How to become a cia clandestine agent. John Sipher served for nearly three decades in the CIA’s National Clandestine Service, including multiple overseas tours and assignments as Chief of Station on three continents, including Europe. You have three days from the time you create an account to complete the application online Understand what is involved in a CIA career before seeking to join the CIA. Want to be a CIA Clandestine Services Operation Officer? Learn the low-down by reading Shmoop's career overview that outlines what it takes to get and keep the job. To carry out our mission and our work, all CIA professionals must live up to the highest standards of integrity. Plus, get her advice for breaking in and some clandestine tactics for your own career. How Someone Becomes a CIA Agent. 󳄫 The term "CIA spook" is a colloquial expression that refers to a clandestine operative or agent affiliated with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States. The path to becoming a CIA agent requires dedication, a strong educational foundation, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. All employees, from case officers, to analysts, to librarians and public affairs, are considered CIA officers. Clandestine HUMINT asset recruiting, also known as agent cultivation, refers to the recruitment of human agents, commonly known as spies, who work for a foreign government, or within a host country's government or other target of intelligence interest for the gathering of human intelligence. Find out the CIA Job Requirements so that you can start your career working for the Central Intelligence Agency. What are the key characteristics that makes a good operative? What i What are common CIA job requirements? What are some CIA jobs? What are some tips for becoming a CIA agent? CIA agents work for the Central Intelligence Agency to protect the country in matters of national security. Secret agent - How to become a secret agent how to apply If you want to become a spy, be aware that the application process will take some time — possibly more than a year. If you do, fill out the application, following any instructions or deadlines to the letter, and include your resume with the application. Do you have what it takes? Starting a career with the Central Intelligence Agency might be a little more mundane than your CIA dreams. Tough clearance and background check requirements like these present a challenge to the CIA’s overall recruitment process. citizen to work at CIA. Educational standards for these One of the first steps to becoming a CIA agent is to obtain the necessary education and training. S. Michael Warner -- is the domain of what the CIA calls its National Clandestine Ser CIA College Degree Qualifications for Clandestine Positions One of the largest areas of professional opportunity lies within the CIA’s National Clandestine Service (NCS), which is responsible for the investigation, assessment, and analysis of foreign intelligence, which is provided to the President of the United States and other key U. Individuals who work in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) often play an important role in the security and protection of the United States and its citizens. The world’s most well-known foreign intelligence agency, the CIA analyzes foreign intelligence and conducts covert operations. Former CIA operative, Ric Prado, breaks down what the agency looks for in a new recruit. Interested in a career at CIA? View all jobs Protect the American people and uphold the Constitution by joining the FBI as a special agent, intelligence analyst, or professional in over 200 career trajectories. There are two entry-level positions that are available for individuals interested in jobs with the CIA’s National Clandestine Service: PT Program – Candidates for the PT Program in New York are typically 21-25 years old and have a Bachelor’s degree at minimum. Additionally, CIA jobs almost always require successful completion of a Full-Scope Polygraph examination. Nov 11, 2025 · The definitive, step-by-step guide to becoming a CIA Clandestine Service Officer, covering prerequisites, rigorous vetting, training, and operational lifestyle. To qualify for the CIA’s Professional Trainee (PT) program, individuals must possess a bachelor’s or master’s If you are looking for information on how to become a CIA agent, here is everything you need to know, including the requirements and eligibility criteria. In Massachusetts, the CIA’s National Clandestine Service offers two entry-level positions for people interested in pursuing a career as a Core Collector: the Professional Trainee Program and the Clandestine Service Program. Our hiring process may be lengthy, but it could lead to an exciting career where you can make a difference for our country. This means honing your observation skills—being able to pick up on subtle cues like body language, unusual behavior, or environmental changes. There are two entry-level positions available for individuals in Texas who seek to join the CIA’s National Clandestine Service: the Professional Trainee Program (PT) and the Clandestine Service Program (CST). CIA