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eight weeks of intensive training at the consolidated Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in
Georgia. This general program of study includes subject areas such as use of firearms, methods of self-
defense, arrest and surveillance techniques, undercover operations, courtroom procedures, rules of
evidence, scientific investigative devices, techniques of investigation, and bureau rules and regulations.
Later, new Special Agents enter the Special Agents Basic School where they receive specialized
instruction related to their responsibilities. Courses are given in firearms and explosives identification and
nomenclature, search techniques at bomb scenes, illegal liquor and tobacco investigations, case report
preparation, and federal laws enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. After
successfully completing training, new Special Agents are assigned to BATF field offices where they work
under the guidance of experienced BATF Special Agents.
DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL AGENT
Candidates for appointment at the GS-7 level must present three years of general experience and one year
of specialized experience. General experience must have been progressively responsible experience that
required the ability to work and deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons, skill in collecting
and assembling pertinent facts, the ability to prepare clear and concise reports, and the ability and
willingness to accept responsibility. Specialized experience must have been progressively responsible
criminal investigative experience or comparable experience that demonstrated the initiative, ingenuity,
resourcefulness, and judgment required to collect, assemble, and develop facts and other pertinent data;
the ability to think logically and objectively, to analyze and evaluate facts, evidence, and related
information, and to arrive at sound conclusions; skill in written and oral reports and presentation of
investigative findings in a clear and concise manner; and the tact, discretion, and capacity for obtaining
the cooperation and confidence of others.
It is possible to substitute education for experience according to the following formulae:
· General Experience: (1) Study successfully completed in an accredited college or university may be
substituted at the rate of one academic year of study for nine months' experience. Completion of all
requirements for a bachelor's degree will substitute for three years of general experience.
(2) Possession of a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant in a state, territory, or the District of
Columbia will substitute for three years of general experience.
· Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience may be substituted by completing all
requirements for a bachelor's degree with any one of the following: a 2.9 grade point average (overall
or in the last two years); a standing in the upper third of the class (overall or major subdivision); a
3.5 grade point average in law enforcement or related fields (overall or in the last two years);
membership in a national honorary scholastic society; one academic year of graduate study.
· Three years of general experience and two years of specialized experience or completion of all
requirements for a master's degree in law enforcement, police administration, or directly related fields
will qualify an applicant for appointment consideration at grade GS-9.
There is no written examination for this position. In lieu of a written examination, applicants meeting
minimum experience and/or educational substitution requirements will be evaluated on the quality of
their job-related experience, education, and special skills. Competition will be on a nationwide basis.
Applicants determined to be the most highly qualified will be scheduled for a panel interview. Candidates
recommended for further consideration will be referred for selection consideration. Those selected from
this list by the Drug Enforcement Administration are given a qualifying medical examination to determine
physical and mental fitness. They must be free of any impairment that would interfere with normal work
performance. Vision requirements for Special Agents are 20/40 in both eyes without glasses for distance
