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At the ATF, we strive for only the best, most active and most knowledgeable Special Agents. It's a career unlike any other, with a number of interesting and diverse career paths to follow - we have Special Agents specialising everything from being a forensics expert, to an ammunition technician (bomb disposal expert) or even an operational medic. 

To begin the process, you'll need to submit an application to us for review. You can find our application template here. To join the ATF as a Special Agent, you'll need to be 21 at the time of appointment (the time you become a Special Agent) and be a United States Citizen. Unless you are a preference eligible veteran, we do not accept applications for agents over the age of 36. You must be willing to submit to a thorough background check in order to receive (depending on role) security clearance from ATF RESTRICTED all the way up to US SECRET. We'll review this application and get back to you with whether or not you are accepted to the next stage.

 It's important to note that your application being accepted does not necessarily mean that you will become an ATF Agent, there are still a number of steps which we need to carry out.

Upon being accepted, you will be considered a "Candidate Special Agent Stage 1 (S1)". This does not mean that you are a Special Agent, rather a candidate for the position. Stage One consists of an assessment and interview day at the William C. Sheldon Federal Training Centre Rockford where you will undergo a series of tests designed to test your physical and mental fitness, aptitude and suitability, as well as common sense and ability to follow commands. You will also undergo an interview with our recruitment board, who will also observe the tests and will decide whether or not to advance you to Stage Two. 

Upon passing Stage One, and once all vetting and security checks are complete you will be invited to attend our basic training course at the Federal Training Centre Rockford, where you will complete three units. Our first unit is the Law Enforcement Skills unit, which gives candidates a basic understanding of law enforcement and teaches vital skills important in law enforcement. The next unit taught is Firearms Handling, during which agents will learn and receive their ATF authorisation to use pistols from the authorised list, and also to utilise a shotgun where permitted by a supervisor. The course also teaches recruits how to maintain their weapon, and also how to make safe a number of unfamiliar weapons systems. The final unit taught in basic training is the ATF Skills section, which teaches recruits in-depth about ATF functions and duties, and also teaches recruits how to conduct investigations successfully. At the discretion of the Special Agent-in-Charge, S2 Candidates may "shadow" ATF operations unarmed in order to gain experience and practical understanding.

Provided agents do well in the academy, they will pass out at the end and be promoted to the rank of Probationary Special Agent. At this point, you will be sworn in, receive your badge and personal defence equipment, and be assigned to the General Duties division for a probationary period. 

Finally, after the two stages of candidacy you will be promoted to the rank of Probationary Special Agent and receive your badge. You will then complete 3 weeks of probation in the General Duties Division. During this time, you must be accompanied by a Special Agent at all times, but you will also have the same powers as a Special Agent. 

After the Probationary Period, if your line manager is entirely satisfied you will be promoted to Special Agent and permitted to join the Criminal Investigation division, or advance into a specialised role. Occasionally, there may be opportunities for roles within the Management division, however these generally require holding a rank. 

Special Agent-in-Charge Alexander Knight
Lead Agent, Criminal Investigation Division
Human Resources, Public Relations & Legal Affairs
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives