What skills is the CIA looking for?

Special agents/investigators must possess:
  • An in-depth knowledge of administrative investigative techniques and procedures.
  • The ability to bring together and organize large amounts of data.
  • The ability to draw appropriate conclusions.
  • The ability to work alone or as part of a team.
  • The ability to work under pressure.


What experience does the CIA look for?

Be United States citizens. Possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Must possess at least three years of criminal investigative experience focused on complex matters.

What makes a good candidate for the CIA?

It goes without saying that being in the CIA requires intelligence, an ability to work autonomously, a strong sense of responsibility, a whole lot of courage, and an unfaltering love for the United States. The agency has the following requirements that all potential employees must meet: You must be a U.S. citizen.


What disqualifies you from working for the CIA?

Recent involvement in criminal or unethical behavior can disqualify you from getting a clearance. This includes pending criminal charges, felony convictions, and a dishonorable discharge. In addition, crimes like illegal downloading of copyrighted material can also be an issue.

Is it hard to get accepted into the CIA?

If you read the qualifications, you probably realize it's pretty tough to get into the CIA, especially if you want to be one of the 10% of CIA officers who are field operatives. Your chances will be much better if you've first been honest with yourself about who you are and what you're capable of.


Qualities of a Great CIA Agent



What degrees does the CIA prefer?

What Are the 10 Best Degrees for the CIA?
  • Technology. ...
  • Business. ...
  • Political science and other social sciences. ...
  • International studies. ...
  • International relations. ...
  • Foreign language or foreign studies. ...
  • Criminal justice. ...
  • Physical sciences.


Can you have tattoos in the CIA?

However, the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) website states, “tattoos will not disqualify you from gaining employment at the CIA, and all professionally-qualified persons are encouraged to apply.”

How smart do you have to be to join the CIA?

The CIA normally requires applicants for an agent position to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution.


Is there a physical test for CIA?

Physical Examination & Health Information

In order to attend the CIA, it is a requirement to have a physical exam performed within the past year and obtain mandatory vaccinations.

Does being a CIA agent pay well?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes CIA officers along with all law enforcement officers in its pay estimates for police officers and sheriffs. According to the BLS, these individuals earn a median annual salary of $64,610.

Does CIA hire people with anxiety?

“The issue stress tolerance is a serious one,” said Morgan. “Those with anxiety issues aren't going to be a good fit. But the CIA also wants to hire those who think before they act. Those with anger issues, or who can't handle responsibility also won't work well at the CIA.”


What is the max age for CIA?

CSTs have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and several years of substantive business/work or military experience before applying, and are generally in the 25-35 year age range. The 35 year maximum age requirement can be waived on a case-by-case basis.

What is the average age of the CIA?

CIA Agent Age Breakdown

Interestingly enough, the average age of cia agents is 40+ years old, which represents 67% of the population.

What do CIA recruiters look for?

The Agency Looks At The Whole Person

CIA recruiters aren't looking for just one thing. They are looking for potential across a range of areas. They want candidates who are smart, loyal to the USA, skilled in relevant areas and psychologically stable.


How do you get recruited by the CIA?

A few things to know and do:
  1. You must be a U.S. citizen.
  2. You must be physically in the United States.
  3. Don't do drugs for at least 12 months before you apply.
  4. You will have to move to the Washington, D.C., area.
  5. You need at least a four-year degree with a 3.0 GPA.
  6. They're pretty serious about the drugs thing.


How do spies get recruited?

How are spies recruited? Spies are recruited via an approach or pitch by a case officer. This often seeks to persuade the individual through appealing to ideology, patriotism, religion, ego, greed, or love, or sometimes by using blackmail or some other form of coercion.

What is the passing score for CIA?

The number of questions answered correctly, known as the raw score, serves as the basis for the scale score. For the CIA exam, using a scale score allows the passing score of 600 to be applied consistently to all three parts of the exam.


How long is CIA training?

These assignments help in the training and field deployment. The 26-35 year old group goes through The Clandestine Service (CST) Program. This is an 18 month long program. The applicant must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

How long is the CIA hiring process?

How long does it take to get hired at CIA? The hiring process at CIA takes an average of 123 days when considering 94 user submitted interviews across all job titles.

How long is CIA training at the farm?

Top candidates spend at least six months at the Farm, the ultra-secret 9,000-acre military base in Virginia where spies master 007-style skills from shooting Glocks and M4s to parachuting, speed boating, and recruiting assets. It's not all about spooking and sleuthing, however.


What is the CIA dress code?

Pants must be hemmed above the natural heel and below the ankle. CIA-issued cleaned and pressed white chef's jacket with embroidered name. CIA-approved clean white neckerchief. CIA-issued clean white paper chef hat.

Can you have facial hair in the CIA?

Facial hair (mustaches, beards, and goatees) is permitted but can be no longer than 1/2 inch in length and must always be neatly trimmed.

Do you have to be born in the US to be a CIA agent?

Being a U.S. citizen. CIA applicants must have citizenship in the United States. Naturalized citizens, or U.S. citizens born in another country, may apply to the CIA, but only after receiving citizenship status.