Candidate Information: Intelligence Analyst Selection Process

CANDIDATE

INFORMATION

Intelligence Analyst Selection Process

The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.

Last revised April 2024.

MISSION.

PRIORITIES.

VALUES.

The mission of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

(FBI) is to protect the American people and uphold

the Constitution of the United States.

The priorities of the FBI are to:

• Protect the United States from terrorist attacks.

• Protect the United States against foreign.

intelligence operations and espionage.

• Protect the United States against cyberattacks and

high-tech crimes.

• Combat public corruption at all levels.

• Protect civil rights.

• Combat transnational/national criminal organizations

and enterprises.

• Combat major white-collar crime.

• Combat signicant violent crime.

The core values of the FBI are:

• Rigorous obedience to the Constitution of the United States.

• Respect for the dignity of all those we protect.

• Compassion.

• Fairness.

• Uncompromising personal and institutional integrity.

• Accountability by accepting responsibility for our actions and

decisions, and the consequences of our actions and decisions.

• Leadership, both personal and professional.

• Diversity.

INSIDE THE GUIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Overview ............................................................................. 6

Intelligence Analyst Selection Process (IASP)

................... 7

Backgrounds of Interest

................................................... 10

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

........................................ 11

Intelligence Analyst Career Paths..................................... 12

In the Field or at Headquarters

......................................... 13

FBI Employment Requirements

........................................ 15

PREPARING FOR THE ASSESSMENTS

Testing Guidelines ............................................................ 19

Test-taking Tips

................................................................ 21

PHASE I: TESTING

Overview ........................................................................... 23

Working Style and Preferences Part I

............................... 24

Problem Solving Part I

...................................................... 27

Problem Solving Part I Answer Key

.................................. 30

Problem Solving Part II

..................................................... 31

Working Style and Preferences Part II

.............................. 32

PHASE II: WRITING ASSESSMENT

Tips for the Writing Assessment ...................................... 34

PHASE III: STRUCTURED INTERVIEW

Overview ........................................................................... 36

RETESTING

Overview ........................................................................... 38

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

INFORMATION

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

OVERVIEW

Intelligence analysts work tirelessly to fulll the FBI’s role in the global Intelligence

Community. Always on alert, they work proactively to identify threats, gaps, and

vulnerabilities using their natural curiosity to assess complex information and make

real-time analytical judgments. This helps decision makers form strategies to neutralize

and mitigate emerging threats, root out risks to our national security, and protect the

American people.

Often, intelligence analysts work in conjunction

with special agents, using data obtained during

investigations along with data from the internet,

open source checks, the Intelligence Community,

and other agencies.

Intelligence analysts are great puzzle solvers

and excellent investigators. Most are assigned to

Headquarters (HQ) and help create the “big picture”

that moves an investigation forward.

Our Intelligence Analyst Selection Process (IASP)

is rigorous, but those who make it through help us

protect the nation. Intelligence analysts:

• Use language, cultural, and historical knowledge

to combat international threats by working within

specically dened geographical and/or functional

areas (e.g., China program, Weapons of Mass

Destruction program, Al-Qaeda program, etc.).

• Leverage local and national intelligence databases,

analyze intelligence collected in the eld oces,

and develop fact-based conclusions and

intelligence reports to discover threats.

• Shape intelligence policies through maintenance

of extensive networks and partnership with local,

national, and international contacts within the

intelligence and law enforcement communities.

• Leverage contacts and information to prepare

briengs, reports, and communications for senior

FBI executives and other Intelligence Community

and law enforcement entities.

The purpose of this guide is to assist individuals

who are preparing for the IASP. This guide is

organized into sections according to testing and

hiring requirements.

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

INTELLIGENCE ANALYST

SELECTION PROCESS (IASP)

The Intelligence Analyst Selection Process (IASP) is the result of a comprehensive study

of the competencies required for the intelligence analyst position at the FBI. The ow chart

below lists the IASP steps. A more in-depth explanation of the critical skills and abilities

required, as well as an explanation of the steps, begins on the next page.

The IASP

STEP 1

Application

STEP 2

Preliminary Screening

STEP 3

Phase I: Testing

STEP 4

Phase II: Writing

Assessment

STEP 5

Phase III: Structured

Interview

STEP 6

Conditional Job Offer

STEP 7

Background Investigation

STEP 8

ONE Seminar

STEP 9

Basic Field Training Course

(BFTC)

STEP 10

Ocial Duty Location

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Steps 1 and 2: Application and

Preliminary Screening

You must attach all necessary forms (as listed

in the vacancy announcement) to your application.

Applications are screened for eligibility and suitability.

Steps 3 through 5: Phase I and II

Testing, Phase III Interview

If you pass the preliminary screening, as outlined

in the job posting, you will be contacted to begin

the three-phase selection process. You must

successfully complete one phase before moving to

the next.

• Phase I: Computer-based tests focused on

problem solving, work styles, and personal

preferences.

• Phase II: Written exercise simulating the

intelligence analyst’s role in reviewing

intelligence and preparing an intelligence product.

• Phase III: Structured interview assessing analyzing

information, conscientiousness, dealing with

adversity, humility, interpersonal skills, motivation,

oral communication, proactive learning, and

professionalism.

Step 6: Conditional Job Offer

If you pass all three phases, you will be considered

eligible to receive a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) for

employment as an intelligence analyst. The CJO will

include your position title, GS pay grade, and salary.

Conditional Job Offers are contingent upon signing

the FBI mobility agreement, a favorable adjudication

in the background investigation process, budgetary

requirements, and meeting the critical skills needed

by the FBI.

Step 7: Background Investigation

Once you receive a CJO, you will need to obtain a

Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information

(SCI) Clearance from the FBI in order to start

working as an intelligence analyst. The background

investigation includes a polygraph examination,

credit and arrest checks, interviews with associates,

references, past employers and neighbors, and

verication of educational achievements.

