The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is one of the most prestigious and well-respected institutions in the United States. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance to get into the CIA, but it’s not impossible.
In order to become an agent at the CIA, you will need to start by taking the necessary steps to ensure that you meet all of their requirements. The first thing you should do is apply for an internship with the CIA through their website. This makes sure that your resume goes directly into their database and ensures that they know about your interest in joining their organization. You should also apply for jobs online at companies that work closely with the CIA such as Lockheed Martin or Raytheon; these companies often have openings for positions within their company that require experience working with classified information and technology used by agencies like NASA or DOD/DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency).
Once you have completed your internship or job application process, it’s time for interviews! If you’ve done well during these interviews then congratulations–you’ve made it through another step towards becoming an agent at the CIA! Now it’s time for polygraph tests which include questions about drug use and mental illness history as well as honesty regarding sexual activity (if any).
How To Become Cia
The Central Intelligence Agency is one of the largest U.S. federal agencies, with many different branches employing a variety of skill sets. Roles within the CIA offer many opportunities to develop your skills and grow in your career. You can also play an important role in the security and protection of the country and its citizens. In this article, we examine what CIA agents do, how much they are paid and how to become a CIA agent.
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What does a CIA agent do?
A CIA agent is a federal employee who collects and evaluates intelligence information as it pertains to national security. Some CIA agents work overseas to gather information on foreign intelligence but most work in the U.S. Your duties as a CIA agent will vary depending on your specific role, but they might include:
- Gathering and analyzing data that could be important to national security
- Reviewing foreign newspapers, magazines and other media sources for information related to potential intelligence
- Examining satellite imagery to monitor potentially threatening activity
- Deciphering coded messages from other countries looking for sensitive information
- Determining the credibility of any information obtained from a foreign source
- Writing reports to relevant government authorities based on data gathered
- Researching and developing technologies for gathering information
- Cooperating with other agencies to help investigate international crime and terrorism
Related: A Guide to Civil Service Jobs
The average salary of a CIA agent
The average salary for a CIA agent is $81,207 per year. Salaries range from $25,000 to $169,000 per year. Your actual salary will depend upon your skills, experience and which branch of the CIA you enter and the position you hold.
How to become a CIA agent
These professionals are often required to have certain levels of education, complete specialized training and pass various tests to secure employment. If you are interested in a career as a CIA agent, here are some steps you need to follow:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
A degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field serves as good preparation for a career as a CIA agent. However, a degree in computer science or other fields may be beneficial depending on where within the CIA you want to work. The CIA normally requires applicants for an agent position to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution.
2. Consider earning a master’s degree
The CIA does not require you to have a master’s degree, but the higher your education, the better chance you have of being employed. You may also find your salary and opportunities increase with the amount of education you have. Earning a master’s degree in a specialized field related to security, technology, foreign affairs or others can also provide you a stronger foundation and refined skills for your role.
Related: Master’s Degree: Definition, Elements and Benefits
3. Become fluent in one or two foreign languages
CIA agent positions that work in a foreign country may require you to be fluent in more than one language. Middle Eastern and Asian languages such as Arabic, Korean, Russian and Japanese are particularly useful due to the intelligence work being conducted in these areas. Agents fluent in one or more foreign languages can also help translate foreign documents, newspapers and other communication and media that might be relevant to an investigation. Foreign language fluency is also critical if you are working in clandestine services posing as a foreign national.
4. Gain relevant experience
While not required, it helps if you have experience in the military, security or law enforcement. Since the CIA is concerned with national security, any experience you have with security services or national service is valuable. Any experience you have living and working in a foreign country is also useful. A number of CIA agents work abroad, so it helps if you are used to adapting to a foreign culture.
The CIA does offer undergraduate internships and co-ops. These are paid internships that give college students an excellent opportunity to gain experience in and appreciation for national service. There are five categories of internships and co-ops to which you can apply depending on your skill and interest: analysis, clandestine, STEM, enterprise and support and foreign language. You must have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass background, drug and polygraph testing and be willing to work in Washington, DC.
5. Complete the required testing and medical examinations
Every prospective agent must undergo a thorough background check and a drug test. You might also need to take a polygraph test and agree to a credit check. It is important that your criminal record is clean and you are free from anything that might make you a risk to the agency.
6. Finish an internal training program
Once your application is successful, you will go through an internal training program. On top of basic policy and procedures training, you will be trained according to the service you are entering. For clandestine service—or the directorate of operations (DO)—you will take the 18-month Clandestine Service Trainee Program. If you are in investigations, you will complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program.
