CIA field agents have to work in a wide range of fields to protect the US’s national security. The job might sound exciting, but it is also full of dangers as CIA field agents put their lives at risk every day to protect their motherland.
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Should I Become a CIA Field Agent?
Are you fearless and love your country enough to risk your life for it? If that is the case, read the following article to find out how to become a CIA field agent.
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree at least |
| Major Requirement | Candidate should be 18 years old at least and must be a US citizen |
| License/Certification | N/A |
| Experience/Training | Required |
| Key Skills | Quick-thinker, Fearless, Ability to Solve Complex Problems, Strong Leadership, Good Report Writing Ability |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National | The salary details of CIA personnel are confidential. $86,030 (Detectives and Criminal Investigators) |
| Job Outlook (2019 – 2029) | 1% (Detectives and Criminal Investigators) 5% (Police and Detectives) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
The data for CIA field agents is not available with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, as a point of comparison, BLS predicts a 5% job growth for police and detectives.
Steps to Become a CIA Field Agent
You have to complete the steps mentioned below to become a CIA field agent:
You will have to get a bachelor’s degree, at least to join the CIA. Advanced degrees will help your case of becoming a CIA field agent too. A degree in a law enforcement field or criminal justice discipline will do you a world of good.
Once you have met the educational requirements, you will have to initiate the online application process at the CIA website. You will have to create an online account and then search for the job you want to apply for.
Once you have picked your desired field, you can begin the process to submit the Application Package. This is a comprehensive part of the entire process and will take a lot of time. You will have to fill out plenty of forms and give detailed information about yourself.
You will have to provide information about yourself, like background, expertise, education, certifications, experience, etc. You will also have to complete a “Personal Evaluation Form” and provide information like security clearances, pictures, polygraphs, background, law violations, and employment issues, etc.
Once all this is complete, you will have to save and print a copy of the entire application package. You might need to return to these forms in the future.
The next step will require you to enter your personal information like uploading your transcripts and resume, etc. Once the entire application package is submitted, you will receive a confirmation message. Confirmation about the successful submission will be sent to you within two days, so you will have to keep checking your account. In case the application submission was not successful, you will be informed, and you will have to resubmit the application. Once the process is complete, your account will be disabled.
You will have to wait for the CIA to contact you via phone or email. Once they contact you, get ready for another thorough and exhaustive process. Your background history, physical and mental condition, drug or law violations, etc. will be checked. You will also have to pass interviews, examinations, and training before starting your job as a CIA field agent.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CIA Field Agent?
The time needed to become a CIA field agent is long. It will take you quite a few years to get the required educational credentials and clear the CIA recruitment process to become a field agent. Be patient because the nature of the job is such that the CIA cannot take any chances.
What Are the Requirements to Become a CIA Field Agent?
- Meet the educational requirements
- Create an online account with the CIA
- Complete the Application Package
- Wait for the CIA to contact you
- Clear the remaining process and get training
How Much Does a CIA Field Agent Earn in the US?
The salary of CIA field agents is confidential and has not been disclosed by the CIA. As a point of reference, you can look at the salary figures of Detective and Criminal Investigators. These professionals earned $86,030 in 2019 as mean annual income in the US as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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