Timeframe: The average background

investigation takes approximately six

to 18 months, but may take longer

depending on where you have lived,

worked, or traveled.

Step 8: ONE Seminar

All new or current employees with the FBI, regardless

of job or duty station, attend a four-day Onboarding

New Employee (ONE) seminar at the FBI Academy

in Quantico, VA, during their rst week. This

includes learning about the FBI’s mission, history,

structure, and culture; briengs on ethics, security,

and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO); a tour

of Quantico; and opportunities to begin developing

an FBI network. The FBI’s Leadership Doctrine is

emphasized as well.

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Step 9: Basic Field Training Course

(BFTC)

All newly hired intelligence analysts must attend and

successfully complete the FBI Basic Field Training

Course (BFTC) at the FBI Academy in Quantico,

VA. The BFTC is a mandatory 12-week training

course designed to provide you with the necessary

knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively

perform the duties of an FBI intelligence analyst.

As a condition of employment, you must

successfully complete the course by meeting

both academic and suitability standards. Failure

to successfully complete the BFTC may result in

dismissal from the FBI.

IMPORTANT

Successful completion of the

BFTC is mandatory for all incoming

intelligence analysts.

Step 10: Career Placement

Upon successful completion of the background

investigation and BFTC, you will ocially join the FBI

as an intelligence analyst. New intelligence analysts

may be placed either at HQ or in a specic eld

oce. Placement is at the discretion of the FBI and

based on FBI needs at that time.

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BACKGROUNDS OF INTEREST

Education and experience requirements vary depending on the job role and grade

(GS level) of the position. Below is a list of potential backgrounds of interest for the

intelligence analyst position. Each position requires its own unique subject matter

expertise. You are encouraged to apply if you have additional background and experience

and may be hired on an as-needed basis.

Work Experience and/or

Areas of Study

• Area Studies (Middle East, Asia, Africa, China,

Far East)

• Biochemistry

• Biology

• Bioterrorism

• Chemistry

• Counterterrorism

• Criminal Justice

• Cybersecurity

• Engineering (Aeronautical, Chemical, Electrical,

Mechanical, Nuclear)

• English

• Finance

• Forensic Accounting

• Forensic Science

• Geography (concentration in Geospatial

Information Science)

• History

• Intelligence

• International Law

• International Relations/International Studies

• Political Science

• Physics

• Telecommunications

• Terrorism/International Terrorism

Domain Expertise

Culture

• Central Asia

• China

• Korea

• Middle East

Languages

• Albanian

• Arabic

• Chinese

• Dari

• Farsi

• Hebrew

• Indonesian

• Korean

• Pashto

• Punjabi

• Russian

• Urdu

• Vietnamese

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,

AND ABILITIES

Considered the gatekeepers of our national security, FBI intelligence analysts break

down leads and valuable information into central components, share their ndings and

recommendations with key stakeholders, and contribute to plans of action to understand,

mitigate, and neutralize threats. Intelligence analysts often work in tandem with special

agents and other members of the intelligence team.

Due to the nature of the work, the following

knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:

• Oral Communication

• Nonverbal Communication

• Written Communication

• Maintain a Professional Image

• Critical Thinking and Information Evaluation

• Adaptive Analytic Thinking

• Synthesize Information

• Problem Detection

• Problem Resolution

• Structure and Plan Own Work Activities

• Relate Effectively with Others

• Demonstrate Interpersonal Sensitivity

• Detail Orientation

• Initiative and Motivation

• Seless Service Orientation

• Dependability

• Self-Condence

• Adapt to Changing Situations

• Stress Tolerance

• Integrity and Ethics

• Intellectual Curiosity

• Collaboration

• Humility

• Willingness to Learn

• Acclimate to New Cultures

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INTELLIGENCE ANALYST

CAREER PATHS

All intelligence analysts are responsible for conducting certain intelligence duties

and must perform at least one of the four analytic functions (Threat Analysis,

Collection Analysis, Domain Analysis, and Targeting Analysis) or the raw reporting

function. Intelligence analysts may also be placed into more specic roles that have

additional responsibilities.

Threat Analysis

• Embedded on investigative squads and units

in the eld or at HQ to provide support on

active cases.

• Assess and communicate real-time analytic

judgments regarding specic threats and

intelligence gaps and vocabulary.

• Understand emerging threats to enhance

domain knowledge and exploit intelligence

collection opportunities.

Collection Analysis

• Work to understand, assess, and corroborate

intelligence.

• Identify human and technical source collection

opportunities.

• Enhance FBI intelligence collection capabilities,

disseminate raw intelligence against priority

collection requirements and intelligence gaps.

Domain Analysis

• Consolidate comprehensive information into

strategic, analytic products that contextualize

intelligence and enhance each division’s

understanding of threats, gaps, and vulnerabilities.

• Perform domain analysis to articulate the

existence of a threat in the area of responsibility.

• Perform enterprise-wide strategic analyses.

• Conduct studies to identify threats and trends.

Targeting Analysis

• Bridge operational squads by identifying

intelligence collection opportunities and gaps

and helping to ensure timely and accurate

reporting of intelligence.

Reports Ocer

• Report raw intelligence in a timely manner through

various forms of media, documents, and general

information to determine patterns.

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IN THE FIELD OR AT

HEADQUARTERS

Newly appointed intelligence analysts will likely be assigned to one of the 56 eld oces,

as well as potentially FBI HQ, if a specialty need is identied. Opportunities exist for in-

grade promotion and transfers to HQ.

Field Oces and the Field

Intelligence Group

Intelligence analysts in the 56 FBI eld oces

are either embedded in squads or work in a

Field Intelligence Group (FIG), which integrates

the intelligence cycle into eld operations and

manages the Intelligence Program in coordination

with the Directorate of Intelligence (DI).

Each FIG is composed of intelligence analysts,

special agents, language analysts, and other FBI

specialists. Many FIGs work alongside ocers and

analysts from other federal and local intelligence

and law enforcement agencies.

Intelligence Analyst

Headquarters Division

Assignments

Counterterrorism Division (CTD)

CTD prevents acts of international and domestic

terrorism against the United States. The priorities

of the division include the detection, disruption,

and dismantlement of terrorist cells and support

networks in the United States before they act, as

well as the identication and prevention of acts of

terrorism by individuals acting independently.

Counterintelligence Division (CD)

CD protects the United States against foreign

intelligence operations and espionage. The division

interacts with U.S. law enforcement agencies and

Intelligence Community partners to neutralize the

intelligence activities of foreign countries and other

entities that pose a signicant threat to the United

States.

Criminal Investigative Division (CID)

CID coordinates, manages, and directs investigative

programs involving federal violations, focusing on

nancial crime, violent crime, drug-related crime,

organized crime, public corruption, and violations

of individual civil rights. CID guides eld oce

investigations against criminal enterprises and

individuals both in the United States and

internationally.

Cyber Division (CyD)

CyD addresses cyberthreats in a coordinated

manner, working with law enforcement agencies,

Intelligence Community partners, and the

private sector. This cooperation allows the FBI

to stay ahead of adversaries that threaten the

technological infrastructure of the United States.

CyD simultaneously supports FBI priorities across

division lines when aggressive technological

investigative assistance is required.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction

Directorate (WMDD)

As part of the National Security Branch, WMDD

employs an integrated strategy of analysis and

investigation to identify and disrupt operations and

threats. WMDD works with FBI HQ, eld oces,

other government agencies, industry, academia,

and strategic foreign partners.

Directorate of Intelligence (DI)

The mission of the DI is to collect, produce, and

disseminate actionable intelligence that enables

the FBI to identify and counter current and

emerging threats.

Reasonable

Accommodations

The FBI provides reasonable accommodations

to qualied individuals with disabilities. If you

believe you have a disability that will require special

arrangements during the hiring process, you may

request a reasonable accommodation at any time by

emailing [email protected].

Every test in the hiring process is evaluated

differently. Therefore, you must submit a reasonable

accommodation request for each test, if needed.

Reasonable accommodations are granted on

a case-by-case basis. Your request will receive

an individualized assessment; requests will be

processed in the order they were received.

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

FBI EMPLOYMENT

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualications

The FBI recruits and hires intelligence analysts of all

levels of experience, from college seniors to highly

experienced professionals. Intelligence analysts

generally enter the FBI at the GS-7 level with an

undergraduate degree and at the GS-9 level with a

graduate degree. Candidates should keep in mind

that if they apply to a vacancy for a GS-7 to GS-9,

they will be considered only for those grades listed in

the vacancy.

Education and experience requirements vary

depending on the job role and position grade. The

intelligence analyst position is part of the 0132 job

series.

Serving as an intelligence analyst is a very demanding

job with strict entry requirements. To become an FBI

intelligence analyst, you must be a U.S. citizen, able to

pass the FBI background investigation, and obtain a

Top Secret SCI Clearance and maintain the clearance

throughout your FBI career.

Employment Disqualiers

The following factors will automatically disqualify

job candidates from employment with the FBI:

• Non-U.S. citizenship

• A felony conviction

• A domestic violence conviction

• Violating the FBI Employment Drug Policy

• Defaulting on a student loan insured by the U.S.

government

• Failing an FBI-administered urinalysis drug test

• Failing to register with the Selective Service

System (for applicants who were assigned male at

birth only, exceptions apply – please click here to

nd out more)

• Knowingly or willfully engaging in acts or activities

designed to overthrow the U.S. government by

force

• Failing to pay court ordered child support

• Failing to le federal, state, or local income tax

returns

Please note that if any of the

above factors apply to you, you

don’t qualify for FBI employment.

Please make sure you can meet

FBI employment requirements and

pass all disqualiers before you

submit an application.

Employment Drug Policy

The FBI is rmly committed to a drug-free

workplace. Interested applicants who are currently

using illegal drugs or misusing or abusing legal

drugs or other substances for illicit purposes at

the time of the application process will be found

unsuitable for employment.

The FBI balances the needs of the organization and

the importance of maintaining the public integrity

necessary to accomplish its law enforcement and

intelligence missions by hiring the most qualied

candidates. The guidelines are used by all entities

in the hiring process to help determine whether an

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

applicant’s prior drug use makes them eligible and/

or suitable for FBI employment.

A candidate will be found unsuitable for employment

and automatically disqualied if they deliberately

misrepresent their drug history in connection with

their application for employment. Additionally,

candidates are automatically disqualied under the

following criteria:

Marijuana Usage

• Candidates cannot have used marijuana or

cannabis in any form (natural or synthetic) and in

any location (domestic or foreign) within the one

(1) year preceding the date of their application for

employment.

• Cannabidiol (CBD) or hemp-derived products

which consist of more than 0.3 percent

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) meet the legal

denition of marijuana.

• Dronabinol (sold as Marinol, Syndros, or

generic equivalents) is the only pharmaceutical

drug containing THC that the Food and Drug

Administration has approved for lawful use with a

medical prescription.

Other Illegal Drugs

• Candidates cannot have used any illegal

drug, other than marijuana, within the ten (10)

years preceding the date of the application for

appointment.

Prescription Drugs/Legally

Obtainable Substances

• Candidates who have misused any prescription

drug within one (1) year preceding the date

of application for employment may be found

unsuitable and disqualied.

• Candidates who have abused any prescription

drug or over-the-counter substance within three

(3) years preceding the date of application

for employment may be found unsuitable and

disqualied.

• Candidates who have abused any legally obtained

substance (e.g., inhalants, solvents, etc.) within

three (3) years preceding the date of application

for employment may be found unsuitable and

disqualied.

• Candidates cannot have used anabolic steroids

without a prescription from a licensed practicing

physician within ten (10) years preceding the date

of the application for employment.

