FBI Mock Interview
Master 40 FBI interview questions covering security clearances, investigative scenarios, and ethical judgment.
Question 7 of 40
Have you ever used illicit drugs?
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Entry Level
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Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer asks this question because the FBI has a strict employment drug policy that prohibits the use of illicit drugs by its personnel, and they want to ensure that you will follow their guidelines for drug use. The FBI is committed to a drug-free society and workplace and will not tolerate personnel who are currently using, misusing, or abusing legal or illicit drugs.
Guidelines are in place for applicants who have used marijuana, illegal drugs, and prescription/legally obtainable substances in the past. For marijuana usage, candidates cannot have used cannabis or marijuana in any form within one year preceding the employment application date. For illegal drugs (other than marijuana), the candidate cannot have used them within ten years preceding the date of the application. Finally, candidates cannot have used anabolic steroids without a prescription from a licensed practicing physician within the past ten years preceding the date of the employment application.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Focus your answer on describing any illicit drugs you have used and the time frame. You also need to let the interviewer know if you used these drugs before you turned 18 or after your 18th birthday. The FBI does have some leniency with marijuana usage before 18 years of age, which you can find in greater detail on their website under Employment Eligibility.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Avoid being dishonest in your response. The FBI extensively researches prior and current drug usage during the FBI Background Investigation Process, and you will be disqualified if you are found dishonest or currently using drugs.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
If you are interested in a career with the FBI, remember that not using drugs is the best way to get hired as an FBI Special Agent. Since the FBI is so strict with their drug policy and many applicants are vying for 5% of the coveted positions, those who have not used drugs in the past will have a better chance of making the cut.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"Yes, I tried marijuana when I was 15 years old. If I had known at the time that I would be pursuing a career with the FBI, I never would have tried it. I had two puffs of it when it was offered at a party, and I coughed badly and felt horrible afterward. I never touched it again and have never tried any other drugs since."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"No, I have never used illicit drugs. I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in federal law enforcement, and recognized how doing anything that could impair my cognitive ability could potentially compromise my dreams. Laugh, if you will, but when I was a kid, Special Agent Dale Cooper was my hero. Granted, as an adult, I realize David Lynch's fictional depiction of the FBI is far from reality. But this set me on my path, none-the-less. Additionally, from an early age, I've had a unique foresight for consequences to actions. I therefore have never desired to try any drug, including minor substances such as marijuana or alcohol. I don't even like to take prescription medicine and prefer natural remedies, or exercise or mediation. It was in this regard, the purity of Special Agent Dale Cooper that served as a positive role model."
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