257: FBI Special Agent Hiring and Training Update

Special Agent Cerena Coughlin, an FBI Applicant Coordinator and recruiter for the Philadelphia Division and first office agent Special Agent Cassandra Winkel, update us on all phases of the FBI special agent hiring process and the training program at the FBI Academy.

This is part 1 of this recruitment episode. Also check out Part 2 – Episode 258: Listener Q & A – FBI Special Agent and Intelligence Analyst Positions, where SAs Coughlin and Winkle provide detailed answers to listener questions. SA Coughlin has served with the FBI for 21 years. SA Winkel is a recent FBI Academy graduate.

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Episode 257: Audio Timestamps

00:06:10 - Qualifications

00:10:05 - Start at FBIjobs.gov

00:12:03 - Phase 1 Testing

00:13:12 - Meet and Greet

00:22:12 - Physical Fitness Test

00:31:37 - Phase 2 Written Test and Interview

00:38:50 - SF-86 Background Investigation

00:40:10 - Polygraph and Drug Policy

00:46:25 - Fitness Test Prior to Report Date

00:48:25 - Firearms Policy

00:49:57 - Mobility/Transfer Agreement

00:54:55 - Beware of Unofficial Resources

00:57:07 - Salary

01:00:55 - Office of Preference Transfers

01:04:09 - FBI Academy Curriculum

01:07:43 - SOS and IA Position (Detour)

01:14:16 - Backgrounds of New Agent Trainees

01:16:06 - Typical Day at the Academy

01:17:35 - Firearms

01:20:26 - Physical Fitness Test

01:24:57 - Academic Tests

01:27:31 - Training Timeframe and Curriculum Changes

01:29:59 - Atmosphere and Dorm Life

01:32:22 - Field Office Assignments

01:41:09 - When and Why They Joined the FBI