Skip to main content
Go to CIA.gov

Careers

How We Hire

The More Prepared You Are, the Better

To carry out our mission and our work, all CIA professionals must live up to the highest standards of integrity. With this in mind, we carefully vet every candidate who hopes to join CIA.

Our hiring process – from the day you apply to the day you walk in the door as an employee – could take a year or more. While this process can be lengthy, it could lead to an exciting career where you can make a difference for our country.

We want all our applicants to move through the hiring process with confidence and ease. Below, you’ll find information about what to do before, during, and after you apply for a job at CIA.

Minimum Requirements

For us to consider you for a job at CIA, you must be:

  • Physically in the United States or one of its territories when you apply
  • A U.S. citizen (dual U.S. citizens also eligible)
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Willing to move to the Washington, DC area
  • Able to successfully complete security and medical evaluations, including a background investigation, a polygraph interview, and a physical and psychological examination
View Requirements

Hiring Process

Our 5-step hiring process includes:

  1. Apply online
  2. Screening, testing, and interviews
  3. A Conditional Offer of Employment and SF-86
  4. Security and medical evaluations as part of the clearance process
  5. Official job offer and onboarding
View Timeline

Veteran Benefits and Opportunities

Your previous military service could qualify you to continue serving the Nation at CIA. We are proud to support our service members through special employment opportunities and benefits exclusive to veterans.

Learn More

Accommodations and Accessibility

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need accommodations for any reason during the hiring process, our Reasonable Accommodations Staff can help.

Get Guidance