handlers, or field agents, often go into the field to recruit foreign agents, and need the ability to assess individuals from a distance and determine if they would make a likely candidate for Living a lie for 10 years, this former CIA agent doesn't pull punches when sharing what his life was like as a spy. The CIA special agents of the NCS come from varied backgrounds and have any number of life, experience, and educational backgrounds and language capacities. C. Learn how to become a CIA agent, what CIA agents do, and explore different roles within the CIA. Jan 6, 2026 · All CIA positions require a bachelor’s degree, but some may prefer or require a master’s or doctorate degree. Clandestine Service Training Education Requirements Candidates for the CIA professional trainee program must be U. Some of the most sought-after CIA jobs are in intelligence gathering with the National Clandestine Services division. In this article, we examine what CIA agents do with the average salary, the application requirements, how to become a CIA agent and similar careers. The CIA’s National Clandestine Service in Indiana offers two entry-level positions for the Core Collector career path: the Professional Trainee Program (PT) and the Clandestine Service Program (CST): In Oklahoma, there are two entry-level positions for individuals seeking employment as a Core Collector in the CIAs National Clandestine Service: the Professional Trainee Program and the Clandestine Service Program. citizens with a four-year degree from an accredited university, or be within one year of graduating. The President and Congress use the… what a cia agent does A spy for the CIA is technically referred to as an Operations Officer, working in the Clandestine Service of the CIA, under the Directorate of Operations. S. "Secret state activity to understand or influence foreign entities" -- intelligence as defined by Central Intelligence Agency historian Dr. What Does A CIA Agent Do? A CIA agent, or CIA officer, is a federal employee dedicated to collecting and analyzing intelligence related to national security. After 9/11, the CIA greatly expanded its recruitment for covert paramilitary jobs. You must be a U. A spy’s greatest asset is the ability to notice what others overlook. The entry-level CIA agent job is the core collector. What it Takes to Become a CIA Special Agent Investigator in Texas Education and Experience – Candidates for CIA special agent jobs in Texas must meet stringent requirements for employment. Myth 2: The men and women who work for the CIA are spies and agents Citizens who work for the CIA are officers — not agents or spies. The CIA’s maximum age requirements for clandestine officer positions are designed to meet the strenuous demands of intelligence work while allowing for lengthy careers. There's no mystery to becoming a CIA agent, also known as a National Clandestine Service operations officer. Most CIA agents have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, political science, or intelligence studies. The word "spook" is slang for someone who operates in secrecy or engages in espionage activities, often involving intelligence gathering, covert operations, or In the Cold War, espionage cases included Alger Hiss, Whittaker Chambers and the Rosenberg Case. To become a successful CIA agent Shmoop guide to the odds of landing a job as a CIA Clandestine Services Operation Officer. So, who is a CIA agent? Our case officers recruit well-placed human assets with access to information. Go to the CIA 's Have you decided to work for the CIA, the premier intelligence gathering agency in the US? Now take the next step and find out how to become a CIA agent here. citizen, you can submit your resume as soon as you are awarded citizenship, but not before. Protect the Nation Find your fit at the Agency by choosing from over 160 careers essential to our mission. How to Become a CIA Field Agent. Discover how governmental safe houses in San Francisco and New York were used as clandestine sites where unsuspecting individuals were lured into brothels, only to have their drinks covertly spiked with LSD. Recently, one of its largest divisions shifted focus from counter-terrori If you want a career that contributes to the national security of the United States, a job with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) might be for you. Ever dream about a more exciting job? Check out our Q&A with J. Most of the agents in the CIA are hired through the Clandestine Service Program. While the specific qualifications are a closely guarded secret to maintain the integrity of the agency, applicants must have college experience in a hard science, foreign language, engineering, law enforcement, military operations, technology, or a related field. However, all of these professionals must meet the agency’s requirements to be eligible for CIA jobs. You apply for the job. A career guide for becoming a CIA officer, including requirements, common tasks, and salary. Individuals who want to learn how to become CIA agents in the agency’s clandestine services must meet the requirements for the Clandestine Service and Professional Trainee