Background Investigation

Process

After you receive a CJO, the next step is to begin the

background investigation process. You must receive

an FBI Top Secret Clearance before beginning

employment with the FBI; intelligence analyst

applicants must obtain a Top Secret SCI Clearance.

Once you have been instructed to do so by the local

eld oce, you will initiate the FBI background

investigation process. As soon as the FBI receives

a completed set of background investigation forms

(your local eld oce point of contact [POC] will

provide you with an address), the FBI will commence

with your background investigation, which includes:

• A polygraph examination.

• Urinalysis.

• Fingerprints.

• Credit and records checks.

• Extensive interviews with former and current

colleagues, neighbors, friends, professors, etc.

You will be contacted by the FBI eld oce

processing your background investigation to

schedule your interview, urinalysis, and

polygraph examination.

The polygraph will check the truthfulness of

all of your responses on the FBI background

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investigation forms. In the next phase of the

process, the FBI will perform extensive records

checks (e.g., credit checks, police records checks,

etc.) and FBI investigators will interview current

and former associates.

IMPORTANT

Please note that because of the

thoroughness of the background

investigation process, it can take

several months or more to receive

your FBI Top Secret SCI Clearance.

PREPARING FOR

THE ASSESSMENTS

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

19Candidate Information

PREPARING FOR THE ASSESSMENTS

TESTING GUIDELINES

When and Where

Phases I and II are administered at various

locations throughout the United States. The FBI has

partnered with PSI Services (PSI) to administer the

intelligence analyst assessments at local testing

sites for the convenience of applicants. All testing is

conducted stateside.

Scheduling

PSI will send you an invitation to schedule your

Phase I and II tests. You will have up to 10 days to

schedule and complete each phase.

What to Bring

You must bring a driver’s license to the assessment.

If your driver’s license does not have a photo,

you must provide an additional form of photo

identication. You are not permitted to participate

in the testing process without proper photo

identication.

What NOT to Bring

• Reference materials (dictionaries, textbooks, etc.)

• Pens and/or pencils

• Reading materials (books, magazines,

newspapers, etc.)

• Work-related materials

• Briefcases, backpacks, and purses

• Papers (resumes, notication letters, notes,

blank paper, etc.)

• Cellular phones (alarms on watches must be

turned off)

• Other electronic devices (calculators, tape

recorders, cameras, radios, etc.)

• Firearms (if you are currently in a law enforcement

position, you may not bring your rearm into FBI

space or the testing facility)

What to Wear

Phase I

Wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for an

oce environment.

Phase II

Wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for an

oce environment.

Phase III

Dress in a professional manner. Business attire is

recommended.

How Long the Phases Take

to Complete

Phase I

Approximately 110 minutes

Phase II

Approximately 90 minutes

Phase III

Approximately 60 minutes

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

20Candidate Information

PREPARING FOR THE ASSESSMENTS

Basic Testing Rules

Tardiness — Please arrive on time. If you are late,

you will not be permitted to participate in testing.

Eating/Drinking — Eating and drinking are not

allowed during testing.

Smoking — Smoking and chewing tobacco are not

allowed during testing.

Restroom Use — You may not use the restroom

during administration of the tests unless it’s

an emergency.

Cellphone Use — You are not allowed to use a

cellphone during the testing process.

Time Limits* — Time limits are strictly enforced.

When time has elapsed, you must immediately stop

what you are doing and await further instructions.

Failure to comply will result in being disqualied

from the process.

*Note: Special accommodations are available for those with a

disability or impairment that requires extra time.

Reasonable Accommodations — The FBI

provides reasonable accommodations to qualied

individuals with disabilities. If you believe you have

a disability that will require special arrangements

during the hiring process, you may request a

reasonable accommodation at any time by sending

an email to [email protected]. Each test in the

hiring process is evaluated differently. Therefore,

you must submit a reasonable accommodation

request for each test, if needed. The decision to

grant reasonable accommodations will be made on

a case-by-case basis.

Talking — Talking to other applicants during any test

is not allowed.

Cheating — 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 the assessments is

considered cheating. Those caught cheating are

discontinued from further consideration for the

intelligence analyst position.

Discussing the Tests — You are not permitted to

discuss any part of the tests or interview questions

with anyone during or after the testing process.

We discourage discussing your prospective FBI

employment on any social media or networking

sites. You should remain discreet about your

application, including all interview and testing

information, during the entire FBI hiring process.

This ensures other potential applicants are not

given an unfair advantage or disadvantage in

the selection process. You are required to sign a

nondisclosure form prior to the assessment. If you

are found to have violated this agreement, you will

be disqualied.

Leaving the Premises — You are not allowed to leave

the testing premises during testing.

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

21Candidate Information

PREPARING FOR THE ASSESSMENTS

TEST-TAKING TIPS

Before the Test Session

• Plan ahead so you are well rested before the

test session.

• Make sure you know the exact location and time of

the test session, allow plenty of time to get to the

test site, use the restroom, and relax.

• Wear something comfortable; dress for a range

of temperatures.

• Reduce test anxiety and tension by breathing

deeply and stretching before the test.

• Start the test session with a positive attitude,

determination to do your best, and focus on what

you do know, not on what you don’t know.

During the Test Session

• Read all of the test instructions carefully and

follow them exactly. Be sure you understand the

test instructions before you start.

• If you have time remaining at the end of a test,

proofread your answers.

• Try to stay relaxed; if you have trouble

concentrating or become tense, pause

and take a few deep breaths.

• Read each question and all of the response

options completely before choosing your answer.

• Be careful not to add or skip any words in the

question or response choices.

• Pay attention to words like NOT and EXCEPT.

• Do not overinterpret questions or try to nd

hidden meanings; the questions are not designed

to be tricky.

Tips for the Writing

Assessment

• Read the written exercise instructions carefully.

Make sure you understand what the exercise

requires. Do not go beyond the material provided;

do no make up facts.

• You may write on the printed materials.

• You should ask the testing site proctor any

questions regarding the testing site and/or

technical issues you might encounter while you

are taking the test. The testing site proctor cannot

answer any questions regarding the test itself.

• Please be detailed and thorough in the written

report required in this exercise.

Tips for the Interview

• Be yourself.

• The evaluators will be taking notes during the

interview to assist them in documenting the

results. Do not let this distract you.

• Provide detailed information when answering the

interview questions; don’t be modest in your responses.

To provide the best examples of your skills and abilities,

draw from all of your life’s experiences, not just the most

recent ones. Experiences can be from work or school.

• Remember that the interview panel has no

applicant information about you. They have not

seen your application. They only know your name.

• Do not make assumptions about what the

evaluators are seeking. The interview instructions

are straightforward. There are no “trick” questions.

• Study your resume and be able to speak about

how your experiences align with the critical skills

and abilities required of intelligence analysts.

PHASE I:

TESTING

Candidate Information

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23Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

OVERVIEW

The Phase I test is a computerized exam that takes approximately 110 minutes

to complete.

You will take four tests to measure the thinking and reasoning skills required to perform

the intelligence analyst job, as well as background experiences that indicate whether or

not the intelligence analyst work environment would be a good t.

The tests are administered under timed conditions. If you nish a test before the allotted

time limit, spend the remaining time proofreading your answers or begin the next test.

Some tests won’t allow you to return to previous answers, so you’ll have to move on to

the next test once the test you’re working on is complete.

The Four Phase I Tests

Test Name

# of

Questions

Working Style and Preferences

Part I

Problem Solving Part I 24

Problem Solving Part II 12

Working Style and Preferences

Part II

All questions use a multiple-choice format. For

Problem Solving Part I, there is only one correct

answer per question. For the Working Style and

Preferences Part I and Problem Solving Part II,

there are no single “correct” answers, but some

answers are worth more points than others. For

the Working Style and Preferences Part II, there

are no “correct” answers. Your responses will

show whether the personality traits you possess

are aligned with the intelligence analyst role.

You must pass Phase I to be considered for

Phase II. Individuals who fail Phase I may not

take it again until the standard retest period of

12 months has elapsed.

Candidate Information

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24Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

WORKING STYLE AND

PREFERENCES PART I

Working Style and Preferences Part I measures your ability to respond to situations

that may be encountered in the intelligence analyst work role. It also measures your

behavioral preferences.

The test will ask you to respond to two types of

questions presented together in a random order.

The rst type of question will ask you to provide

information about your preferred or typical ways

of behaving at work. When you answer, you should

think of work, school, or similar situations rather

than domestic or social situations. For these

questions, you will be presented with several

statements. Your task will be to rate how well each

statement represents your own behavior.

The second type of question will ask about your

attitudes related to potential interactions you might

have in an intelligence analyst job role. For each

question, you will choose the one answer that best

describes how you would most likely respond. While

some questions or possible answers may not sound

exactly like something you might experience on

the job, they’re intended to be generally applicable

to everyone and don’t require special training or

experience to answer them.

You can prepare by:

• Considering how you interact with others in

the workplace, in school, or in other work-like

activities. Think about the way you worked with

others on group projects or on teams and how you

worked with supervisors or professors.

• Considering how you’ve typically handled

assignments, your approach to completing them,

and how you handled problems or obstacles.

• Considering how you typically communicate

with coworkers, professors, supervisors, fellow

students, or fellow volunteers. Think about the way

you tried to explain things to others or how you

persuaded them to do something.

• Reading general study guides on how to respond

to situational judgment tests and personality and

attitude inventories.

IMPORTANT

Some study guides will advise you

to answer in ways to “beat the test”

even if it means claiming qualities

or experiences that you don’t have.

The FBI doesn’t wish to hire

candidates who provide unrealistic

or false responses. If the FBI

determines that you falsied your

responses on the Working Style

and Preferences Part I and II, your

job offer could be withdrawn.

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

25Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

The following questions measure several

personal characteristics and tendencies related

to performing effectively in an intelligence

analyst job. It contains a number of statements

and questions. You must read each statement

or question carefully and decide which of the

possible answers is most accurate for you. There

are no “correct” or “incorrect” answers.

If the question does not ask about school

experiences, then think of work experiences when

choosing a response. For example, if a question

involves getting into arguments with others, think

in terms of getting into arguments with coworkers.

If you do not have any job experience, then base

your answers on experiences in school, volunteer

activities, or personal life.

Question Type 1 Samples

1. When the work environment is in ux, I like to

slow down and reevaluate my strategy.

1 = Very untrue of me

2 = Untrue of me

3 = Somewhat untrue of me

4 = Neutral

5 = Somewhat true of me

6 = True of me

7 = Very true of me

2. As projects change, I update my plan to

complete my work activities.

1 = Very untrue of me

2 = Untrue of me

3 = Somewhat untrue of me

4 = Neutral

5 = Somewhat true of me

6 = True of me

7 = Very true of me

3. I am at my most productive when I am working

on several projects at a time.

1 = Very untrue of me

2 = Untrue of me

3 = Somewhat untrue of me

4 = Neutral

5 = Somewhat true of me

6 = True of me

7 = Very true of me

Question Type 2 Samples

The following are sample scenarios for the second

question type.

1. You are running late for an appointment after

work. You pack up all of your things and

accidentally grab classied information and go

home. The next day you realize you have taken

the classied information home. How are you

most likely to respond?

A. Do nothing but take extra steps to

ensure it does not happen again.

B. Call a trusted coworker to ask what they

would do in this situation.

C. Put the information in your car and lock

it so that it is safeguarded.

D. Contact your supervisor and report the

incident to security personnel.

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

26Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

2. You are working with people in your

organization whose work overlapped with yours

but whose goals and work culture are different

or even contradictory to your own. This has

caused several conicts and has made your

work slow and laborious. How are you most

likely to respond in order to do your job most

effectively?

A. Establish a weekly call to settle major

conicts but otherwise work in parallel

to avoid spending too much

time debating.

