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How to Become a CIA Agent

By Camilla Andersson, Monster Contributor
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Do you need more excitement in your life than a thriller movie or a bungy jump can provide? If a workday of spreadsheets and small talk fails to inspire you, it might be time to look into a career as a CIA agent. As a CIA agent, you might travel around the world, recruit foreign agents, or just gather intelligence information from a safe position in front of a computer. Learn more about how to become a CIA agent and how to get into the CIA here.

What Is a CIA Agent?

The CIA is responsible for collecting and analyzing information relevant to U.S. foreign policy and national security. The agency focuses on collecting information in foreign countries and about foreign citizens and has no law enforcement function, meaning its employees don’t arrest criminals.

A CIA agent is not an official title. Within the agency the term is used to describe foreign spies assisting the CIA in its mission. “CIA agent” is also an informal term that members of the public often use to describe CIA officers—and especially field operations officers. Members of the public also sometimes use the term for other CIA employees who collect and analyze information, for example:

  • cyber threat analysts
  • military analysts
  • data analysis officers
  • cyber targeters
  • open source targeters
  • targeting officers
  • specialized skills officers
  • paramilitary operations officers

You can also find a range of other jobs in the CIA, including positions as an attorney, computer engineer, internal inspector, and research scholar.

What Do CIA Agents Do?

Field operations officers recruit foreigners to supply information to the CIA. Other employees in the CIA who are directly involved in collecting and analyzing information may also:

  • conduct or oversee special operations.
  • gather intelligence in the field.
  • manage operational cases.
  • provide strategic guidance.
  • collaborate with the U.S. government and the Department of Justice.
  • solve intelligence problems.

How to Become a CIA Agent

Because of the important role it serves, the CIA places high demands on job candidates. To score a job at the agency, you’ll need a combination of soft and hard skills, an interest in the CIA’s mission, and a dependable personality.

Basic CIA Requirements

These are the basic requirements you’ll need to meet to join the CIA:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Over 18 years old
  • Must be located in the U.S. when you submit your application
  • Must be willing to relocate to Washington, D.C.
  • Must not follow the CIA on social media when or after applying (for security purposes)
  • Must not discuss the application or interest in working for the CIA on social media
  • Must not have used marijuana or products containing THC within 90 days of applying or afterwards
  • Must not have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within 12 months prior to applying or afterwards

Besides the basic CIA agent requirements, the agency places high value on an applicant’s character. You’ll need to be honest, trustworthy, reliable, calm, and perform well under pressure.

Personal CIA Requirements

To evaluate your characteristics, the agency will ask challenging questions about your ethics and past as part of the interview process. You should spend a significant amount of time preparing for behavioral interview questions and tough interview questions.

The CIA also values candidates who have a strong interest in international affairs. Some positions require a bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, history, or war studies. A GPA of at least 3.0 may also be preferred or required.

The following can also set you apart as a candidate:

  • Fluency in a foreign language, especially one high in demand, such as Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Pashto, Russian and Urdu
  • Job experience in protective services
  • Experience traveling abroad, especially off the beaten path and for a longer period of time
  • A previous internship at the CIA

How to Join the CIA

Joining the CIA is a lengthy process that takes about two years. The first step is to submit your application online, which includes uploading your resume, confirming that you meet basic requirements, and answering a few questions. You can apply for several positions at a time and rank them in priority. You can travel during the hiring process but aren’t allowed to contact the CIA while you’re abroad.

You can learn more about the steps involved in how to become a CIA agent on CIA’s website. These are the main steps:

  1. Pass a background investigation, which will include interviews of your neighbors, friends, supervisors, and coworkers.
  2. Complete a polygraph interview.
  3. Complete a medical and psychological exam.

How Much Do CIA Agents Make?

The average CIA agent salary varies greatly depending on the position and your previous experience. The CIA lists salary ranges for their job postings. These are some examples of a typical CIA agent salary:

The CIA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, time off, sick leave, and childcare. Some jobs offer a sign-on bonus and reimbursement for relocation costs.

How to Become a CIA Agent: Finding Jobs

The CIA lists positions on their website. The listing will say whether the agency is currently hiring for the position or not. If you find a position that isn’t currently open, check back on a regular basis.

Once you’re ready to apply, you need to submit a resume. But how do you showcase your strengths when you haven’t worked for the agency before? Use a method for highlighting your transferable skills, such as CAR (Challenge, Action, Results) or SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound).

While the agency doesn’t ask for a cover letter, you’ll need to answer questions such as why you want to work for the CIA and what sets you apart as a candidate. General cover letter advice can benefit you when completing these sections. Get some tips for how to answer these questions in our articles "Why do you want to work here?" and 'What can you do for us that other candidates can't?'

While you’re waiting for your application to process, search for other jobs in protective services that can be an asset when you join the CIA, such as:

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