How Do I Become a Government Agent?

You may become a government agent by first determining which agency of the government you'd like to work in and what type of job you’d like to perform. There are a number of government agent careers to explore and choose from, and you must first determine whether you meet the educational, physical and character requirements for the particular government agent duties you have an interest in. If it is determined that you meet those requirements, after applying for a job to become a government agent, you will likely need to complete one or more tests to determine your competency for that position.

Once you decide to become a government agent, visit your government's website or local offices and find out which types of agent jobs are available. Government agent careers encompass quite a few jobs, ranging from military personnel to postal clerks to special law enforcement agents. Depending on the career you are interested in, the precise government agent requirements may vary greatly.

Most government jobs require applicants to have some level of educational experience. In many instances, this means you must have a four-year degree or higher to become a government agent. For some government agent jobs, a graduate degree or higher may be required. There are some jobs, however, that are made available for those who have only obtained a high school education.

Certain government agent careers, such as those relating to law enforcement, generally require medium to high levels of physical fitness. When applying to become a government agent, in addition to taking written and psychological assessments, a thorough physical exam may also be required. Most agencies also conduct a lengthy background investigation to determine your character worthiness, as well as to determine whether or not you have a criminal history.

After meeting all of the requirements to become a government agent, applying for a job and satisfactorily passing all assessments, one or more in-person job interviews may be required. It is generally at this time that the agency will make a determination about which candidate to select for a particular position. If you are chosen and hired for a position, you will likely need to undergo additional government agent training for the precise position you have been awarded. During this time, you will also likely be placed on probationary status until it is determined you are competently learning and performing all of your new agent job duties.