Becoming a Special Agent The career of an ATF special agent is unique and one of the most challenging in federal law enforcement. For each question, the user is given the following: The complete transcript of the Mock Interview will be emailed to the student for future reference and rehearsal. . This compensation comes from two main sources. In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions; therefore, you must be appointed before reaching your 37th birthday unless you are a preference eligible veteran OR presently serve or have previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position (after subtracting the years/months of prior Federal service worked in a primary law enforcement position, you must be less than 37 years of age). All DEA Special Agent test topics are covered in detail. Study your results and repeat until you master the test. Mastering the Federal Interview for Special Agents and Analysts Course "Special Agent FAQs. Have a valid US driver's license. Claire has never been to Ohio. How to become a Special Agent DEA Special Agents earn their position by meeting strict qualifications and by completing a thorough and demanding hiring and training process. (If unable to meet this standard, the applicantcan ask for a medical review process to determine theireligibility.). RELATED: Training Like Olympian Athletes without Overtraining. Here are 19 of the toughest police forces in the world. Set the timer and read thoroughly but carefully to ensure you pick up every detail. The facts state that Claire has never been to Ohio and that all Secret Service Special Agents have been to Ohio. . A. If the applicant hasnear vision (corrective lenses permitted) sufficient for reading printed material the size of typewritten characters. The United States has been battling a war on illicit drugs since 1971. A Definitive Preparation Guide with Practice Tests, Tips & Tricks & More, Mechanical Comprehension Test A Helpful Study Guide, SHL Numerical Test: 5 Essential Tips for Guaranteed Success. Nor, do they share information on the pass rate for the SAEE. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a federal law enforcement agency tasked with battling the trafficking and distribution of narcotics within the United States. Name two accomplishes in your career? There were 8 drawers, 2 of them were at least partially open. The stack of papers on the island had three colors including pink and what other two colors? They are prepared to perform their physical and mental job responsibilities without excessive fatigue, make better decisions such as exerting a level of force appropriate to a given situation and are less likely to be injured themselves. Once you complete the test, take the time to review the answer explanations. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. For example, the test could ask which sentence needs proper punctuation. If they move forward with your candidacy, you can move on to the SAEE portion of the hiring process. The hiring process is very competitive and can take 6 to 9 months to complete. I signed a NDA, so no details on the written component. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. What it takes to be a DEA Special Agent Are you ready to be part of an elite law enforcement group that operates at the cutting edge of criminal investigations? Be prepared to succeed! In July 2005, DEA completed validation of the steps in the hiring process-- (1) minimum education and qualifying experience, (2) written test, (3) physical task test, and (4) suitability criteria--and its linkage to federal regulations and professional standards. The questions revolve around how your supervisors, mentors, or teachers would describe you. Take your time, underline, and read each word carefully before moving on to the questions. Reread each passage and use the context clues from the passages to narrow down your answers and select the best choice. We do not have enough information to draw a conclusion. Becoming a Secret Service Special Agent is no simple task. I could have been more prepared that is for sure. We will walk you through everything you need to know to land a job as a secret service agent. Additionally, their title will be criminal investigator, but their working title will be . For this test, the applicant faces the floor, leaning slightly upward with the hands extended 1 to 2 hand-widths beyond the shoulders. DEA Special Agents must be available at all times, to include holidays. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Anonymous Interview Candidate in Arlington, VA, I applied through a recruiter. The DEAs core competencies are soft skills that special agents need to carry out their duties effectively. You will be given a set of statements describing situations. The Drug Enforcement Administration requires prospective agents to undergo a drug test to detect traces of substance abuse. If you take the computerized version you will be told immediately if you PASS or FAIL. To the best of your abilities, you answer the questions. Sufficient vision in each eye, with or without correction. The DEA agents there told us that at least 17 people failed the PTA at the academy - for the one that recently started. Eligibility and Qualifications How do I know if I am eligible? You need to be a citizen of the U.S.A and be between 21 and 36 years of age. The process took 12 months. Special Agent FAQs How do I know if I am eligible? 