The NBI Selection Process is a mentally and physically challenging process designed to identify the most capable applicants. Those who make it through the process become part of an elite team that supports SPAK in the war on corruption and organized crime in Albania. The NBI Selection Process takes about 7 months to complete. An explanation of the steps in the process to become a NBI Investigator can be found below.
Step 1: Application and Screening
You must attach to your application all other necessary forms (your Asset Declaration and Vetting Forms). Applications are screened for eligibility and suitability. The initial screening process should take no more than two weeks to complete. If it is decided that you meet the minimum criteria under the SPAK Law you will be informed to attend the next step.
Step 2: Physical Fitness Test
Candidates who pass Step 1 of the process will be required to pass a Physical Fitness Test (PFT). An official PFT will be conducted at the Miltiary Academy, Tirana, by trained personnel and scored in the a manner that takes account of your age and gender. Note that you will be required to provide a certificate of medial fitness before being allowed to take part in Step 2.
Step 3: Logical Reasoning Test
Applicants who pass the medical and physical fitness screening will be invited to take the Logical Reasoning (computerized) test under strictly supervised conditions. This is a one-hour exam consisting of 30 Logic-Based Reasoning questions, conducted on a desk top computer.
Step 4: Essay Writing Test
Applicants who pass the Step 3 test will be invited to take the Essay Writing (computerized) test under strictly supervised conditions. This is a one-hour exam consisting of 2 essay questions, conducted on a desk top computer. This test is designed to evaluate your Albanian writing skills, and will grade your spelling, grammar, formatting, and use of MS Word skills. It will also assess your ability to construct a reasoned argument in writing.
Step 5: Structured Interview
The best candidates in Steps 3 and 4 will be invited to take part in a Structured Interview lasting approximately 30 minutes. The interview will be used to evaluate your ability to express yourself verbally, and your ability to address professional workplace issues, such as ethical standards.
Step 6: Vetting
The best candidates from the Step 6 interview evaluation will be be thoroughly vetted, as per the requirements of the SPAK Law. The vetting will examine the canduidate’s financial assets, background, family and known associates. The vetting process will take a number of weeks to complete.
Step 7: Initial Training
Approximately 60 candidates who are successful in the previous steps of the selection process will be invited to take part in the Initial Training Program (ITP), sponsored by the United States Government. The ITP lasts about 4 months and provides the candidates with a range of foundation skills, including SPAK Law, Profesional Ethics, Discipline Procedures, Interviewing, Statement Writing, Use of Databases, Case Management System, Investigation Skills, Investigating Corruption, Use of Firearms, Self-Defence, Intelligence Gathering and Analysis,and Overt and Covert Surveillance.
Step 8: Graduation
Those candidates that succefully complete Steps 6 and 7 will be certified as National Bureau of Investigation Investigators at a special ceremony, and presented with their badge of office.