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FBI Phase I Test Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

A real reference for anyone preparing for the FBI Special Agent Selection System Phase I Test — Federal Bureau of Investigation exam — pass rate, retake policy, how it's scored, and a practical study timeline. This is independent reference content, not a sales page: everything below is sourced from FBI Phase I Test's own certifying body.

What the FBI Phase I Test exam is

The FBI Special Agent Phase I Test is computerized and proctored, with five timed assessments: logic-based reasoning (11 five-option questions), figural reasoning (9 image questions), a personality assessment (100 adaptive paired statements), preferences and interests (37 five-point items) and situational judgment (19 scenarios) (FBI testing overview, revised October 2025). The personality and preferences sections have no right or wrong answers in the usual sense, and the FBI does not publish a passing score. This portal is a study aid: its 40-question practice set covers logic, figural reasoning and situational judgment, and it explains how the other sections work; it is not a realistic score predictor.

Why it matters

Passing Phase I moves an applicant forward in the FBI special agent selection process toward the Phase II assessments.

Who this exam is for

FBI special agent applicants preparing for the Phase I test.

Pass rate

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

If you don't pass — retake policy

The FBI sets rules on how soon a candidate who does not pass Phase I may apply again; check FBIJobs for the current policy.

How it's scored

The FBI does not publish a passing score for Phase I, so this guide does not state one. The practice set here is a study tool, not a prediction of your result. Format: five timed assessments, three of which this portal practices. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

Format at a glance

Format: Five timed assessments: logic-based reasoning (11 five-option questions), figural reasoning (9 image questions), personality assessment (100 adaptive paired statements), preferences and interests (37 agreement items), situational judgment (19 scenarios)
Real exam cost: Phase I is scheduled through the FBI application process; check FBIJobs for current testing arrangements

The FBI Special Agent Phase I Test is computerized and proctored, with five timed assessments: logic-based reasoning (11 five-option questions), figural reasoning (9 image questions), a personality assessment (100 adaptive paired statements), preferences and interests (37 five-point items) and situational judgment (19 scenarios) (FBI testing overview, revised October 2025). The personality and preferences sections have no right or wrong answers in the usual sense, and the FBI does not publish a passing score. This portal is a study aid: its 40-question practice set covers logic, figural reasoning and situational judgment, and it explains how the other sections work; it is not a realistic score predictor. Five timed assessments: logic-based reasoning (11 five-option questions), figural reasoning (9 image questions), personality assessment (100 adaptive paired statements), preferences and interests (37 agreement items), situational judgment (19 scenarios). The FBI does not publish a passing score for Phase I, so this guide does not state one. The practice set here is a study tool, not a prediction of your result.

Full eligibility requirements and everything the FBI Phase I Test study portal includes is on the FBI Phase I Test product page.

What each domain actually tests

The FBI does not publish weights. The portal practices logic-based reasoning (categorical statements, conditional reasoning, ordering puzzles), figural reasoning (patterns, matrices, sequences) and situational judgment in federal workplace scenarios, and explains the Phase I process and rules.

Eligibility requirements, in full

Applicants must meet the FBI special agent requirements (such as citizenship, age, education and fitness) and be invited to test. Confirm the current requirements on FBIJobs.

What it actually costs

Testing is part of the application process; check FBIJobs for current arrangements.

Keeping the credential — maintenance & recertification

Not applicable: Phase I is a selection step, not a credential.

How to actually prepare

Work through the exam topics one area at a time, finish with timed full-length practice runs of 40 questions in one sitting.

What's changing (2026)

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the official documents listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check FBIJobs before you register.

Want a full practice question bank built around this exact format?

See the FBI Phase I Test study portal

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