B. Consider their culture and goals as

paramount and pursue those rst and

your original goals as secondary.

C. Learn about their culture and determine

where there is common ground. Use

that common ground to create mutually

benecial actions.

D. Consider your goals and culture as

paramount and pursue those rst and

their goals as secondary.

3. A member of your team conded in you that

when he was in college he stole someone’s

report and submitted it in his name. How are

you most likely to respond?

A. Advise the team member that he should

self-report this incident and retake the

training class on integrity and ethics.

B. Report the team member to your

supervisor.

C. Tell the team member that the past is

the past and as long as he understands

that it was wrong, he should no

longer harbor the guilt.

D. Have a discussion with the team

member regarding his actions and why

they were wrong.

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

27Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

PROBLEM SOLVING PART I

In Problem Solving Part I, you will encounter either pattern-based or memory-

based questions.

Sample Pattern-based

Questions

For the pattern-based questions, you will use your

problem solving and decision-making skills to

answer questions on various gures containing

shapes, lines, and patterns. You will be asked to

identify one of the following: the correct missing

piece, the gure or shape that does not belong, or

the next step in a series of gures.

All of the information you need to answer these

questions is provided in the accompanying gures.

After each question, there are four or ve response

options. There is one correct answer to each question.

You can prepare by:

• Improving your spatial awareness through practice

problems and pattern-recognition exercises.

• Reading general study guides on how to prepare

for abstract reasoning and gural or pattern tests.

• For complex patterns, you can simplify the gures

by focusing on one element at a time.

Sample 1

Choose the response that completes the sequence:

A. B. C. D.

Sample 2

Choose the response that completes the sequence:

A. B. C. D.

Sample 3

Which of the ve does not belong? Choose the

response that does not follow the rules of the

other four:

A. B. C. D. E.

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

28Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

Sample Memory-based

Questions

For the memory-based questions, you will be using

your working memory skills. Working memory is an

important component of the process of reacting and

thinking quickly while processing information, which

intelligence analysts are required to do regularly.

You will be presented with an image or a set of

sentences and/or numbers. Your working memory

will be tested on the next screen with questions

about the previously presented information. Please

pay close attention to the questions and choose

the best answer for each question. There are

between one and four questions about each set

of information. There is one, and only one, correct

answer to each question. Each set has up to four

accompanying statements; there is only one correct

answer.

You can prepare by:

• Improving your memory through practice problems

and memory-recall exercises.

• Reading general study guides on how to prepare

for working memory tests.

Sample 1

Investigators found a document showing how many

credit card numbers had been stolen from card

readers at different retail stores.

Randy’s Warehouse had 44 card numbers stolen.

Mean Machines had 3 card numbers stolen. InXcess

had 23 card numbers stolen. Crafter’s had 0 card

numbers stolen.

Which of the following stores did not have any credit

card information stolen?

A. Amber Cave

B. InXcess

C. Crafter’s

D. Traveler’s

Sample 2

First, the word “Donkey” will be presented. Followed

with a math problem. The math problem will be

something like:

“Is 10 divided by 2 plus 2 equal to 7?”

and you should determine whether the given answer

is correct or incorrect. If the answer is correct,

respond yes; if the answer is incorrect, respond no.

After the math problem, you will repeat the process

several times — that is, single words will be

presented followed by a math problem.

At some point, you will be asked to recall all the

words from the series. This means you should

indicate the order in which the words were

presented. Any mistake (recalling too many items,

recalling too few items or recalling items in the

wrong order) counts as incorrect.

Below is an example of a question you might

encounter in the test.

Banana

Is 4 x 2 + 7 = 15?

Yes No

Awake

Is 10 ÷ 2 + 2 = 7?

Yes No

Bicycle

Is 35 ÷ 7 - 4 = 3?

Yes No

Jaw

Is 5 + 6 + 7 = 17?

Yes No

What were the words presented in the previous set,

in the proper order?

A. Banana, Awake, Bicycle, Jaw

B. Awake, Banana, Bicycle, Jaw

C. Bicycle, Banana, Jaw

D. None of the above

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

29Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

Sample 3

Select whether the sentences shown make sense

AND remember the LAST word in the sentence.

After you select a response, a new sentence will be

presented. At some point, you will be asked to recall

the last word in each sentence.

Below is an example of a question that you might

encounter in this test.

The agency and its partners gathered a large

amount of evidence and used an array of

investigative techniques.

Makes Sense Nonsense

In 1982, the rst major drug bust after the FBI was

given concurrent jurisdiction with the DEA over

narcotics violations.

Makes Sense Nonsense

By employing the same suite of tools and

approaches used by the FBI to address

organized crime.

Makes Sense Nonsense

Select the words you remember in the order they

were presented to you.

A. Techniques, violations, crime

B. Abilities, violence, criminal

C. Capabilities, criminal, violation

D. None of the above

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

30Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

PROBLEM SOLVING PART I

ANSWER KEY

Sample Pattern-based

Answers

1. B. Squares on the outside move clockwise in

the outer border of the grid. The square in the

center containing a cross moves diagonally.

2. C. The top row of dots alternates between a

blue and clear ll; the middle left column dot

has stripes that rotate clockwise 45 degrees;

and the hourglass is always sideways in the

middle row and upright in the bottom row.

3. E. An even number of concentric circles

indicates the shape is black, an odd number of

concentric circles indicates the shape is white.

Sample Memory-Based

Answers

1. Crafter’s had 0 credit card numbers stolen.

2. Yes. 4 x 2 + 7 is 15

Yes. 10 ÷ 2 + 2 is 7.

No. 35 ÷ 7 – 4 is not 3.

No. 5 + 6 + 7 is not 17.

A. Banana, awake, bicycle, jaw.

3. Makes Sense

Nonsense

A. Techniques, violations, crime.

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

31Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

PROBLEM SOLVING PART II

In Problem Solving Part II, you will use your problem solving and reasoning skills to analyze

scenarios and draw logical conclusions. These skills are important for analyzing information

and making decisions in the intelligence analyst role. There are multiple correct answers to

each question, but you must decide the most plausible or best answer to the question.

