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FBI Agents

Advancement Prospects

FBI promotions are awarded mainly on performance, rather than seniority. All administrative and supervisory jobs are filled from within the ranks by agents who have demonstrated they are able to handle more responsibility. Some FBI agents climb the ladder to become higher-grade administrators and supervisors. For example, an agent may become an inspector, supervisory special agent, or special agent in charge of a field office. Agents may also be assigned to the FBI headquarters, or they may become headquarters supervisors, unit and section chiefs, and division heads. Agents may retire after 20 years of service, and after the age of 50; mandatory retirement is required at the age of 57. In some instances, agents may be granted one-year extensions up until the age of 60.

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