This examination consists of the following component(s):
Component Order | Component Type | Component Due | Percentage of Final Score |
1 | Supplemental Report | With Application | 100% |
Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.
A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.
This exam will consist of the following:
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE - 100%
The Training and Experience (T&E) Questionnaire consists of job-related questions designed to assess an applicant’s education, training, and experience with performing relevant job duties, as well as the possession of job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. The exam will be scored using objective, point-based scoring criteria. The T&E will be conducted online through a third-party testing platform utilized by the Department of Justice.
Please be advised that the online testing platform, Assess.ai, works best when using the Google Chrome web browser. Other browsers, including Safari and Firefox, may be used as well, but we recommend Google Chrome. Internet Explorer should NOT be used when taking this examination. Please ensure you have downloaded the most recent version of your browser prior to accessing the examination.
The online examination is not timed and will be accessible any time of day, all days of the year. For technical assistance, please contact the Department of Justice, Testing & Selection Unit (TSU) during normal business hours at the phone number or email address located in the Contact Information section below.
Click on the following link to access the online examination:
SPECIAL AGENT EXAM
Note: In order to be added to the eligibility list, a candidate must submit an Examination Application [Standard State Employment Application (STD 678)] according the Filing Instructions below AND take the online examination. Examination responses will be downloaded and scored on a monthly basis, with the cut-off being the last Friday of every month. However, final scores cannot not be given or merged onto the existing eligibility list until the Examination Application (STD 678) is received by the Testing and Selection Unit and the corresponding examination responses can be identified.
In addition, candidates must fully meet the Minimum Qualifications (See Minimum Qualifications section) to receive a score and be merged on to the current eligibility list. Please ensure the name used to take the online examination online matches the name on the Examination Application (STD 678). Incomplete examination responses, application packages, or otherwise missing information may lead to the Testing and Selection Unit’s inability to process a candidate’s examination score. Final scores will be released to candidates within 4 – 6 weeks of the cut-off date. Lastly, candidates should be aware that, because the Testing and Selection Unit handles hundreds of applications per month, we are not able to confirm receipt for each one. If you do not receive a final score within 4 – 6 weeks of the closest cut-off date posted on page 1 of this bulletin, please contact our office using the information below.
In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
1. The procedures for writing investigative reports.
2. The types, elements, and severity of a variety of crimes.
3. Federal, state, county and city regulations regarding lawful investigations (e.g., arrest, search and seizure).
4. Warrant execution, including timeframes, points of contact, and limitations.
5. A suspect's Miranda rights.
6. General and specialized court proceedings.
7. Officer safety policies and procedures.
8. Weaponless defensive tactics.
9. Defensive tactical responses involving lethal and non-lethal weapons.
10. Interrogation and interview techniques.
11. The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar, to ensure that written materials prepared and reviewed are complete, concise, and free of mechanical errors.
ABILITY TO:
1. Work effectively while wearing cumbersome equipment.
2. Adapt to changes in high stress situations, environments, human behavior and types of shift.
3. Adapt to changes in organizational structure, department policies, and procedures.
4. Remain unrecognized while staying close enough to observe the activities of a subject.
5. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
6. Read and understand job relevant materials and documents.
7. Work cooperatively with a variety of individuals from a range of backgrounds, including criminals.
8. Effectively lead a team of agents to complete an investigation.
9. Follow directions from supervisors and management and administrative procedures to ensure accurate work completion.
10. Actively listen to employees, witnesses, victims, or suspects to obtain information.
11. Manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
12. Conduct oneself in a professional manner.
13. Work independently or under minimal supervision to complete work tasks.
14. Direct professional staff (e.g., office technicians, crime analysts, investigative auditors) to ensure accurate work task completion.
15. Maintain administrative documentation.
16. Effectively testify in court.
17. React and engage based on an individual’s non-verbal communication cues.
18. Analyze a subject's verbal response to identify elements of inconsistency during the interview process.
19. Develop professional relationships with allied agencies and industry partners to develop resources, contacts, informants, and experts for use in investigations.
SKILL IN:
1. Effectively interviewing witnesses and suspects.
2. Detecting changes in verbal patterns (e.g., tone and volume).
3. Effectively eliciting needed information from an individual.
4. Building rapport with witnesses, suspects, complainants, informants, and contacts.
5. Maintaining consistent observation of single or multiple subjects.
6. Working effectively as a part of a team.
7. Identifying persons involved in criminal activity.
8. Maintaining effective communication with team members, team leaders, and supervisors.
9. Maintaining an organized workspace.
10. Maintaining communication with allied agency contacts, team members, supervisors, and informants.
11. Developing interview questions specific to a wide variety of investigations.
12. Obtaining relevant case information from law enforcement and demographic databases.
13. Recording and documenting observations or statements from witnesses, suspects, or complainants in a clear manner.
14. Using basic office software programs (e.g., Microsoft office suite).
15. Choosing an appropriate physical or verbal response to interact with or calm emotionally heightened individuals.
16. Effective time management.
17. Filtering irrelevant information.
18. Effectively writing various documents during an investigation.
19. Attention to details.