What Is Required to Become a CIA Agent

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If you have decided to apply to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), there are certain requirements you will need to meet in order to be considered for a job with the agency. These requirements will differ depending upon the job you have applied for. However, there are certain set requirements that the agency has for all jobs here – these can be considered as the universal requirements, since all positions with the agency have these requirements.

The following is not an exhaustive list but covers most of the minimum requirements for all the jobs offered by the CIA.

• US Citizenship
• Education – This will depend on the job you are applying for. Minimum educational requirements may vary from holding a high school diploma or GED to Bachelor’s, Master’s or Professional degree
• A comprehensive background investigation
• A polygraph interview
• A thorough medical and psychological exam

As mentioned earlier, with the exception of minimum requirements laid down above, the agency does not have a set list of educational qualifications. This is because these requirements differ from job to job.

For example, if you want to join the agency’s clandestine service as Paramilitary Operations Officer/Specialized Skills Officer, you will need to meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in any major from an accredited institution
• GPA of at least 3.0
• Ability to think independently and make decisions accordingly
• Commitment, adaptability and flexibility to the mission of the CIA and the Directorate of Operations
• Ability to work effectively alone as well as a part of a team
• Action and results oriented
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Personal integrity

These are some of the minimum requirements. Then there are desired qualifications, which although not compulsory to have but make you a promising candidate for the job. They are:

• Military special operations or combat arms experience
• Willingness to serve in dangerous environments
• Experience in serving in combat leadership positions

Now compare these qualifications with those of Clinical Psychologist’s, who serve under the Medical branch of the agency.

If you want to work for the CIA as a Clinical Psychologist then you need to meet the following minimum qualifications:

• D. or Ph.D. in Psychology from an APA accredited institution
• Valid license to practice psychiatry
• Expert in interviewing, report writing and psychological evaluation
• Experience in employment assessment, consulting psychology, forensic psychology or counseling
• Minimum five years postdoctoral experience

And then there are desired qualifications:

• Foreign traveling or living experience
• Experience in employment assessment, consulting psychology, neuropsychology, and/or forensic psychology

Now that you know how qualifications differ from position to position at the CIA, you must conduct a detailed research of the agency’s official website and find out all the information available there relating to your job. Once you know what it would take to become a CIA agent, prepare accordingly.

If you believe you have fulfilled all the qualifications for your desired position, it is time to apply for that position. For that, visit the agency’s official website and under “Careers & Internships” click on “Career Opportunities”. Now click on “Application Process”. There you will find all the information you need to apply for your desired position.

Keep a couple of things in mind however. You will have to apply online. You will have to create an account, which is valid for three days after which it expires on its own. You can apply for up to four positions at one time. The application process is lengthy and time consuming, and can take anywhere from two months to more than a year to process.

The application package consists of an application form and a Personnel Evaluation Form (PEF). Both of these will require detailed information regarding the applicant. Once you have answered all the questions, you can submit your application. If the recruiters find you a suitable match, they’ll contact you within 45 days. If they don’t, you can assume that your application has been rejected.

If you receive the call, you will get further instructions from the recruiter, which will involve thorough vetting of your application, physical and mental examinations and a polygraph test. There may be other qualifications as well, which are not disclosed on the agency’s official website.

Once you are hired, depending upon your position, you may get on-the-job training. You can also find career advancement opportunities. However, it can be assumed that career advancement will come with gaining educational credentials and experience.