2020 ATF Schedule B Hiring

[desh215]

Just received an eligibility e-mail from ATF which references a 'test' e-mail coming out during the last week of November. Looking forward to that e-mail and setting up a test date. We shall see...

My a regimented person, is there fitness plans out there that are free to current LEO's or anything someone recommends. I'm well versed in the fitness world but figured I would reach out for recommendations. I checked out mtntactical.com ... they seemingly have great stuff, though I'm not willing to drop that much coin on it.

Thanks in advance. Be well, stay safe.

Desh

[Shadowtrain]

There is no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to fitness. The FBI has a pretty straight forward workout guide. I'd use that as a baseline and tailor it to where you need work.

The major one that people failed on at my PT event - situps.

[Wojo7]

What helped me was mock PT once a week leading up to the test and consistent workouts every week (not just 4 weeks out from a test). The big thing is that you get a foam block (basically a half rep) and they run through what each step of the test is prior to the group doing it. My overall suggestion is focusing on cardio and then going from there depending on one's weak points.

[Kt_kt_kt]

Hopefully this helps you all ...

ATF process

ATF Orientation - May 3, 2019

Official Application Submission - Jan. 20,2020

Written Exam - July 8,2020

PTT Test - September 9,2020

Interview - October 29, 2020

[NYC1175]

For those who took the written, how was the math? Equivalent to the math on the HSI exam? I've seen a lot of people say that it's very hard, but from looking at the study guide, it seems like it's basic mathematics.

[Kt_kt_kt]

It was just like the math on the practice exam.

[Willitopen82]

You hear anything?

[Grey De Leon]

If you've ever taken the ASVAB the math felt very similar. I'd say the Investigative Reasoning portion is the most unique of the test I've taken right up there with the FAM Scenario Questions.

[OCN_1]

Was told that the interview would take place the final week of January. Not sure if this is for all June 20’ applicants, but hopefully so. Anyone else told the same?

[jsu7833m]

Took the exam last month, found out I passed yesterday. I’m a current Fed LEO and have heard this process being very long. Good luck to all!

[NYC1175]

Just did my info session, and I'll find out in a week or two if I get an invite to apply. Fingers crossed.

[MotorT3531]

more like a month or two

[NYC1175]

MotorT3531, a week or two was what I was told by the agents on the info session.

[NYC1175]

The JOA opens on January 25th

[MotorT3531]

mine was about a month and half.

[jberry811]

Has the PTT typically only been given on an as needed basis or has most everyone gotten the PTT fairly soon after passing the written?

[Adrenaline54]

For those who took the written, how was the math? Equivalent to the math on the HSI exam? I've seen a lot of people say that it's very hard, but from looking at the study guide, it seems like it's basic mathematics.

I am not good at math, I’ve just accepted that and took the exam with my fingers crossed. Surprisingly I still passed, so I’m not sure if I just had my math skills on point that day or I guessed very accurately.

[porkchop23]

Does anyone know how the ATF defines the eligibility requirement for SAs that is listed on their website as "three years of criminal investigative experience"? Does it mean 1811 experience only?

I have never worked in an 1811 position so I assume I am thus ineligible for the ATF, though DEA and FBI seem to hire in a "zero to hero" type of program without requiring existing experience.

[bondman007]

In this link it has the breakdown what qualifies you for each pay grade. At least a bachelor's quals you for GL-5, if not higher.

https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/...14pdf/download

[mih pihsrow]

Doesnt have to be 1811 experience.

[specialagentblog]

Hey buddy,

That is three years of ANY investigative experience (federal, state, & local). Hope that helps.

-SA Blog

[Checkmate]

I received an e-mail today advising me that the JOA would be live on January 25th. It had some instructions on preparing forms, things NOT to do, and to begin immediately preparing for the PTT.

Progress!

[bondman007]

Same for me!

[NYC1175]

Same here. Do these emails come from one place regardless of which info session you attend for this announcement?

[Checkmate]

^ No idea. The sender was in Washington, DC so I’m guessing this is nationwide.