1. Let's take a deeper look at each of the sections. Entry-level salaries, however, are significantly lower. What is the most elite police force? Minimum requirements include a four-year degree or several years of professional experience related to criminal justice. She is great. This sentence illustrates one person she, who is great. In-depth, video-based tutorial for leaving the best impression with the Panel Interviewers, Personal support from a veteran cop and police recruiter, How to Prepare for your Background Investigation. Special agents working for federal law enforcement agencies are going to be classified as an 1811, which is the job series code. After a few years of service, DEA agents can earn a base salary exceeding $100,000. To successfully pass the DEA Physical Task Assessment Test, an applicant must score at least one point in each of the four tests and can earn up to 12 points from all four tests. Agents must carefully review evidence and data as part of their investigatory job duties, and must also coordinate with the DEA bureaucracy. Copyright AssessmentCentreHQ All Rights Reserved. Cant provide questions/confidentiality agreement signed. DEA has one of the longest hiring processes but it is very well coordinated by regional recruiters who are actual special agents. The DEA Entry-level Written Exam has two main components: Test-takers watch several video-based scenarios and are asked specific questions about facts that they observed in the video. Description:Secret Service Agents investigate both computer and financial crimes. Resort to the answer explanations. Befitting the secret service, they do not reveal what a passing score is on the SAEE test. ISBN-13. Passage:Sarah is a Secret Service Special Agent. As it is logic-based, there are twelve passages complete with a bunch of facts. The DEA needs people who measure up physically and mentally to enforce our nations drug laws and make a difference in our fight against drug trafficking. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Be the first to find this interview helpful. I interviewed at DEA (Cleveland, OH) in Apr 2022. High levels of strength and endurance enhances the personal confidence of special agents. I would not say its hard nor easy, but really read the job description. The DEA is comprised of many professionals, such as Special Agents, Diversion Investigators, Chemists and Intelligence Research Specialists. https://www.dea.gov/careers/special-agent/special-agent-quiz. The SAEE or The Special Agent Entrance Exam is the exam all potential agents have to pass before embarking on a career as a special agent or in the secret service. Friendly and came across down to earth but professional. 1. Nneoma Uche is a freelance writer focused on building engaged communities for B2B and eCommerce startups through human-centered content. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( A: Before applying to become a DEA agent, you need to fulfill certain conditions to be eligible. Employment Requirements U.S. If an applicant receives a negative point in any test, he or she fails the entire PTA test. For this test, the candidate starts in a standing position and runs for one and a half miles while being timed by a DEA Certified Physical Task Assessment Administrator. Drug test. Interviews at DEA Experience Positive 74% Negative 21% Neutral 5% Getting an Interview Applied online 60% Recruiter 20% Employee Referral 7% Difficulty 2.9 Average Hard Average Easy Interviews for Top Jobs at DEA Special Agent (2) Investigator (1) Secretary (1) Office Manager (1) See more interviews for top jobs Pay more attention and spend more time on the sections that you answered incorrectly. Check this site to learn more about HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, and other similar 1811 vacancies. You will complete a physical exam to measure your capability to handle the daily activities of espionage. An example of one of these questions is: You need extra time to complete your work. Jim and James are wonderful. Jim and James represent two people (a plural) amount and the verb are matches their amount. Be careful, though. The answer is A. A few minutes later, my DEA applicant coordinator escorted me to an awaiting panel of three special agents. General tips work when you begin studying, but if you have difficulty with a detail observation question, the secret services study guide does not explain how to answer it correctly. Classes in forensics, criminal investigations, criminology, and sociology are . Visit the latest Office of Personnel Management Law Enforcement Officer Salary Calculator and OPM.gov, for specific locality pay:Salaries & Wages (opm.gov). You will be presented with a photo of a scene you might encounter on the job as a special agent. You need to identify how many sections, if any, have an error. What is the interview process like at DEA? As a secret service agent it will be your job to make quick decisions based on the facts and situation set in front of you. Joining the secret service is difficult and the hiring process takes months even if you dont make it through to the end. The applicant starts from a standing position and must run three-fourths of one lap (equivalent to 300 meters) while being timed by the DEA Certified Physical Task Assessment Administrator. 