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.
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.
No. An applicant may not negotiate their salary. Salary is based on experience, education, or both combined, but cannot be negotiated.