ICE HSI Special Agent Test: Free Practice and Hiring Guide [2026]

Here you’ll find free HSI Test example questions along with detailed explanations about the content, score, hiring process, and job requirements.

HSI special agent tests are multi-phase assessments for criminal investigator candidates. Phase I includes two non-proctored tests (AWA & SJT). Phase II includes three tests (WST, LRA, & CER) under supervision. The tests evaluate writing, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities, among others.

Take a look at the following HSI sample questions and see if you can answer them.

The Logic Based reasoning test measures your ability to utilize effectively critical thinking, judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making. The test will assess your ability to comprehend information successfully within the time limit and draw correct conclusions from the given facts.

The Writing Skills Test measures your ability to apply the rules of written English accurately and effectively. The test evaluates your grammar, sentence construction, word usage, and paragraph organization, assessing your ability to recognize correct writing and communicate clearly. 

The ICE HSI Special Agent hiring process is highly competitive and designed to identify candidates with the skills, judgment, and professionalism required for federal law enforcement careers.

Your journey begins with an application through USAJOBS, where HSI reviews your qualifications to determine whether you meet the position's eligibility requirements. You will also complete an occupational questionnaire that evaluates your education, training, and work experience.

If you meet the required qualifications, you will be invited to take the HSI Special Agent assessments. These assessments are completed in two phases and are designed to measure the critical skills needed for success on the job. Phase I consists of online assessments that can be completed remotely, while Phase II includes proctored assessments at an ICE-designated testing center.

Candidates who pass both assessment phases may advance to a structured interview, where HSI evaluates key competencies such as judgment, communication, and suitability for the role. This is an important step in the selection process and requires a passing score to continue.

The final stages typically include a background investigation, medical examination, drug screening, and security clearance review. Candidates who successfully complete all requirements may receive a final offer to join ICE Homeland Security Investigations as a Special Agent.

Because each stage serves as a screening point, thorough preparation is essential. Understanding the hiring process and familiarizing yourself with the assessment format can help you approach every stage with confidence and improve your chances of success.

Two non-proctored HSI entrance exams are required as part of the criminal investigator application process.

The initial criminal investigator entrance exam is the Automated Writing Assessment (AWA), a crucial component of the criminal investigator's role. 

As part of the AWA, applicants must write a short essay of at least 100 words in response to a non-job-related writing prompt and are evaluated on their:

• Presentation/written flow.
• Grammar.
• How well they cover the topic.

The applicant has 25 minutes to complete the AWA.

The second assessment is the Situational Judgment Test (SJT), which tests the applicant's ability to make rapid and effective decisions and adapt behavior accordingly. 

During the SJT, the applicant is presented with 14 realistic, job-related scenarios, each with a potential course of action.

Each suggested course of action must be evaluated in 75 minutes, and the applicant must indicate its effectiveness.

If you passed the Phase I assessments of the ICE Special Agent Test, you'll get an invitation to complete the Phase II assessments.

The Phase II assessments are taken together with a test proctor at an ICE-designated testing center in most U.S. cities.

You'll need to schedule your own appointment for the proctored assessments.

The Phase II assessments include the

• Writing Skills Test (WST).
• Logical Reasoning Assessment (LRA).
• Candidate Experience Record (CER).

To move on to Phase III, you'll need to pass all the Phase II assessments within a specific timeframe.

The entire proctored assessment process will take you around 3 to 3.5 hours.

• Writing skills are essential to your success as a criminal investigator.
• The HSI Written test WST measures your understanding of the common rules of written English, such as proper sentence structure and word usage.
• There will be 40 questions to answer in 60 minutes.

• Developing sound reasoning skills is often necessary for criminal investigators to understand laws and regulations.
• As part of the LRA, you will be assessed on your ability to interpret information and apply critical thinking techniques.
• You'll have 90 minutes to answer 40 questions.

• HSI evaluates applicants as a whole, taking into account past experience, preferences, and perceived abilities.
• You are asked about your previous work attendance, your educational preferences, and your perceived skill level.
• You'll have 25 minutes to answer 36 questions.

The following are the basic requirement for entering the homeland security hiring process.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens under 37 years of age.

Depending on the grade level, minimum qualifications may include:

• Experience in criminal investigations or law enforcement.
• A bachelor's degree.
• A combination of experience and formal education will be required.

• Thorough background check.
• Paid enforcement training for 22 weeks.
• Firearms qualification.
• Having regular physical examinations.
• A random drug test will be conducted.
• Initial duty station assignment will be based on agency needs. To be eligible for a location change, you must have served for a minimum of three years.

• An attractive base salary.
• Paid annual and sick leave.
• Federal law enforcement retirement benefits.
• Generous health care and life insurance.

• FBI Special Agent Prep.
• Treasury Enforcement Agent Prep.
• ATF Special Agent Prep.
• Federal Air Marshal Prep.
• More information on Homeland Security Careers