We have all grown up seeing agents chase bad guys across exotic locations and using hi-tech gadgets that no one had heard of. Like so many others, we immediately wanted to learn more about how to become a CIA agent, but were unsure of the process, the criteria, and other useful information. If you were or still are intrigued as to what these professionals do, read on and find out what you need to do to become one.
Education
If you want to work for the Central Intelligence Agency, you need to have at least an undergraduate degree. The major you choose is generally not a criterion, because the Central Intelligence Agency’s own training program will ensure that you develop the relevant skills. So whether you are a computer scientist or have majored in art history, you can join the CIA. However, you must understand that every day the agency receives thousands of applications from across the US. The process is so competitive that only 17 percent of the total applicants are recruited.
In order to stand out, you must have an excellent academic record with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, your involvement in activities within and beyond your school can also help you stand out. The agency is interested in hiring the best of the best, so you should be able to meet that mark. One way to stand out academically is by learning a second language, so taking language courses will help you gain an advantage. If you want to become a field agent for the organization, then you may have to travel to new locations and communicate with locals in their native language. Fluency in languages like Arabic, Persian, Korean, and Russian may help because these are in high demand.
Personality Requirements
If you want to work for the CIA, you should be prepared to undergo an extremely rigorous personality test. If you have trouble interacting with people or feel more comfortable working on your own, then the CIA may not be the right fit for you. Your job will require you to be an effective communicator, someone who can quickly connect with people from different backgrounds, and be able to put people at ease. You will also be required to prove that you can handle pressure effectively and make quick effective decisions in critical situations. Mental fitness tests will also be conducted to evaluate you during the screening process.
The Process
The Central Intelligence Agency’s website has a link where you can apply for a position. If the organization is interested, you will hear back from them within the specified time period. Only US citizens can apply. A meticulous background check is conducted to ensure that you are not a security threat, which is followed by a psychological evaluation and a fitness test. You will also be subjected to a polygraph test. Should you clear the entire process, you will officially be recruited for the training program. Good luck!
Salary
The salary figures for CIA agents are not made public due to confidentiality. As a point of comparison, we will use figures for Detectives and Criminal Investigators. The US Bureau of Labor
Statistics’ latest data shows that the median annual salary of these professionals was $86,940 in 2020. They earned $89,300 as mean annual income in the same year.