[WarDog01]

Well dang.. I didn’t receive that email :/

[NYC1175]

Got the email to preview the Job Announcement today. JOA opens the 25th, then it's about 6 weeks until the test invite. Time to hit the math hard because if it's anything like the Peterson book, it's gonna be an uphill battle.

[Doom4287]

That's awesome man. I tried emailing a few email addresses from here in ny and no response yet. How did you get through to find out more information?

[NYC1175]

Doom4287 Did you attend an info session yet, or are you asking about how to get information on the info session? If it's the latter, I basically emailed the Field Office my resume back in October and indicated my interest in applying. They held the info session in December and basically sent me an invite to the Info Session. Send them your resume and they'll get back to you. Next JOA is in June 2021 I believe.

[NYC1175]

If you attended an info session and haven't heard back on the January announcement, it most likely means you didn't make this round of cuts for people they invited to apply. All this means is that you'll most likely be invited to apply in June since your resume stays with them (you don't need to do another info session).

[Doom4287]

Yea unfortunately it's the latter and ok sounds good thanks for the info.

[Grey De Leon]

Got my results from the ATF Special Agent Exam passed both. Onto the PT/Interview.

Timeline
8/20 Info Session
9/20 Job Announcement Email
11/20 Tentative Eligible Determination
12/20 ATF Special Agent Exam
1/21 ATF Special Agent Exam Results

[NYC1175]

How was the exam?

[Grey De Leon]

NYC1175 it wasn't too bad, I didn't buy any of the guides that have been suggested. I used the one from the ATF website, also I'd use the FBI, USMS, and whatever other agency one you can find.

I found the deductive reasoning portion a bit tougher I'd say read some detective books to just have your mind right for those style of questions.

Really feel these test lean towards those who are just good test-takers.

[NYC1175]

Grey De Leon thanks brother.

[ELCUHH]

How would you guys rate the logical reasoning portion? Would you say advanced LSAT kinda stuff?

[MotorT3531]

study the HSI study guide. if you can get that down, then this test will be a breeze.

[Eliteforce]

Announcement opens at 12:00 AM EST. Don't forget to attach the OF-306!

[parkscout93]

Is this open, or must we have attended an info session?

[Eliteforce]

NYC1175 for sure. Just throwing it out there since I've known several individuals who knew there was going to be an opening before and forgot to apply lol. Figured I'd help some folks out just in case!

[NYC1175]

Eliteforce, I hear you brother and agree with your sentiment. My comment was just a general one in anticipation of questions about when to apply during the opening (which I actually had myself on the call with ATF, which they clarified).

[NYC1175]

parkscout93, you have to email your resume to your local Field Office, then attend an info session. Sometime after the info session, they send out a link to apply to the people who they choose to move forward in the process. The next job opening is in June, so send your resume to your local F.O. now and they'll put you on the info session list.

Edit: It doesn't have to be the field office local to you. It can be any field office in the country.

[big_bob_69]

How does the job posting differ from reaching out to a recruiter?

I sent in my resume probably 6-7 months ago and never heard anything back.

Edit: I also see on the ATF site they require 3 years of criminal investigation experience to apply. Is this a new requirement, or is it like other agencies where it's something they "like" but it doesn't disqualify you? Don't recall seeing that before.

[Eliteforce]

You reach out to the field office and attend an information session. The recruiter from the office provides your resume to the SAC, and if they like what they see, they invite you to apply via a personal USAJOBS link. You might have to reach out to other offices outside of your area. I initially reached out to another field office that I saw post about the position via LinkedIN. I then decided to reach out to the field office where I actually live. The recruiter in another state on the opposite side of the U.S. decided to recruit me and the office that I actually live by never replied. I would just contact multiple offices until you make contact with someone.

[big_bob_69]

Awesome, thank you. Sounds similar to how people get invited to the USMS info sessions.

[NYC1175]

big_bob_69, the 3 years investigative experience is definitely not a hard requirement. I have zero investigative experience but qualified on education and they sent me the link. Next JOA is in June. The agents I spoke with on the info session said ATF is having a bit of a hiring surge this FY and the next FY.