Sample Questions

Below are examples of questions that you might see

in this test. The answers worth the most points are

in bold. You can prepare by:

• Searching for online tools or reading books

that explain how to think about abductive

reasoning problems.

• Solving practice questions published in reasoning

and logic skills workbooks. Such workbooks are

available in most libraries and bookstores.

• Taking a course to improve your reasoning skills.

• Thoroughly reviewing this Candidate Information

Guide before scheduling your test.

Sample 1

A woman is found out of breath on the ground.

She is next to a bicycle, has an emergency medical

bracelet on, and has an inhaler in her pocket. During

the investigation, you learn that her inhaler was

empty. Choose the most plausible explanation.

A. She was involved in an accident.

B. Her workout triggered the

asthma attack.

C. The medication in the inhaler did

not work.

D. Pollen triggered the asthma attack.

Sample 2

A nurse notices an increase in new patient referrals

in her oce. The vast majority of the new patients

are retired with a xed income and are 65 and

older with a disability. These patients’ visits occur

exclusively at their homes and are more expensive

than oce visits. You suspect fraud may be

occurring. Choose the question you would ask to

further the investigation.

A. Do these patients have health insurance?

B. Where are the patients’ homes located?

C. What is the age of the neighborhood

population?

D. How many retirement homes are near

the oce?

Sample 3

You nd out that many of the patients had federal

insurance for those 65 and older with a disability.

With this new information, what question would you

ask next to further the investigation?

A. Are all of the home visits covered

by insurance?

B. What is the general health of these patients?

C. How often is the doctor in the

medical oce?

D. How many nurses work in the

medical oce?

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

32Candidate Information

PHASE I: TESTING

WORKING STYLE AND

PREFERENCES PART II

For Working Style and Preferences Part II, you will be presented with three statements

simultaneously and will need to rank them in terms of which statements are most and

least like you.

While there is no “correct” answer, your responses

will show whether the personality traits you possess

are aligned with those that are important to the

intelligence analyst work role.

IMPORTANT

Some study guides will advise

you to answer in ways to “beat

the test” even if it means

claiming qualities or experiences

that you don’t have. The FBI will

not hire candidates who provide

unrealistic or false responses. If,

during later portions of the hiring

process, such as a background

check, the FBI determines that

you falsied your responses

on the Working Style and

Preferences Part I and II, your job

offer could be withdrawn.

You can prepare by:

• Thinking about how you interact with others

in the workplace, in school, or in other

work-like activities.

• Think about the way you worked with others on

group projects or on teams and how you worked

with supervisors or professors.

• Thinking about how you have typically handled

assignments, your approach to completing them,

and how you handled problems or obstacles.

• Thinking about the way you typically communicate

with coworkers, professors, supervisors, fellow

students, or fellow volunteers. Think about the way

you tried to explain things to others or how you

persuaded them to do something.

Sample Questions

An example of this triplet format is shown below:

Most Least

I persuade other people to do

things my way.

I nd ways to remove

obstacles to doing my work,

regardless of the risks.

I cooperate with others on

my team even if I don’t agree

with them.

Select which statement is “Most like you” and which

statement is “Least like you.” You can only select

one statement for each.

PHASE II:

WRITING ASSESSMENT

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

34Candidate Information

PHASE II: WRITING ASSESSMENT

TIPS FOR THE WRITING

ASSESSMENT

Phase II is a timed writing assessment that simulates the intelligence analyst’s role in

reviewing intelligence and preparing intelligence products.

First, read the standard script that explains the

instructions for the exercise, the allotted time, etc.

At the start of the assessment, read the set of

materials provided and then write a passage that

relates to what you have read.

You must pass Phase II to be considered for Phase

III. Passing Phase II does not guarantee that you will

be invited to Phase III.

• Read the Writing Assessment instructions

carefully. Make sure you understand what the

exercise requires. Do not go beyond the material

provided; that is, do not make up facts.

• You may write on the printed materials.

• You should ask the testing site proctor any

questions regarding the testing site and/or

technical issues you might encounter while you

are taking the test. The testing site proctor cannot

answer any questions regarding the test itself.

• Please be detailed and thorough in the written

report required in this exercise. You will have 90

minutes to complete this test.

PHASE III:

STRUCTURED INTERVIEW

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

36Candidate Information

PHASE III: STRUCTURED INTERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Phase III is a 1-hour, structured panel interview that assesses analyzing information,

conscientiousness, dealing with adversity, humility, interpersonal skills, motivation, oral

communication, proactive learning, and professionalism. Each panel consists of three senior-

level intelligence analysts and all interviews are recorded. Each panel will read a standardized

script to the applicant before the interview begins and will score each interview when

completed.

Note: While you must pass Phase III to receive a CJO, passing the test doesn’t guarantee a CJO will be extended.

Tips for the Structured

Interview

• Be yourself.

• The evaluators will take notes during the interview

to assist them in documenting the results. Do not

let this distract you.

• Provide detailed information when answering

the interview questions; don’t be modest in your

responses. To provide the best examples of

your skills and abilities, draw from all of your

life’s experiences, not just the most recent ones.

Experiences can be from work or school.

• Remember that the interview panel has no

applicant information about you. They have not

seen your application. They only know your name.

• Do not make assumptions about what the

evaluators are seeking. The interview instructions

are straightforward. There are no “trick” questions.

• Study your resume and be able to speak about

how your experiences match with the critical skills

and abilities required of intelligence analysts.

Travel Arrangements for

Phase III

Applicant coordinators are responsible for:

• Making all travel and lodging arrangements for

an applicant processing within his or her area of

region (AOR) to attend Phase III testing. It is the

responsibility of the applicant coordinators to

secure the most cost-effective and ecient mode

of transportation for the applicant.

