Have you ever dreamed of working for the FBI?
If you are good at reading people and have strong analytical skills, becoming a profiler could be perfect for you. This role comes with a lot of status and allows you to make a real difference in the world.
However, qualifying to become an FBI agent is challenging, and you need to be focused. Depending on the career path you choose, it can take up to fifteen years to become promoted to this role.
So, let’s find out how to become an FBI profiler and learn more about this fascinating role.
What Is An FBI Profiler?
These FBI agents typically work at the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime. Also known as supervisory special agents, these agents have special training in criminal psychology and crime-solving experience. They work with other government organizations to lead investigations when national security is at risk.
Duties And Responsibilities
The core task of this role is using research and evidence to analyze and investigate criminal behavior. This involves using technical analysis tools and historical evidence to predict and explain criminal activity. This includes utilizing research and analytical skills to identify patterns in violent behavior from criminals.
You will conduct interviews with suspects as well as witnesses and their loved ones to assess their behavior to detect indicators and patterns. You will use prior field experience, probabilities, and statistical data to form conclusions about criminal activities.
Work together with various branches…
Another key part of this job is sharing your findings and insights with other groups. You will work with people in various branches of the FBI and law enforcement to review evidence. This helps you to achieve the goal of apprehending violent criminals.
The Working Environment
Most FBI agents work at least fifty hours a week and are on-call around the clock. You will often work in an office to conduct research and analyze statistics. You will also visit people in their homes and places of work to conduct interviews, as well as visit crime scenes through the United States when necessary.
This can involve spending several days or weeks at a time in the field. It is essential to have a flexible approach to work and go the extra mile to close cases quickly.
Skills And Attributes
You need to complete extensive training to become an FBI agent. There is also a range of soft skills that you need to hone before you can work for the FBI. Here are the key skills and attributes that an FBI profiler needs to possess.
Perception
You need to be able to spot things that most people overlook. In addition to recognizing clues at crime scenes, you need to pick up on social cues. You must be able to see important patterns in even the most mundane situations.
Attention to detail
In serious investigations, even the tiniest detail can have an impact. Therefore, you need to be able to notice and recognize all the details in different environments.
Analytical skills
You need to be able to identify human traits and behaviors from how a crime was committed. Be able to look at the evidence objectively to determine why and how crimes were committed. You have to use this information to create a profile of the suspects for investigators to refer to.
Communication skills
It is essential to be able to communicate clearly and concisely. You need to speak with authority and explain how you reached your conclusions. You also need to be comfortable with public speaking and breaking down complex information both verbally and in writing.
Teamwork
You will have to work closely with a range of other law enforcement officers to apprehend criminals. It is essential to be able to relate to and work well with people from all walks of life. This helps foster a spirit of collaboration that directly leads to success.
Physical fitness
You need to maintain a high physical fitness level to do this job. The FBI sets strict requirements, which must be met at all times.
How To Become An FBI Profiler?
It takes years of experience and specialized training before you finally reach your goal. It is essential to remain focused throughout the journey and keep the objective firmly in mind. Here are the steps you can take on your road to becoming a profiler for the FBI.
Complete a bachelor’s degree
The first step is gaining a bachelor’s degree in a subject like criminology, sociology, or psychology. Other useful subjects include political science and math. These subjects help you gain the analytic skills that will be very useful when you start work.
Gain work experience
You need to wait at least three years after graduating before applying to work at the FBI. This is the perfect time to gain work experience in a job that will support your career path. Gaining a Master’s Degree in Criminology or Sociology can also help improve your career prospects.
Qualify to become an FBI agent
Make sure you meet the basic criteria before starting the application process. You need to be aged between 23 and 36 and a United States citizen. You also need to have a flawless financial and criminal record.
Complete the FBI application process
This application process is challenging and consists of nine separate steps. You will be tested on your physical fitness, mental stability, and intelligence. It is important to score highly in each of these realms to stand a chance of becoming an FBI agent.
Work as a nonsupervisory agent
If you are accepted to work at the FBI, you will probably start as a field agent. Once you have gained experience and skill, you can request to be transferred to the NCAVC. Choosing a specialization like missing persons, terrorism and counterterrorism, or crimes against adults, can give you the skills you need. The FBI also offers special profiler training programs that can help you advance more quickly.
Apply for a position at the BAU
You need to have at least seven years of experience as a special agent before working at the BAU. While working at the FBI, take steps to stand out from the crowd. Candidates are selected to work at the BAU based on their training, qualifications, and many other factors.
The Application Process
The FBI only employs the very best, and preparation is the key to passing the application process. Here is an overview of the nine steps in the application process and what each one involves.
Application and screening
The first step is visiting the FBI website and submitting your resume through the application portal. Your initial application needs to be submitted using a federal resume template.
Phase one testing
You need to complete a three-hour exam, which consists of five different assessment sections. This exam tests your personality, figuring reasoning, logic-based reasoning, interests, preferences, and situational judgment. If you don’t pass the test the first time around, it is possible to take it once more.
If you fail the test the second time, your application will be deactivated.
Additional required information
You will be notified electronically by the FBI if you pass phase one testing. You will then need to complete a self-evaluation for language selection, critical skills, and fitness. Once you have completed and submitted the supplied form, you can move on to the next step.
The meet-and-greet review process
This is a physical interview where you will meet the heads of the BAU and other departments. During the interview, the information you provided in your application will be verified.
Phase two testing
This step consists of a formal interview as well as a written test. This test involves writing two reports based on your analysis of the information you are provided with. The panel interview will be conducted by three FBI agents, who will ask questions to test your competencies.
The physical fitness test
You need to complete a series of timed exercises, including a 300-meter sprint, 1.5-mile run, situps, pullups, and pushups. A special fitness app is provided by the FBI to help you train and monitor your progress.
Conditional appointment offer
You will receive an official appointment offer after you have passed the physical fitness test. This offer is conditional on completing further training and passing background investigations. You will have five days to either accept or decline this offer.
Background investigation
You will be submitted to background checks, which include drug and medical testing, and a polygraph test. Your past and present work associates will also be interviewed to determine your suitability for the job. It can take up to eighteen months to complete this process, after which you will be granted top-secret clearance.
The basic field training course
The last step is completing five months of intensive training at the FBI Academy. Over these nineteen weeks, you will take courses in investigative practices, law, ethics, behavioral science, and forensics. Training is also provided in the use of firearms, tactical driving, surveillance, defensive techniques, and undercover work.
Other Types Of FBI Agents
While you may have your sights set on being a profiler, there are other roles you may be better suited to. There are five main types of agents at the FBI, each of which involves specialist skills. Let’s take a look at the five main types of agents and what each one involves.
Surveillance investigator
This role focuses on countering domestic and foreign threats and involves collaborating with witnesses and clients to validate evidence. You will spend time researching suspects, tracking them, and documenting their movements. You would also analyze data to find important evidence as well as carefully document and report on your findings.
Linguist
If you have specialist culture and language skills, the role could be perfect for you. Linguists identify and analyze suspicious communication and information and solve cryptic messages and codes. You would work on cybercrime, corruption, and other offenses both domestically and internationally.
Intelligence analyst
Intelligence analysts analyze and evaluate information gathered by law enforcement, surveillance, and other intelligence networks. You use your insight to find patterns in the data that is used to prevent organized crime. This role involves working closely with state, local, and federal agencies and is a great way to make valuable career connections.
Special agent
This role perfectly prepares you for working as a profiler and will give you the necessary experience. The role involves investigating suspected criminal acts as well as violations of federal laws. Typical tasks include working undercover to gather criminal evidence, interviewing witnesses, and monitoring suspect activity.
Forensic accountant
If you have an accounting certification or license, working as a forensic accountant is a good place to start. You would spend time examining financial records in criminal cases that involve embezzlement and money in general. This often involves working closely with insurance companies and presenting your findings in litigation.
Why Not Try A Career In Forensics?
Working for the FBI is super exciting! But if you’re still undecided, check out my Crime Scene Investigator Job Description, my Forensic Scientist Job Description, or maybe you’d like to know How To Become A Detective, or How To Become A CIA Agent, and finally is my Popular Jobs In Forensic Science, to help guide you.
I’ve chosen to highlight Crime Scene Investigation; let’s start with How To Become A Crime Scene Investigator: The ULTIMATE Career Guide to becoming a Scenes Of Crime Officer (SOCO), and Becoming a Crime Scene Investigator, along with another How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator (Crime Scene Investigation) guide.
Next, I recommend reading up on the Investigating Cybercrime (Crime Scene Investigators), the Death Investigators Handbook: A Field Guide To Crime Scene Processing, Forensic Evaluations, And Investigative Techniques, and even Digital Photography for the Crime Scene Investigator.
Lastly, I have Cops And Writers: Crime Scenes And Investigations, or how about the Confessions of a Crime Scene Investigator, as well as the Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation, the FBI Handbook of Crime Scene Forensics: The Authoritative Guide to Navigating Crime Scenes, and the 10 True Tales: Crime Scene Investigators, all available online in 2023.
Final Thoughts
It can take up to fifteen years and a lot of dedication to become an FBI profiler. Fortunately, there are some methods you can use to increase your chances of success. Firstly, embody the FBI’s core values of collaboration, communication, adaptability, initiative, interpersonal ability, leadership, organization, and problem-solving.
It is best to start training for the FBI physical fitness test as early as possible. You need to train your body in speed, endurance, and physical fitness before taking the fitness test. You can also find practice aptitude tests for the FBI’s phase one and phase two tests on the FBI website.
Good luck, and I hope you get through your training!
