FBI Phase 2 Test (2026): Written Assessment, Interview & Practice

The FBI Phase 2 Test is the fourth stage of the FBI Special Agent hiring process. If you successfully pass the FBI Phase 1 Test and your application progresses through the FBI's internal review, you will be invited to complete Phase 2. The assessment consists of two parts:

• Phase II (a): A 150-minute written assessment that evaluates your ability to analyse information and produce clear, well-structured reports.
• Phase II (b): A 1-hour structured interview conducted by a panel of three FBI Special Agents that assesses the FBI's Core Competencies.

You must pass the written assessment before you can progress to the structured interview. Candidates who successfully complete Phase 2 continue to the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) before receiving a conditional job offer.

The FBI Phase 2 Written Assessment is a 150-minute computer-based exercise that measures your written communication and analytical abilities.

You will receive a hypothetical investigative scenario supported by multiple sources of information, such as witness statements, notes, and other case materials. Using only the information provided, you must analyze the evidence and prepare two clear, objective written reports.

Your responses are evaluated on your ability to:

• Identify relevant information
• Organize facts logically
• Write clearly and professionally
• Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Produce accurate, objective reports under time pressure

Once you are invited to take the FBI Phase 2 Test, you will have 14 days to complete the written assessment at a designated PSI testing center.

During the 150-minute assessment, you will be presented with a hypothetical scenario supported by multiple sources of information, such as witness statements, notes, or other case materials. Using only the information provided, you will analyze the evidence and produce two clear, well-organized written reports.

Your responses are assessed on your ability to:

• Analyze and organize information logically
• Write clearly, accurately, and objectively
• Produce well-structured reports
• Demonstrate strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Support your conclusions using only the facts provided

Because spelling and grammar tools are not available during the assessment, proofreading your work is an important part of the process.

Below is a realistic practice question that reflects the style and level of difficulty of the FBI Phase 2 Written Assessment:

The FBI Phase 2 Interview is a 60-minute structured interview conducted by a panel of three FBI Special Agents. Unlike a conversational job interview, this is a standardized assessment designed to evaluate whether your previous experiences demonstrate the qualities required of an FBI Special Agent.

The interview follows a performance-based format, meaning you'll answer questions by describing real situations from your professional, academic, military, volunteer, or personal experience. The FBI recommends using the SAR (Situation, Action, Result) method when structuring your answers.

Throughout the interview, the panel assesses how well your experiences demonstrate the FBI's eight Core Competencies, including:

• Collaboration Communication
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Initiative
• Interpersonal Ability
• Leadership
• Organizing and Planning
• Problem Solving and Judgment

Your answers should clearly explain what the situation was, what actions you personally took, and what results you achieved, while highlighting your individual contribution rather than your team's.

The FBI Phase 2 Interview is a structured, performance-based interview conducted by a panel of three FBI Special Agents. During the interview, you'll answer questions about real situations you've experienced throughout your professional, academic, volunteer, or personal life. Your responses are evaluated against the FBI's Core Competencies, so preparation is essential.

When answering each question, the FBI recommends using the SAR (Situation, Action, Result) format:

• Situation: Briefly describe the context.
• Action: Explain the specific actions you took.
• Result: Describe the outcome and what you accomplished.