• Completing any travel budget preauthorization

requests or forms, as required by the Finance

Division (FD), on behalf of the applicant prior to

travel and assisting in completing any necessary

forms or vouchers once travel is completed.

Expenses will be reimbursed using the standard

government rates listed on the GSA website.

Failure to Report for Phase III

Applicants faced with emergency situations that

prevent them from attending scheduled Phase III

testing must contact their POC as soon as

possible. If you fail to report for scheduled

Phase III testing without providing acceptable

explanations, you will not be offered other

opportunities to test and will be permanently

deactivated from the IASP. New Agent/Analyst

Testing and Selection Unit (NAATSU) Management

will review all cancellations and determine if an

acceptable explanation was provided.

RETESTING

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

38Candidate Information

RETESTING

OVERVIEW

Phase I Retesting

Applicants for the intelligence analyst position who

fail Phase I testing may be eligible for one retest

at least one year after their initial test date. If you

are interested in retesting for Phase I, you should

reapply online for the intelligence analyst position

after the one-year waiting period has concluded.

Phase II Retesting

Applicants for the intelligence analyst position who

fail Phase II testing may be eligible for one retest at

least one year after their initial test date. Applicants

interested in retesting for Phase II should reapply

online for the intelligence analyst position after the

one-year waiting period has concluded.

Phase III Retesting

Applicants for the intelligence analyst position who

fail Phase III testing may be eligible for one retest at

least one year after their initial test date. Applicants

interested in retesting for Phase III should reapply

online for the intelligence analyst position after the

one-year waiting period has concluded.

IMPORTANT

Applicants who fail any part of

the IASP must wait a minimum

of one year before they’re

eligible to retest.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Candidate Information 40

Can I apply for a specic division

(counterterrorism, cyber, etc.) or

a specic intelligence career path

(forensic accountant or surveillance

professional)?

As a threat-based, intelligence-driven organization,

the FBI hires intelligence analysts into divisions

and career paths based on FBI needs. There is no

guarantee that you will be placed in your desired role

or position. Please review vacancy announcements

on FBIJobs.gov for specic opportunities.

What can I expect in the interview?

Applicants can expect a number of competency

questions. The FBI worked with industry human

resources (HR) experts to develop a competency-

based approach to drive the HR continuum that

includes the selection and hiring process. The

panel uses behavioral interview questions and

screening tools to assess your competency in

critical areas. Candidates who indicate specialized

experience (e.g., foreign language prociency) may

be scheduled for additional testing in their eld of

expertise. During the interview, you will be

asked a number of standard screening and

competency questions.

When do I receive an offer?

The FBI will notify applicants who pass the IASP by

email. The CJO will include the position title, GS pay

grade, and salary. CJOs are contingent upon signing

the FBI mobility agreement, a favorable adjudication

in the background investigation process, budgetary

requirements, and meeting the critical skills needed

by the FBI.

Are there opportunities to travel as

an intelligence analyst?

Depending on the division and assignment, there are

numerous opportunities for travel, both domestically

and internationally. Opportunities include attending

Intelligence Community conferences; meeting with

U.S., foreign intelligence, and law enforcement

agencies; and temporary engagements at other

eld oces.

How are grade levels determined?

The FBI follows specic internal and Oce of

Personnel Management (OPM) guidelines when

determining your grade level. Your background and

experience determines the grade level(s) for which

you are qualied.

Intelligence analysts without work experience

generally enter the FBI at the GS-7 level with an

undergraduate degree and at the GS-9 level with a

graduate degree. The nal decision on your grade

level is based on the needs of the FBI and your

specic qualications for the intelligence analyst

position. Once you have accepted a CJO, the grade

level offered is the one at which you will be hired.

You cannot renegotiate your grade level after

being hired.

Are there opportunities for

advancement into management

and executive positions as an

intelligence analyst?

Throughout your career at the FBI, you can qualify

for additional training and promotion to a variety of

managerial and executive positions. Promotions to

supervisory, management, and executive positions

are available in grades GS-14, GS-15 and SL scale,

Candidate Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

41Candidate Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

as well as in the FBI Senior Executive Service (SES).

For more information on the government pay scale,

please visit the OPM’s Salaries and Wages page.

What happens if I do not pass the

Basic Field Training Course (BFTC)?

As a condition of employment as an intelligence

analyst, you must pass the BFTC in order to be

further considered for the intelligence analyst

position. Failure to successfully pass the BFTC may

result in dismissal.

Are there dress code or grooming

restrictions at the BFTC?

The FBI relies upon the trust and condence of the

American public to effectively perform its mission.

The FBI relies upon the trust and condence of

the American public to effectively perform its

mission. Your personal appearance as an FBI

intelligence analyst must inspire that trust and

condence. Specic dress and grooming standards

vary depending on the area of the country where

you work and your specic assignments. During

your career, you may encounter various restrictions

on your manner of dress, personal grooming, and

personal adornment based upon the business needs

of the FBI.

During new analyst training, you should expect strict

dress and grooming standards. These standards are

intended to foster safety, camaraderie, uniformity,

accountability, a sense of discipline, and to eliminate

any unnecessary distractions from the training

environment. Some restrictions/requirements* are

as follows:

• You must be clean-shaven throughout training.

• Facial piercings are not permitted. Female trainees

are authorized to wear earrings, but jewelry and

piercings must be small, simple in design, and not

present a safety hazard.

• If a tattoo is determined to be disruptive to the

learning environment, you will be required to

cover the tattoo(s) by acquiring similarly colored

long sleeves or a long-sleeved shirt to wear under

your polo.

• Hair must be of reasonable length without

exaggerated style or color.

• Men’s hair must not be longer than the bottom

of the collar, without adornments such as buns,

ponytails, or braids.

*If you need an exception from these standards due to your

religion or disability, you may request an accommodation prior to

beginning the BFTC.

Will I be paid while I am at BFTC

training?

Yes, you will be considered an FBI employee while in

training and be paid the base salary plus the locality

(cost of living adjustment) of your training location

(Washington, DC).