How to Get Recruited to the CIA

Prepare yourself to assume alter egos and personas.

The CIA is an elite and highly selective government agency that engages in top secret missions across the world. The ideal candidates display excellence in a variety of skill sets, a deep commitment to service for their country and unwavering integrity. Recruitment into the CIA is an arduous and lengthy process. Even the best candidates for recruitment can be turned down for the slightest reason.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma
• Proof of U.S. citizenship

Instructions

1. Apply for a student internship or scholarship program. The CIA offers internship and scholarship programs for high school seniors and college undergraduate and graduate students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates in these programs can receive tuition assistance and even a salary for their work. The CIA targets students who intend on majoring in a technical field, so you might want to endeavor to major in a field such as engineering or mathematics.

2. Enlist in the military. Service in any of the departments of the military will increase the chances of getting recruited to the CIA, not only because of tactical skills learned but also the ability to demonstrate allegiance to the government. Especially valuable to the CIA are candidates who hold a highly technical position or who have special-forces experience in units such as the Marine Corps.

3. Become fluent in a foreign language. The CIA assigns agents on assignments all over the world, so being proficient in a language other than English will set you apart from other candidates. Fluency in foreign languages less common than French, German and Spanish will also help boost the chances of recruitment. The more languages spoken, the more versatile a candidate.

4. Develop analytical skills. Working as an analyst in the CIA is at the heart of what the CIA does. The CIA needs people to gather and evaluate huge amounts of information ranging from counterterrorism leads to sophisticated narcotics operations. Analysts also make human contacts so that they can glean information and ultimately determine how it might affect national security. Having the skills necessary to obtain and interpret sensitive information will make you an asset to the CIA.

Tips & Warnings

• To become a member of the CIA, you must be at least 18 years of age, be a U.S. citizen and have a high school degree.

• Advanced degrees are preferred, and anything less than this will limit your ability to set yourself apart from other candidates.

• You must undergo a thorough medical examination and polygraph test prior to acceptance.

• Do not get into any trouble with the law. The CIA will perform an extensive background check, and any legal troubles you may have had will likely disqualify you from becoming a member of the CIA.

References

• Central Intelligence Agency: FAQs
• Central Intelligence Agency: CIA Vision, Mission & Values