To work as a detective or investigator, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent;
- pass a physical exam and background check;
- complete police academy training;
- have three to five years of work experience as a police officer;
- complete moderate-term, on-the-job training; and
- pass a written exam.
To work as an FBI agent, you typically need to:
- be between 23 and 37 years old when you start the job;
- have a bachelor's degree from an approved school;
- have training in accounting, computer science or information technology, foreign language, or law;
- have at least three years of professional work experience;
- have a valid driver's license; and
- be available for assignment anywhere in the FBI's jurisdiction.
Education after high school
You need at least a high school diploma for police work. However, most detectives and investigators have college training and at least an associate degree. Many community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities offer programs in law enforcement or criminal justice.
Work experience
You must have three to five years of experience as a police officer before you can be promoted to detective or investigator. You need to demonstrate you have the skills to work as a detective. Some police departments require officers to pass a written exam and an interview before they can be promoted.
Fluency in a second language is very helpful.
On-the-job training
Most police departments have training programs for newly hired or promoted detectives and investigators. These programs last from a few months to a year.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to be law enforcement and security officers or specialists. Experience in either of these military occupations can prepare you to be a detective or investigator.
Training for specialists lasts five to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. You need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the officer occupation. Training lasts seven to 28 weeks. Additional training for both occupations is on the job.