Last updated: November 2, 2026
Do you want to be an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)? NBI agents investigate major crimes and train at the NBI Academy before they go into the field. Here are the 2026 qualifications, salary, requirements and how to apply.
What NBI agents do
Under Republic Act No. 10867 (NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act), NBI agents:
- Investigate cases under the mandate of the NBI
- Conduct searches, arrests and seizures under existing laws, rules and regulations
- Take and require sworn statements from persons summoned in cases under investigation
- Administer oaths in cases under investigation
- Perform other functions assigned by the NBI Director
NBI agent salary in 2026
The entry-level agent position is Investigation Agent III at Salary Grade 22. Under the 2026 salary schedule (third tranche of EO No. 64, s. 2024), SG 22 starts at ₱81,796 per month. See the Salary Grade 2026 table.
The old Special Investigator III (SG 18) items are being phased out. In 2025, the NBI reclassified 76 Special Investigators to Investigation Agent III.
Who can be an NBI agent?
Minimum qualifications under RA 10867:
- Filipino citizen
- Of good moral character
- A member of the Philippine Bar, or a bachelor’s degree holder who passed a government licensure exam relevant to the NBI’s investigative work (for example, a CPA, criminologist or engineer)
- Passed the NBI’s competitive mental and physical exams
The NBI Academy also lists these standards for agent applicants:
- 25 to 35 years old
- At least 5’5″ tall for males and 5’3″ for females
- Vision within normal range
- No tattoo marks or pierced ears
- No pending criminal, civil or administrative case, and never convicted of any crime
- Willing to be assigned anywhere in the Philippines
You must also complete the NBI Basic Agents Training Course before appointment as an agent.
Documentary requirements
Prepare these documents (the exact list is in each NBI vacancy notice):
- Application letter addressed to the NBI Director
- Personal Data Sheet (CS Form No. 212), latest revised form, with Work Experience Sheet and recent passport-size photo
- Certificate of eligibility, board or bar rating, and PRC license or IBP ID
- Transcript of Records and college diploma
- PSA birth certificate (and PSA marriage certificate, if married)
- NBI clearance, police clearance, and court clearances (RTC, MTC and Prosecutor’s Office)
- Latest performance rating, ITR and SALN, if you are already employed or in government
- Two 2×2 colored ID photos with white background, in business attire
How to apply
The NBI publishes vacant Investigation Agent III items on its official Vacant Positions page and on the CSC Career Portal. Each notice explains how to submit. Recent notices ask applicants to send the application letter and all documents through the online submission link or QR code given in the notice, before the stated deadline.
Use only the links in the official NBI notice. Be careful with pages that ask for fees or personal details outside the official NBI website.
Screening process
The NBI Academy uses a strict screening process:
- Preliminary medical check-up
- Written examination
- Preliminary interview
- Neuro-psychiatric examination
- Complete medical examination
- Agility test
- Polygraph test
- Background investigation
- Panel interview
- Training at the NBI Academy
How long is NBI Academy training?
Applicants who pass screening undergo intensive training of at least 20 weeks at the NBI Academy.
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