High School

A well-rounded education will provide a solid foundation for future work as an EPA special agent. Take classes in math, science, history, environmental studies (if offered at your school), English, and computer science. Agents need to be physically fit as well, so be sure to take physical education classes and make exercise a part of your regular routine. Fluency in another language is particularly useful in this line of work, so be sure to take foreign language classes. 

Postsecondary Training

An undergraduate degree is usually required for EPA special agent positions. Recommended fields of study include business, math, science, English, communications, and psychology. Criminal justice studies are generally not required. Advanced degrees and work experience are usually required for positions of higher authority.

Special agents receive eight weeks of basic federal law enforcement and criminal investigator training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. They also receive an additional eight weeks of training in conducting investigations of the criminal provisions of federal environmental laws. As is the case with all U.S. special agents, EPA special agents receive periodic in-service training as well as advanced training in various investigative techniques throughout their careers.

Certification or Licensing

No certification or licensing is available for EPA special agents.

Other Requirements

Applicants for a position as an EPA special agent must be between 21 and 37 years old, in excellent physical condition, and have good vision.

There are no ways to gain experience as an EPA special agent without actually being hired to do the job. Aspiring agents should take advantage of the summer employment and internship opportunities offered by the EPA to learn more about the agency and its culture.

EPA special agents must have manual dexterity to operate a firearm, and good vision in each eye (with or without correction). The job has multiple demands and can be very stressful, so emotional and mental stability is required. They also should have a strong desire and committment to protect the environment.