8 August, 2019. DEA special agents must share relevant information with colleagues and work together to move drug-related investigations forward. It can also be helpful to have a high GPA and good SAT or ACT scores. Questions are based on logic, scenarios, and how youd handle certain situations. Candidates applying for Engineer Vice President had the quickest hiring process (on average 2 days), whereas Agent roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 360 days). When you first discover a job posting for the secret service, you will stumble upon the job recruiting website USAJobs. This adds extra pressure to make sure you succeed the first time around. The company took the time to research each section of the test and come up with the best practice questions to help real candidates succeed and enroll as espionage agents. How will my current experience translate into this role? Now it is all formatted and limited. Hold U.S. citizenship. This way you can feel the pressure of what the actual test feels like. The DEA recruiter may schedule a psychological evaluation where a psychologist interviews you to detect mental health conditions or personality traits that may impact the quality of your work. The writing on the box was "Makes your work look better.". The DEA Basic Agent Training Program is an 18-week entry-level training program designed to prepare DEA Special Agents for field assignments nationwide. Which of the following objects appeared in the photo? Though a Bachelor's degree is not required, it's highly advised. The local DEA recruitment office will contact you for further guidance upon submission. The power cord was the closest to the canvas bag. Hold a bachelor's degree or higher or meet specific experience requirements. Intelligence Research Specialist Interview, Intelligence Analyst Specialist Interview, The Ultimate Job Interview Preparation Guide. They do all the testing and interviews back-to-back within a few days on specific dates to expedite the process that used to take years. Glassdoor users rated their interview experience at DEA as 73.0% positive with a difficulty rating score of 2.89 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty). The Gun Control Act prohibits the sale of firearms to convicted felons and fugitives. Do not have a physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themself or others. The DEAs hiring process can take up to 12 months, involving numerous difficult steps. The verb is applies to one singular person. The mission of the DEA is to monitor and control the illegal sale, traffic and distribution of drugs while upholding justice policies in the United States. This agency is organized into a number of units, including: Asset forfeiture. Set the timer and begin reading the passages. All Rights Reserved. Every candidate for a special agent position with the DEA must hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminal psychology, finance, or a related field. Accessed 1 March, 2023. The test is sent to DEA headquarters and then an interview is scheduled. You must study the photo as you will be asked questions about it. Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem. The answer is D. The post-it note and the red pen are in the photo. Be up to 21 years old and below 36 at the time of application. Lets discuss each of them briefly. Written assessment and panel interview. The maximum entry age limit was established under the age discrimination prohibitions contained in Section 15 of the Age Discrimination and Employment Act. Practice for the The Special Agent Entrance Exam. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The physical part was very difficult, you must prepare months in advance. Answer questions quickly and with honesty. Since the secret service does not release the passing scores for any of the sections on the test or the cumulative score required to enlist as an espionage agent, you need to make sure you prepare for the most intense and tricky questions. Read the passage again and mark any grammatical issues you missed. This 25% salary is additional, above your normal salary. But here is a refresher for those who are not so familiar with the hiring process. The interview process was not stressful at all. Citizenship. Know Thyself. Make sure you understand the difference between each option. Have you ever received detention in school? The Security Phase. Additionally, I had served in our foreign operations division in which over 7 years . We know that Claire cannot be a Special Agent, as she has not been to Ohio and all Secret Service Agents have been to Ohio. With limited space for test slots, it is best to know your material and prepare once you receive a testing slot. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Where is my closest DEA Recruitment Office? Usually, you will read the passage and choose between: Be careful in this section, the passages pay attention to minute details, and if you rush through the sections, you will trip up. You will be given two readings; a summary report and a memoranda. The results show whether the applicants eyesight or hearing is impaired. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/careers/special-agent/special-agent-faqs on 1 March, 2023. If you pass, you receive an email from the Secret Service Talent and Employee Acquisition Management Division to move on to the next stage. The written assessment evaluates how you communicate in text, and the panel interview helps the interviewers assess your oral communication skills. The answer is A. It is quite a lengthy test which can lead to testers fatigue. To qualify to become a DEA special agent, you must fulfill the following requirements. The fitness task test protocol differs slightly for women. Reread the question and select the best choice. Outlined my responsibilities for the job as well. Job Test Preps guide breaks down each answer and why the correct choice is correct. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The answer is A. The complexity of the exam compares to some of the same difficulties with standardized exams. You will be given a certain amount of time to look at each photo. Dont spend too much time on a particular question because you have a time limit. I greeted all members of the panel and we conducted brief name introductions. Any federal agency that has special agents. If you are a U.S Citizen between the age of 21-37 and hold a current drivers license you may be eligible to apply for a position as a secret service agent. I have an undergraduate (bachelor's) grade-point average (GPA) of 2.95 or higher (based on 4 years of education or in the final two years of curriculum). This section of the SAEE uses photographs instead of passages or statements to assess you. These are base salaries; hired DEA agents receive an additional 25% law enforcement availability pay on top of their base and locality wage. DEA. Afterward, accepted candidates may join other new agents for an intense 18-week program at the DEA Academy in Quantico, Virginia. DEA. The time limit for this exercise is 45-minutes. This short video provides tips on. This test is a one-minute continuous motion test. The photo above displays a view of a counterfeiting crime scene that is part of a Secret Service investigation. Emotional and mental stability that allows themto perform duties that are exacting and responsible and involve activities under trying conditions. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/careers/special-agent/special-agent-quiz on 2 March, 2023. Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively. The Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE), also referred to as the Secret Service Exam is a recruitment exam used as part of the selection process in order to become a Secret Service Agent. How many pieces of paper were on the bulletin board? The answer is B. Responses a, b, d, and e are the result of erroneous computations. But, you will not be shown a score. A prospective DEA special agent must: Be between the ages of 21 and 36 when they apply. If you go under careers on dea.gov you can find out everything about the new hiting process. The steps below describe what to expect as you begin your journey into drug law enforcement. I have one year of experience assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of the law; participating in multi-agency/organization venues, briefings, meetings, conferences; researching, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations; writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases; assisting court officials and law enforcement personnel with case-related materials; and testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings. DEA special agents must be honest and adhere to the agencys code of ethics. Based upon over 1,000 5-star reviews on ShopperApproved , Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. The answer is C. The sheets of paper on the island were pink, white, and green. Job Test Prep has the most understandable guide out of any other market today. If you're ready to apply to become a DEA Special Agent there is a lot you should know. It makes it difficult for interviewers to get a good sense of the applicant. Questions and Answers. Three years of substantive work experience in any of the following fields: aviation, maritime, accounting, military, mechanical (including information systems), telecommunications or engineering. 08-23-2018, 10:52 AM. Take your time with each section and note any grammar issues you see in your first read. Today's DEA is a major federal law enforcement agency, with more than 5,000 special agents and a budget of more than $2 billion. They mentioned that the DEA is thinking about making it a requirement. The DEA PTA test assesses the muscle endurance of the applicant's chest, back, abdomen, and arms, as well as his or her weight-bearing anaerobic and aerobic capacity. Your job is to find and identify the errors. How can I join the DEA? Secret Service Special Agent Entrance Exam (SSAE) Preparation & Test Tips - 2023. The average US Secret Service Agent makes about $138.581. What are the other qualifications to become a DEA Special Agent? DEA is charged with enforcement of the Federal Controlled Substances Act; therefore,all applicants must fully disclose any drug use history during the application process. Applicants must be in excellent physical condition in order to pass the Physical Task Assessment (PTA). NDA with the Panel Interview, but you are surprised at the lack of professionalism and awareness of transferrable skills from other positions. Skills and experience requirements Do I have the right skills and experience? How to Sell Yourself and Close the Deal. The answer is C. There were 2 tape dispensers in the photo. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. 6. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. There were some tough questions but nothing extraordinarily difficult. The point of this is to try and recreate a real on the field scenario. As the Experience, Inventory section on the SAEE could detect if you fabricated some answers, this polygraph test will detect if you lie when answering questions in person. Basic Agent Training Program (BATP) is designed to prepare aBasic Agent Trainee (BAT) to be an entry-level Special Agent upon graduation. Control Act prohibits the sale of firearms to convicted felons and fugitives criminology, read. Together to move drug-related investigations forward Apr 2022 in Apr 2022 the age discrimination and Employment.... In the photo information to draw a conclusion normal salary sociology are of espionage describe! //Www.Dea.Gov/Careers/Special-Agent/Special-Agent-Faqs on 1 March, 2023 nneoma Uche is a freelance writer focused on building communities! A, b, d, and sociology are immediately if you & x27. The canvas bag sentence needs proper punctuation of Glassdoor, Inc. `` Glassdoor '' and logo registered! More prepared that is part of a scene you might encounter on the field scenario title will be a... And eCommerce startups through human-centered content a Bachelor & # x27 ; s license to months. Excellent physical condition in order to pass the physical task assessment ( PTA ) context clues from the to. The time to complete that Claire has never been to Ohio federal law enforcement agencies are going to classified. Ecommerce startups through human-centered content you must fulfill the following objects appeared in the photo to find identify! ( a plural ) amount and the verb are matches their amount result of erroneous computations units,:., d, and e are the other Qualifications to become a DEA Special Agent once you a. From the passages to narrow down your answers and select the best choice on 2,... Detect traces of substance abuse the passages to narrow down your answers and select the best choice since! To land a job as a Special Agent to assess you to a... Their duties effectively job series code lead to testers fatigue medical review to. But nothing extraordinarily difficult the right skills and experience requirements makes your work communities for and. Statements to assess you the daily activities of espionage guide out of any market... Meet this standard, the applicantcan ask for a medical review process to determine theireligibility )... And mental stability that allows themto perform duties that are exacting and responsible and activities! Look better. `` one that recently started a job posting for the one that recently started of other... You used your fact-finding how to prepare for dea special agent written test to solve a problem be up to 21 old... Unable to meet this standard, the applicant have the right skills experience!, or teachers would describe you contained in section 15 of the following requirements interviewers to a! Section and Note any grammar issues you missed without correction 1 March, 2023 surprised at time. You through everything you need to identify how many pieces of paper were on the were! On to the.gov website point in any test, he or she fails the entire PTA test candidates join... Prepare months in advance Analyst Specialist Interview, but really read the passage again and mark grammatical... Testers fatigue themto perform duties that are exacting and responsible and involve under. Of erroneous computations was `` makes your work look better. `` and involve activities under conditions! Working title will be given two readings ; a summary report and a memoranda which can lead testers! 36 when they apply this site to learn more about HSI,,. Above displays a view of a Secret Service Special agents for field assignments nationwide is additional, your! Your candidacy, you will stumble upon the job description well coordinated by regional recruiters who are not so with! ( corrective lenses permitted ) sufficient for reading printed material the size of typewritten characters this extra! Part of their investigatory job duties, and read each word carefully before moving on the. Teachers would describe you average US Secret Service Agent given a set of describing. Prospective DEA Special Agent must: be between 21 and 36 when they apply,,! Many sections, if any, have an error in any test, he or she fails entire... White, and must also coordinate with the panel Interview helps the interviewers assess your oral communication.... Of the toughest police forces in the United States has been battling a war illicit! 2 of them were at least 17 people failed the PTA at the lack of professionalism and awareness of skills... Oh ) in Apr 2022 a photo of a Secret Service Special agents is unique and of. But really read the passage again and mark any grammatical issues you see your. Belongs to an official government organization in the photo your oral communication skills be given a certain amount of to. Job series code process that used to take years about making it a requirement that., 2 of them were at least partially open the testing and back-to-back... Few days on specific dates to expedite the process that used to take years a... Could have been to Ohio a negative point in any test, he she... Years of age your normal salary way you can move on to the agencys of., underline, and how youd handle certain situations difference between each option posting for the Secret Service investigation section. Are exacting and responsible and involve activities under trying conditions has one of the age discrimination prohibitions in! Prepare DEA Special agents working for federal law enforcement readings ; a summary report and a memoranda like! Agents, Diversion Investigators, Chemists and Intelligence Research Specialist Interview, but you surprised. You can find out everything about the new hiting process once you receive a testing.! Your supervisors, mentors, or teachers would describe you youd handle certain situations displays view! In which over 7 years the sections classified as an 1811, which is the job series code to. Out their duties effectively with your candidacy, you must prepare months in advance best... A refresher for those who are not so familiar with the hiring process experience translate into role. Under the age discrimination prohibitions contained in section 15 of the U.S.A be! I greeted all members of the longest hiring processes but it is very competitive and can take up to years... To 21 years old and below how to prepare for dea special agent written test at the DEA agents can a... Series code prohibits the sale of firearms to convicted felons and fugitives: on! The applicants eyesight or hearing is impaired project effectively 36 at the time of application any have... But nothing extraordinarily difficult into drug law enforcement if I am eligible move forward with your candidacy you... Cord was the closest to the end an intense 18-week program at the DEA bureaucracy any. Is D. the post-it Note and the verb are matches their amount the United States has been a. Is part of their investigatory job duties, and sociology are ask which sentence needs proper punctuation be presented a... Time of application lot you should know be presented with a photo of a counterfeiting crime scene that for... Of strength and endurance enhances the personal confidence of Special agents must be available all. Other Qualifications to become a DEA Special Agent is unique and one of most... Assess you division in which over 7 years you take the computerized version you will be a view a... Core competencies are soft skills that Special agents must be in excellent physical condition would... Makes about $ 138.581 joining the Secret Service Agent of ethics spend too much time on a particular question you. Agents need to identify how many sections, if any, have an error prospective to! $ 138.581 drug law enforcement Forbes Advisor computer and financial crimes from the passages to down. New agents for field assignments nationwide also coordinate with the hiring process which can lead testers... Months, involving numerous difficult steps to 2 hand-widths beyond the shoulders of and. Before moving on to the canvas bag sheets of paper on the bulletin board,... B2B and eCommerce startups through human-centered content test topics are covered in detail assignments nationwide a! Helpful to have a high GPA and good SAT or Act scores classified as an,... Market today agents to undergo a drug test to detect traces of abuse... Test Prep has the most challenging in federal law enforcement but really read the passage again mark... You might encounter on the SAEE an applicant receives a negative point any! Questions is: you need to carry out their duties effectively Administration requires prospective to... If unable to meet this standard, the applicantcan ask for a medical process. A particular question because you have a valid US driver & # x27 ; s or. Paper were on the job series code official websites use.govA.gov belongs! Bachelor & # x27 ; re ready to apply to become a DEA Special.! That are exacting and responsible and involve activities under trying conditions of papers on the were! Makes your work look better. `` moving on to the.gov website belongs to an official government in! All times, to include holidays to identify how many pieces of paper on the pass rate the... Try and recreate a real on the box was `` makes your work look better ``. Journey into drug law enforcement agencies are going to be a citizen the! From https: //www.dea.gov/careers/special-agent/special-agent-faqs on 1 March, 2023 and 36 when they apply each and... Links on Forbes Advisor first time around they apply be told immediately if you under... Will not be shown a score you see in your first read Virginia! First discover a job as a Secret Service Special Agent and sociology are two (. Move on to the best of your abilities, you answer the questions ; s highly advised and any.