Special Agent Hiring Process
Application Process
Interested applicants are required to apply for the position of Special Agent on-line through People First (https://jobs.myflorida.com).
Selection Process
The Special Agent selection process may take up to ten months to complete. All elements of the evaluation and selection process will use only those rating criteria or minimum qualifications that are job related. Applicants eligible for Veterans’ Preference (VP) will be provided special consideration as outlined in Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.
Evaluation and Experience Assessment
The Investigations and Forensic Sciences Division (IFS), Office of Policy and Planning will determine if applicants meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position based on information self-reported by the applicants. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on their experience and certification. Applicants that meet the pre-determined preferred level of experience, certification, and/or special skills sought by the agency, will be moved forward in the process to the telephone interview.
Telephone interviews will be conducted by Special Agent Supervisors (SAS) appointed by the Assistant Commissioner for Investigations and Forensic Sciences to verify and assess the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. This evaluation process will be pass/fail and no points will be assigned during this assessment.
Applicants who pass the telephone interview will be asked to complete a mandatory supplemental application that must be submitted within a predetermined time frame to move forward to the next phase of the selection process.
Physical Fitness Assessment
Applicants, who pass the telephone interview and return the supplemental application, will undergo a physical fitness assessment to evaluate the applicant’s physical agility.
| Test |
Minimum Requirement |
| 1.5 Mile Run (min:sec) |
15:20 |
| Maximum Push-ups (#) |
18 |
| 1 Minute Sit-ups (#) |
27 |
- 1.5 Mile Run (min:sec)– Applicant runs a pre-established 1.5 mile course with a mandatory 5 minute cool down period immediately following the run.
- Push-ups – Maximum number of push-ups applicant can do; no time limit; resting in up position permitted; knees cannot touch the floor.
- Sit-ups – Maximum number of sit-ups applicant can do in one minute; resting is allowed in the up position without support of the applicant’s arms.
This is a pass/fail assessment, and no points will be assigned. Applicants who pass the agility test will be scheduled for oral board interview.
Oral Board Interview and Written Exercise
The location of the oral board interview and written exam may be offered in one or more venues throughout the state. Applicants that pass the physical agility test will appear before an oral board composed of Special Agents in Charge (SAC) and Assistant Special Agents in Charge (ASAC) appointed by the Assistant Commissioner of Investigations and Forensic Sciences. The oral board interview will consist of a series of questions specifically designed to evaluate the knowledge and skill level of the applicant. This portion of the selection process will be numerically scored. Points assigned for this assessment will be used when calculating the applicant’s final overall score.
Applicants must also participate in a written exercise in conjunction with the Oral Board interview. This written exercise will evaluate the applicant’s ability to communicate effectively using the written word. Points will be assigned for this assessment and will be used when calculating the applicant’s final overall score.
Calculation of Final Score
Applicants will receive a final cumulative score containing the following: written exercise score, oral board score, and VP points, if applicable.
Background Investigation
Applicants with a cumulative score above a predetermined cut-off score will be referred to the Office of Executive Investigations for a background investigation. The background investigation shall include the following, pursuant to Section 943.133, Florida Statutes:
- Neighborhood checks, including verification of at least three personal references
- Previous employment checks
- Criminal history data checks through N.C.I.C./F.C.I.C. and local agency networks
- Military service
- Applicant questionnaire
- Property tax and corporate records
- Driver’s license check
- Personal references
- Credit Bureau check
- Educational background
- Discrepancy interview
- Controlled substance testing for those applicants who successfully pass the background investigation and are offered employment
Final Selection and Hiring
Applicants with approved, favorable background reports may be selected to fill vacant Special Agent positions across the state. Consideration will be given to the applicant’s preference for assignment, but final decisions will be based on the needs of the department.
Upon selection, a conditional offer of employment will be made. At that time, the applicant will be required to pass a law enforcement psychological screening test performed by a Department-approved psychologist. The psychological examination shall include, but not be limited to:
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - 2
- California Psychological Inventory
- State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory
- Rotter’s Incomplete Sentences
- Social History Questionnaire
- A clinical evaluation
Applicants approved for hire will also be required to pass a 10-panel drug screen and have a physical examination at their own expense. If an applicant declines an offer of employment, he/she may be removed from future consideration for hire.
FDLE Special Agent Training Academy
Applicants hired for the position of Special Agent will be required to attend the FDLE Special Agent Training Academy in Tallahassee. This 9 week academy consists of classroom and tactical training.