FBI SPECIAL AGENT SELECTION PROCESS

Applicant Information Booklet
Revised September, 1997

Things To Know

The first section of this chapter presents basic testing procedures and testing logistics.

When & Where? Phase I and Phase II tests are administered at various locations throughout the United States. Applicant Coordinators or Staffing Assistants at each FBI Field Office coordinate the testing and inform applicants of the date, time, and location of their testing sessions. Your processing can only take place in the office covering your residence, place of education, and/or place of employment. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by FBI Headquarters officials.

Scheduling: You will generally be given a 30-day notice of your scheduled testing date, time, and location. Only under exceptional circumstances are test appointments rescheduled. Since you will be notified of your scheduled date in advance, you should make every effort to arrive at the scheduled time. If you have an important conflict with your scheduled appointment, you must immediately notify the FBI Applicant Coordinator in the field office to which you have applied to schedule an alternate date.

What Should You Bring? You must bring a driver's license to Phase I and Phase II testing. If your driver's license does not have a photo, you must provide an additional form of photo identification. You will not be permitted to participate in the testing process without proper identification. If you did not turn in your Application Checklist for the Special Agent Position (FD-869) prior to Phase I testing, please bring your completed form with you.

What Should You NOT Bring? Do not bring any of the following items to either Phase I or Phase II testing sessions:

• The Applicant Information Booklet
• Reference materials (dictionaries, textbooks, etc.)
• Pens or pencils (these will be provided)
• Reading materials (books, magazines, newspapers)
• Work-related materials
• Briefcases
• Papers (notification letters, notes, resumes, blank paper)
• Beepers/pagers, cellular phones (alarms on watches must be turned off)
• Tape recorders, cassettes, compact disc players, radios, calculators, cameras

If you carry firearms (i.e., those who are in law enforcement positions), you must not bring your firearm into FBI space or the testing facility.

How Long? It will take approximately four hours to complete the Phase I tests and approximately three hours to complete the Phase II tests.

What Should You Wear?
Phase I Testing: Wear casual, comfortable clothes which would be suitable in an office environment. (No halters, shorts, tank tops, etc.)
Phase II Testing: Dress in a professional manner; business attire is appropriate.

Basic Testing Rules

This section reviews some basic testing rules that must be followed during both testing sessions:

Tardiness: It is your responsibility to arrive on time for the scheduled appointment. If you are tardy, you will not be permitted to participate in the testing process, since testing is conducted on a strict time schedule.

Eating/Drinking: Eating and drinking will not be permitted during testing, but will be allowed during breaks.

Smoking: Neither smoking nor chewing tobacco will be permitted during testing.

Restroom Use: You may use the restroom during breaks but not during administration of the tests.

Phone Use: You will not be permitted to use a telephone during the testing process.

Time Limits: The time limits which have been set for the various tests will be strictly enforced. When time is called, you must immediately stop what you are doing and await further instructions. If you continue writing after time is called, you will be disqualified from the test process.

Talking: Once the testing has begun, you will not be permitted to talk with other applicants at any time.

Cheating: There is absolutely no cheating allowed during Phase I or Phase II testing. Any attempt to see another applicant's answers; obtain assistance verbally or in writing; or record, document or otherwise retain/discuss the questions/answers to Phase I or Phase II tests and interviews is considered cheating. If you are caught cheating, you will be discontinued from further consideration for the Special Agent position.

Discussing the Tests: It is critical that you understand the importance of not discussing any part of the tests and interview questions with anyone during or after the testing process. This may give others an unfair advantage or disadvantage in the selection process. Applicants are required to sign a Nondisclosure Form at Phase I and Phase II testing. By signing this form, applicants agree not to discuss or disclose any information regarding the testing process or materials. If an applicant is found to have violated this agreement, he or she will be disqualified. If this misrepresentation is discovered after hiring, the employee may be subject to inquiry and suitable disciplinary action including dismissal.

Leaving the Premises: You will not be permitted to leave the testing premises during testing. All breaks will be relatively short.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONSULT THE APPLICANT COORDINATOR IN THE FIELD OFFICE NEAREST YOU.