Programs. Special agent/investigators with the CIA, who must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of investigative experience, earn between $75,000 and $136,000. policymakers. May 3, 2025 · If you want to become a CIA agent, search the CIA website for their job listings, then carefully read through each position to see if you fit the criteria. Even the most mundane job typically requires candidates with a Top Secret clearance. The chaos was then meticulously observed by CIA agents hidden behind one-way mirrors, all without any informed consent or medical oversight. citizen or a dual-national U. Shmoop answers how tough the interview will be, or if it is even possible to get an interview. While the spying side of the CIA might be the seeming glamor filled side you're hankering after, the Directorate of Operations (or "clandestine service" where the spies are located), is but one part of the CIA and a small part at that. We want all our candidates to move through the hiring process with confidence and ease. The mission of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is to collect, analyze and present foreign intelligence to the President and other key policymakers. National security officials, including CIA special agents, have discovered that, as schools become more global and become engaged in more international collaboration, they become increasingly vulnerable to theft of research conducted for the government and for private industry. That all being said, working in the intelligence field, and specifically, for the CIA’s National Clandestine Service (NCS), is a kick-ass job, and a great way to serve your country. If you are in the process of becoming a U. Georgia residents interested in a career as a Core Collector with the CIA’s National Clandestine Services in can apply to one of the two entry-level programs, provided they meet the requirements highlighted here. . In 1952 the Communist Chinese captured two CIA agents and in 1960 Francis Gary Powers, flying a U-2 reconnaissance mission over the Soviet Union for the CIA, was shot down and captured. All of these positions require at least a bachelor’s degree and a background investigation. The CIA is one of the nation’s most important lines of defense. Agents must have already proven they can make a years-long commitment and that they have above-average cognitive capabilities. The CIA's Clandestine Service is the front-line source of clandestine information on critical international developments, from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction to military and political issues. How to Become a Core Collector with the CIA in Washington In Washington, the CIA’s National Clandestine Service gives applicants two entry-level options for a career as a Core Collector. No particular college major is required in order to become a CIA employee doing top-secret work. Conclusion Becoming a CIA agent is a challenging yet rewarding journey for those passionate about serving their country and making a difference in national security. With this in mind, we carefully vet every candidate who hopes to join CIA. 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)日本語 (Japanese)한국어 (Korean)ไทย (Thai)Български (Bulgarian)Čeština (Czech)Dansk (Danish)Deutsch (German)Español - España (Spanish - Spain)Español - Latinoamérica (Spanish - Latin America)Ελληνικά (Greek)Français (French)Italiano (Italian)Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)Magyar (Hungarian The National Clandestine Service (NCS) is the undercover arm of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the authority on all clandestine operations throughout the world that concerns the nation’s intelligence community. THE CLANDESTINE SERVICE THE CUTTING EDGE OF AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE Here are 5 key characteristics and skill sets that can get you noticed and hired by the CIA's National Clandestine Service (NCS). Those in this role collect and analyze intelligence, prevent and respond to threats and conduct covert missions. CIA Agent Salary Expectations CIA agent salaries are largely dependent upon a candidate’s background, including education and experience. The mission often requires clandestine service officers to live and work overseas, making a true commitment to the Agency. Another variable is experience: Most CIA jobs want at least at least one year of prior experience, but some require three to five years. Individuals who want to learn how to become a core collector with the CIA must apply for either the CIA’s Professional Trainee (PT) or the Clandestine Service (CST) program. Dec 16, 2025 · Working for the CIA allows you to play a crucial role in ensuring the security and protection of the country and its citizens. Situational awareness allows you to assess threats and opportunities in real-time, which is vital whether you’re tailing a target or analyzing a scene. Carleson, who left her corporate gig to work as a CIA operative, to learn more about working for the Agency. While some agents operate overseas, the majority are stationed within the U. anzs, ctjfr, 8ioad, bmhjyi, usef, gwa7rk, rz6x, iyscv, beq9, movn,