FBI Special Agent Phase I & II Exams Physical Fitness Test, Background Investigation, and Final Suitability Syllabus

Physical Fitness Test, Background Investigation, and Final Suitability syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Physical Fitness Test, Background Investigation, and Final Suitability in FBI Special Agent Phase I & II Exams, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Standards

   4 topics

   • The four scored events
     • Maximum sit-ups in one minute
     • Timed 300-meter sprint
     • Maximum push-ups (untimed to failure)
     • Timed 1.5-mile run
   • Point scoring system and minimum thresholds
   • Gender- and event-based scoring tables
   • Training and conditioning plan before testing
2. 2

   Background Investigation and Security Clearance

   4 topics

   • Top Secret clearance scope and SF-86 disclosures
   • Personal history, references, and field interviews
   • Credit, financial, and employment history review
   • Foreign contacts and travel considerations
3. 3

   Polygraph Examination

   3 topics

   • Purpose and topic areas (counterintelligence and lifestyle)
   • Honesty, consistency, and full disclosure expectations
   • Common reasons for inconclusive or failed results
4. 4

   Medical, Drug, and Final Suitability Determination

   3 topics

   • Medical and vision/hearing standards
   • Drug screening and substance-use policy compliance
   • Overall suitability adjudication and conditional offer finalization

Physical Fitness Test, Background Investigation, and Final Suitability flashcards for FBI Special Agent Phase I & II Exams

19 of 50 cards from the Physical Fitness Test, Background Investigation, and Final Suitability deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the four scored events of the FBI Special Agent Physical Fitness Test (PFT), in order?

   (1) Maximum sit-ups in 1 minute, (2) the timed 300-meter sprint, (3) maximum continuous push-ups (untimed), and (4) the timed 1.5-mile run.

2. How is the FBI PFT sit-up event measured?

   By the maximum number of correctly performed sit-ups completed in 60 seconds (one minute).

3. How is the FBI PFT push-up event measured?

   By the maximum number of continuous push-ups with proper form. There is no time limit, but no resting is allowed—the event ends when the candidate stops or breaks form.

4. Which two FBI PFT events are timed for speed, where lower times score higher?

   The 300-meter sprint and the 1.5-mile run.

5. In what fixed order are the four PFT events performed, and why does the order matter?

   Sit-ups, then the 300-meter sprint, then push-ups, then the 1.5-mile run. The fixed sequence with limited rest means fatigue from earlier events affects performance on later ones.

6. How many points can each individual PFT event earn?

   Each event is scored from 0 to 10 points based on performance against the scoring table.

7. What is the maximum possible total score on the FBI PFT?

   40 points—a perfect 10 points in each of the four events.

8. What is the minimum cumulative score required to pass the FBI PFT?

   At least 12 points total across the four events.

9. Beyond the cumulative total, what per-event minimum must a candidate meet to pass the PFT?

   At least 1 point in every event; scoring 0 in any single event is an automatic failure.

10. If a candidate earns 11 total points but at least 1 point in each event, do they pass the PFT?

    No. The cumulative minimum of 12 points is not met, so it is a fail.

11. If a candidate scores 20 total points but completes zero qualifying push-ups (0 points), what is the result?

    A failure—zero points in any single event is disqualifying regardless of the total.

12. Why does the FBI PFT use separate scoring tables for men and women?

    Performance standards are normed by gender, so the repetitions or times required for a given point value differ between male and female candidates.

13. For the same point value, how do female standards generally compare to male standards on the PFT?

    Female standards generally allow slightly slower times and fewer repetitions than male standards to earn the same point value.

14. What two variables determine the point value awarded for any single PFT performance?

    The candidate's gender and the specific event, cross-referenced on the scoring table.

15. On the FBI PFT scoring tables, which performance direction earns more points in each event?

    Faster times on the sprint and run, and more repetitions on sit-ups and push-ups, earn more points (up to 10 per event).

16. Why is a structured pre-test conditioning plan recommended before the FBI PFT?

    Because the four events test different fitness components—core strength, anaerobic speed, upper-body endurance, and aerobic endurance—all of which must be trained to reach the passing threshold.

17. Which energy system does the 300-meter sprint primarily test?

    The anaerobic system—short-duration, high-intensity effort.

18. Which fitness component does the 1.5-mile run primarily assess?

    Aerobic (cardiovascular) endurance.

19. What training principle helps improve PFT scores while reducing injury risk?

    Progressive overload—gradually increasing training intensity and volume with adequate recovery, rather than attempting sudden maximal efforts.

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