FAQs for Special Agent Positions
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be at least 21 years of age at time of application and younger than 37 at the time of receipt of a conditional offer of employment to continue in the application process. Applicants with Veterans’ Preference must be at least 21 years of age and younger than 40 at the time of receipt of a conditional offer of employment to continue in the application process.
- Must possess a current valid driver’s license.
- Must qualify for the GL-07 or the GL-09 or GS-11 level.
- Must have uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100 binocular; correctable to 20/20 in each eye (NOTE: LASIK, ALK, RK and PRK corrective eye surgeries are acceptable eyes surgeries for special agent applicants provided specific visual tests are passed. The following are the waiting periods before visual tests are conducted after the surgery: LASIK surgery–two months; PRK–six months; and ALK and RK–one year.) Applicants must meet the vision requirement at the time of application.
- Must not exceed 25 decibels hearing loss as measured by an audiometer in either ear.
- Must be in excellent health and physical condition.
- Must pass an Applicant Physical Abilities Test.
- Must pass a written examination.
- Must qualify for Top Secret security clearance and undergo a complete background investigation including in-depth interviews, drug screening, credit check, medical exam and polygraph examination.
- Must certify having registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so, if the Applicant is either a female or a male applicant born after December 31, 1959.
- Have no visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone).
- Must pass a drug test (urinalysis).
The special agent position does not have a positive education requirement (education, experience, or a combination of both).
There is no specific time frame, but the process is lengthy.
Yes. An applicant can apply for both positions at the same time.
If an applicant fails the SAEE, they must wait three months before reapplying.
Yes, you can view the study guide for the SA Entrance Exam here.
Training report dates will vary by applicant depending on training class availability. On average, once you receive a final offer, you will need to report for training approximately 2-4 weeks after that. When you are contacted with the final offer, you will be informed of your training start date. For more information on the training courses required, please refer to the training page.
You can review the APAT standards here.
If an applicant fails the SUPER Interview, they can reapply in three months.
It is recommended to initiate the process no more than one year from terminal leave or end of service.
Active members of the U.S. armed forces would use a “Statement of Service” in lieu of a DD214.
Yes. Applicants who are active military must provide a copy of their current military orders in order for the application to the U.S. Secret Service to be placed on hold.
Yes. Special agents can be an active drilling reservist or National Guard member.
For more information about how veterans’ preference works, eligibility, and required documentation, please refer to the OPM guidance here.
No. An applicant may not negotiate their salary. Salary is based on experience, education, or both combined, but cannot be negotiated.
Recruitment incentives are available for SA/UD positions, excluding STAR positions. To be eligible, you must be a newly appointed federal employee, as defined in 5 CFR 575.102. Current federal employees are not eligible. Former federal employees may be eligible. Incentives are paid in installments as you progress through your USSS career. For additional information on eligibility and role-specific incentive amounts and payments, please refer to the Recruitment Bonuses page.
Once a hiring decision has been made, you will be assigned to a field office based on availability/need and your current location. You may be required to relocate. You can indicate up to 3 location preferences within your application.