FBI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FBI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is a core function of an FBI Intelligence Analyst? → Transforming raw data into actionable intelligence
2. In a logical reasoning item, all members of Unit A have security clearances, and Officer Lee is a member of Unit A. What can be validly concluded? → Officer Lee has a security clearance
3. What is the purpose of a 'Key Assumptions Check' in structured analytic techniques? → To identify and challenge assumptions underlying an analytic line
4. Which of the following is the strongest indicator of a deception operation against an analyst? → Information that conveniently confirms expectations and is easy to obtain
5. What does an FBI Intelligence Analyst do? → All of the responses are correct.
6. What does the term 'finished intelligence' mean? → A polished analytical product ready for dissemination to consumers
7. Why should passive voice generally be avoided in intelligence writing? → Passive voice obscures agency and makes it unclear who performed an action
8. What is the role of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in the Intelligence Community? → To lead, oversee, and integrate intelligence activities across all 18 IC agencies
9. Which of the following is NOT a type of degree sought after by the FBI in its analysts? → Mathematics
10. An analyst reads: 'The shipment likely departed before customs review.' Which word signals an analytic judgment rather than a confirmed fact? → Likely
11. Which action best protects the integrity of an analytic product when new contradicting evidence emerges after publication? → Issue an update reassessing the judgment in light of the new evidence
12. What is 'confirmation bias' in the context of intelligence analysis? → Seeking information that supports existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence
13. Which structured analytic technique uses a matrix to systematically evaluate competing hypotheses against available evidence? → Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH)
14. What is the primary purpose of a finished intelligence report? → To provide decision-makers with actionable, analyzed information
15. Which statement about intelligence consumers is most accurate? → They need products tailored to inform their decisions
16. What career advancement path is commonly available to experienced FBI Intelligence Analysts? → Supervisory and management analyst roles
17. Which type of intelligence product provides policymakers with short, timely summaries of current developments? → Current Intelligence
18. Which cognitive bias involves favoring information that confirms pre-existing beliefs? → Confirmation bias
19. An analyst notices a pattern but the sample size is very small. What caution applies? → A small sample may produce a coincidental pattern, not a real trend
20. Why do analysts use structured analytic techniques such as devil's advocacy? → To challenge consensus and expose weak assumptions
21. What is the main goal of a tactical intelligence product compared to a strategic one? → To support immediate operational decisions
22. How long does it take to complete the FBI's Phase 1 Computer-Based Test? → 110 minutes
23. Which security clearance level is typically required for FBI Intelligence Analysts? → Top Secret
24. An analyst must brief leadership but has incomplete data with a deadline in one hour. What is the best approach? → Present the assessment with clearly stated confidence levels and gaps
25. An analyst summarizes a 50-page report into a one-paragraph judgment. Which skill is primarily being tested? → Synthesis and concise written communication
26. When evaluating a source, an analyst learns the informant has financial ties to the subject under investigation. How should this affect the assessment? → The source reliability rating should be lowered due to potential bias
27. What is the annual salary of an intelligence analyst? → Around $70,500
28. What exactly is the GS-15 designation? → A supervisor or manager
29. Which writing principle is considered most critical in intelligence report writing? → Clarity — use precise language that eliminates ambiguity
30. In intelligence analysis, what does 'HUMINT' refer to? → Human Intelligence gathered from human sources