Over 2,000 women serve as FBI Special Agents, many in high-profile, leadership positions. Female Special Agents serve as Special Agents in Charge of FBI Field Offices, as Legal Attaches in charge of overseas FBI offices, and as managers of large FBI Headquarters programs. Learn more about the careers of some of our most successful female Special Agents.

Female Special Agents are critical members of the FBI team. They contribute unique and important perspectives, experiences, and skills. In many cases, women possess different analytical skills, approach problems differently, and have different talents and abilities than do men. These different skills, approaches, and talents often spell the difference between success and failure on a case or investigation. We have found that investigative teams composed of a blend of female and male Special Agents are much more effective at bringing complex investigations to a speedy and successful resolution.

Female Special Agents have proven to be a tremendous asset to the FBI. Their leadership skills and talents are critical in meeting the investigative and intelligence needs of the FBI. Unfortunately, some women are hesitant to apply to become Special Agents because of misperceptions they have about the job and the FBI. Some think that candidates for the position of FBI Special Agent must have law enforcement, criminology, or related experience. Or that Special Agents must be men. Nothing could be further from the truth. Women with a variety of different backgrounds play an influential role in the effective operation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Read more about female Agents and their roles.

Below you will find an informative question and answer section that attempts to correct some of these common misperceptions.

1. Do I need to have a law enforcement or military background to apply to become an FBI Special Agent?
No. Because of the breadth and scope of the FBI's mission, we recruit for Special Agents with a wide variety of backgrounds, not just law enforcement or military experience. Today, the FBI seeks Special Agents with degrees/expertise in physical sciences, computer science, engineering, architecture, law, accounting, and other disciplines that require a mind that is trained toward logical analysis and critical thinking. We are also actively seeking Special Agents that are fluent in critical foreign languages, as well as those with experience in intelligence and counter-terrorism work.

2. Do I have to know how to shoot a gun to apply to become an FBI Special Agent?
No, it is not necessary to have prior experience with a firearm. All Special Agent trainees receive extensive training in the use and maintenance of firearms and related equipment. In many cases the best agent trainees are those with no prior firearms experience (i.e., they don't have any ingrained bad habits).

3. How rigorous are the Special Agent physical requirements?
You need to be in good physical shape, but nearly anyone can pass the Special Agent Physical Fitness Test if they put their mind to it and commit themselves to a regular training program. Please visit the Special Agent Physical Requirements section of this site for more information on the Physical Fitness Test and the other physical requirements.

4. Are there different physical fitness requirements for women and men?
Although female candidates/trainees take exactly the same Physical Fitness Test as their male counterparts, the scoring scale for each event is slightly different in order to account for physiological differences.

5. Are work assignments for female Special Agents limited in scope compared to their male colleagues?
No. Case assignments and career paths are not related to, or limited by, gender.

6. If I decide to start a family, how will this affect my career as an FBI Special Agent?
Many women have started families and continued to fulfill their duties as FBI Special Agents. The FBI has several programs designed to help women meet both their family and career goals. In addition to our normal annual and sick leave benefits, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act permits employees to take up to twelve weeks of leave without pay for medical exigencies, including the birth and care of a child, and the placement of a child for adoption or foster care.

The FBI also offers a part-time program for Special Agents. This program allows an agent to work between 16 and 32 hours a week, thus having the flexibility to raise a child and pursue a career. In most instances, the part-time Agent's revised work assignment will be determined in such a manner that appropriate consideration is given by the Special Agent in Charge/Division Head to the agent's level of investigative experience, specialized assignments, GS grade, and other pertinent skills, and the needs of the division. Female agents are still trying to balance family and work, and the FBI is doing what it can to help, recognizing the tremendous value female Special Agents bring to the FBI.

7. How are Special Agents assigned to offices and how often are Special Agents rotated in their assignments?
Newly appointed Special Agents are assigned to one of the FBI's 56 field offices based on the current staffing and/or critical specialty needs. New Agents are given the opportunity to rank their desired locations. While consideration is given to these preferences, first office assignment is based upon the staffing needs of the FBI. All Special Agents are subject to transfer at any time to meet the organizational and program needs of the FBI. Special Agents accept the possibility of transfer as a condition of their employment.

A new Special Agent can generally expect to remain in his/her first office of assignment for approximately three years. During their first two years new Special Agents are guided by a veteran Special Agent who will help them apply the lessons learned at the FBI Academy. New Agents initially assigned to a small- or medium-sized field office are normally transferred to a large field office at the end of their third year. New agents initially assigned to a large field office will generally not be transferred unless they apply for management positions, are eligible for a voluntary transfer, or the needs of the FBI dictate otherwise.

Back to Top