• Use technical analysis tools and analytical skills to predict violent behavior in offenders.
• Use field experience and data analysis as indicators of criminal activity and draw conclusions of field activity.

The job relies on the combination of experience in law enforcement, knowledge of psychology, criminology, and scientific analysis. 

How to become an FBI profiler?

Though the job responsibilities are similar to that of a profiler, to become a Special Supervisory Agent, you first need to join the FBI, and the requirements for that are vast. If you want to join the FBI, here are the general eligibility requirements you must meet. 

• Be a US citizen 
• Public record should be clear – There must not be any felony convictions
• Pass a urine drug test
• Must clear the background check 
• Should not be behind on student loan payments
• Must have filed all taxes timely – federal, state, and local 
• Should not be part of or affiliated in any way with organizations against the US. 
• Up to date with court-ordered child support. 
• Register with Selective Service System – for male applicants only, exceptions are accepted. 

However, the eligibility criteria for those wanting to become a special agent are quite different. If you want to become a Special Supervisory Agent and pursue profiling in the FBI, you need to meet additional requirements as well. 

Special agent eligibility criteria

The FBI BAU qualifications are a little different from those of regular agents. Here are the requirements you need to meet if you want to join the Behavioral Analysis Unit in the capacity of a Special Supervisory Agent. 

• Have a bachelor’s degree – minimum educational qualification
• Have a minimum of two years of work experience.
• Those with an advanced degree such as a master’s only need 1 year of professional experience. 
• Minimum age of 23 years. 
• Maximum age of 36 – unless you have other law enforcement experience or a veteran’s preference. 
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Pass FBI’s BAU qualifications for physical fitness.
• Be eligible to receive a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.

Step-by-step process of becoming an FBI Profiler

If you are eligible to become a special supervisory agent in the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI, you can start your application process. However, the journey to becoming a special agent in the FBI is a lengthy one. Here, we detail the step-by-step process detailing how to become an FBI Agent Profiler and all you will have to go through to be able to pursue profiling in the FBI as a career.

Earn your bachelor’s degree

The first step is to obtain a degree in a relevant field. When it comes to profiling, a degree in psychology, criminology, or sociology can enhance your eligibility. Moreover, take as many forensic science courses as you can in your program, as they can help enhance your eligibility. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum required educational qualification. Those with an advanced degree can also apply as long as they are within the age limit and have relevant work experience.

Gain work experience

Bachelor’s degree holders require at least two years of professional work experience before becoming eligible to apply for a special agent role in the FBI. Those with higher work experience can still apply, provided they are within the age limit. The minimum professional work experience requirement for those with an advanced degree is 1 year. 

Prepare for the Physical Fitness Exam

The hiring and eligibility team at FBI suggests preparing for your physical fitness exam well before submitting your application. The physical fitness requirements for the FBI are quite stringent and require substantial dedication to strength and stamina building, which can only be accomplished through steady hard work over a few months at the very least. 

Submit your application between the ages of 23 to 36

There are specific documents that you need to submit to complete your application process. You need to not only submit a filled-out application form, but also submit additional documents. These can include your professional resume (specific template required), educational documents, proof of work experience, transcripts, and any other supporting documents as listed in the required documents section. 

Complete the 10 phases of the selection process

Applying begins the process of selection, which can be quite lengthy or short, depending on how many stages you clear. There are a total of 9 phases of the application process as listed FBI’s official website, and they are as follows:

• Application & Screening

Once you submit your application and the required documents, the screening process begins. You will likely get an initial response within 10 days of your application process. However, the exact day is dependent on multiple factors, such as the volume of applications, whether you submitted the complete set of documents or not, and so on. 

• Test – Phase 1

If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you will be invited for a 3-hour test. You can schedule and take the test within 21 days of receiving the invitation. The test consists of 5 different components, namely:

• Logic-based reasoning
• Figural reasoning
• Personality assessment
• Preferences and interests
• Situational judgement

You will receive your test results 1 hour after completing the assessment. If you clear the test, you can move on to the next phase, which is the meet-and-greet session.

• Meet and greet session

After clearing the phase 1 test, you will have 60 days to schedule a meet-and-greet session, which is basically an information dissemination and discussion session. Here, you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of a Special Supervisory Agent so you know what to expect on the job. Additionally, you will be guided through what to expect in the admission process in the upcoming period. 

• Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

After the meet and greet, you will have 60 days to take a Physical Fitness Test. To qualify for the Behavioral Analysis Unit, you need to obtain a minimum score of 9, with at least 1 point in all three events. You should not have any negative scores in any component, or you will be disqualified. If you meet the complete criteria, you can move forward but will have to retake the test within 120 days. 

Those who achieve a score of 12 or higher, with at least 1 point in all the events, will not be required to take the Physical Fitness Test again. You can find more details on the PFT here. 

• Phase 2 Test

The second test consists of a computerized written exam and an interview conducted by a panel of three. The panel consists of agents who assess your capabilities and test you through a series of questions. You will get the result of the test within two weeks of completing both sections of the test.  

• Conditional Appointment Offer

If you clear the test, you get a conditional appointment offer. You will only get a permanent offer once you complete the remaining requirements, such as the drug test, a polygraph test, medical exam, basic training course, and a physical fitness exam if needed.

• Background Investigation

Once you accept the conditional offer, the FBI will run a thorough background check assessing public records, financial statements, credit reports, and more. They will conduct interviews with colleagues, check up on references, verify educational achievements, and so on.

• Medical Exam

If your background check comes clear, you will be required to take a medical exam to determine if you are fit for field work. The exam will include various tests, including sight and hearing. Moreover, the FBI will access your complete medical records, including vaccinations, medical ailments, injuries, surgeries, and more. 

• Physical Fitness Exam – Pre-Quantico

If you fail to acquire a 12 or higher, you will have to retake the Physical Fitness Exam and earn a minimum score of 9 with a minimum score of 1 in each component. Those who passed with a 12 or higher in the first PFT will have to retake the Physical Fitness Exam within one year of the beginning of the Basic Training Course. 

• Basic Field Training Course

We are on to the final stretch before you officially become part of the FBI. The last leg of the process is the 18-month-long Basic Field Training Course that is mandatory for every new hire. Here, you will learn through hands-on learning opportunities. Through the course, you will demonstrate your mental and physical readiness for all on-field operations, as well as learn the rules, regulations, and responsibilities of FBI Agents. You will also need to pass one PFT during the field training course. 

Obtain field experience within the FBI

After clearing all the phases of the selection process, you will be offered a role as an FBI Agent, where you will gain work, specifically field experience. Only after gaining some work experience as an FBI Agent will you be able to take on the roles of a Special Agent in the Behavior Analysis Unit or become an FBI profiler. 

Start profiling in the FBI with the right qualifications

Profiling is not an easy job and it is an integral part of the criminal investigation process. It not only aids in solving crimes but also helps devise strategies for the identification and prevention of criminal offenses. If you want to learn how to become an FBI Agent Profiler, you will find the complete step-by-step process in this article. Make sure to give it a thorough read and access all materials linked for specific requirements before applying.