Looking for a new career? The FBI is hiring.
The bureau hopes to add 1,000 agents across the country in the coming months to keep up with retirements.
"That job posting will be up for the foreseeable future," said FBI Spec. Agent Lance Barnes.
Applicants are required to possess a 4-year degree and at least two years of work experience.
They also must pass a physical fitness test consisting of the following exercises: sit-ups, a 300-meter sprint, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
"The physical fitness test is one of the most critical aspects of continuing in the application process," Barnes said. "Your performance is a reflection of your character. So if you put forth the effort and have the tenacity to do well on our physical fitness test, that indicates you probably have the skills and mentality to be a special agent with the FBI."
TODAY'S TMJ4 volunteered anchor/reporter Pete Zervakis to take the FBI's physical fitness test for himself.
The FBI's Allan Wipperfurth led Pete through the different exercises, which were stacked one on top of the other with short, five-minute breaks in-between.
Wipperfurth said the exercises were chosen and placed into a specific order to test an applicant's overall physical fitness - rather than just one or two characteristics like endurance or power.
"We're looking for someone well-rounded," he said.
Wipperfurth added success on the fitness test can also prove to the Bureau that an applicant is mentally sharp.
"When you get into long days, long hours, where mentally you start to break down, we've found the person who is physically fit can also be mentally fit," Wipperfurth said. "That person can push through that physical fatigue and stay mentally sharp, and stay focused on the job he or she is supposed to do."
Applicants who pass the test eventually move on to the FBI's 21-week training academy in Virginia.
The FBI expects to receive between 30,000 and 50,000 applications for its 1,000 openings, according to Barnes. Get more information on jobs you can apply for on their website.
