FBI Special Agents protect Americans from threats and crimes in our own backyards.
However, the journey to becoming one of the FBI’s elite starts with a grueling workout, called the personal fitness test or PFT for short, that would make any fitness junkie quiver.
ABC15 saw firsthand just how tough the test puts would-be recruits through their paces. The Phoenix Field Office put Reporter Chris Gros through the four-round assessment. Each round is graded on a scale from negative two to 10. You need to score 12 or more to start the path to Quantico, Virginia.
"I don't think they understand the fatigue that you will experience today,” said Suzanne Solomon, the Application Coordinator for the Phoenix Field Office.
One of the hardest parts about the test is the lack of recovery time. There’s only five minutes between each round. FBI agents say that’s to test one’s mental strength.
"Being a special agent can be mentally draining and fitness helps you in stressful situations,” said FBI Special Agent Perryn Collier.
It starts with a one minute round of as many sit-ups as the applicant can muster. After a score is recorded there’s a timed 300 meter sprint. That’s followed by a set of unbroken pushups and then a 1.5-mile run.
ABC15’s Chris Gros didn’t pass the PFT.
But if you think you can, the FBI is hiring more than 700 people nationwide for the upcoming year. You can learn more by clicking here.
