How We Hire
CIA Requirements
Thinking about joining the CIA? You are making an important decision. Because of our critical mission, we require several important items from all applicants. Before you apply, review the following requirements that you must meet to qualify for employment at CIA.
Careers Overview
Transcript
We are the Central Intelligence Agency.
The nation’s first line of defense.
We are the Central Intelligence Agency.
Across the directorates, around the globe and here at home.
We are the National Clandestine Service.
Discovering the truth to protect our nation.
We are the Directorate of Science and Technology.
Creating, adapting and developing technology so advanced it’s classified.
We are the Directorate of Intelligence.
Analyzing, gathering and disseminating critical intelligence from many sources.
We are the Directorate of Support and the Director’s Staff.
Fulfilling the Agency mission with expertise from many fields.
We are the Central Intelligence Agency.
One team, supporting one mission.
Intelligence officers, scientists and engineers.
Analysts, economists and attorneys.
Physicians, accountants, linguists and interns.
We are the Central Intelligence Agency.
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
You Must Apply Online, While in the United States
We only accept online job applications through our official CIA Application Portal. In addition, you must be physically within the United States or its territories when you apply. This is for your safety and security.
While you may travel abroad for a short duration during the hiring process, do not contact us while you are physically outside of the United States or its territories. This includes by hard copy mail, telephone, email, or internet.
You Must Be a U.S. Citizen and at Least 18 Years of Age
You must be a U.S. citizen or a dual-national U.S. citizen to work at CIA. If you are in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, you can apply as soon as you are awarded citizenship, but not before. We do not help individuals apply for U.S. citizenship.
Also, you must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for a job at CIA.
You Must Be Willing to Move to the Washington, DC Area
We embrace applicants from all over the country and around the world. But, keep in mind that all positions are in the Washington, DC area and some require overseas travel. You must be willing to move if you don’t already live in the area. For questions about relocation, please speak to your recruiter.
You Must Complete Security and Medical Evaluations
Because of the classified nature of our work, all CIA applicants must go through a comprehensive security clearance process.
Background Investigation
During the background investigation, we interview neighbors, friends, supervisors, and co-workers to evaluate your character, trustworthiness, and loyalty to the United States. We also look into any conflicts of interest or potential for coercion, as well as your ability to protect sensitive information.
Polygraph Interview
All applicants must take part in a polygraph interview. Our polygraph examiners are highly trained security professionals. We keep all answers confidential.
Physical and Psychological Examination
During the clearance process, you also need to complete a medical exam to assess your physical and mental health as it relates to essential job duties. We take the protection, release, and use of health information very seriously and follow strict privacy standards as stated in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Security Concerns and Potential Disqualifiers
We understand that no one is perfect. For this reason, we assess each applicant as a whole, rather than based on a single mistake or issue from the past. To increase transparency, here are some common reasons why we might disqualify applicants.
Lack of Candor
Lack of candor, or dishonesty, at any point in the hiring process, is the number one reason why we disqualify applicants. Not only does honesty build trust, but it also helps move the hiring process along faster.
Illegal Drug Use or Misuse of Prescription Drugs
To qualify for a clearance, you must not have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last 12 months. We carefully evaluate the issue of illegal drug use of the previous 12 months during medical and security processing. Keep in mind: while some states have legalized marijuana, federal statutes prohibit federal agencies from granting clearances to users of controlled substances, including marijuana.
Criminal or Unethical Behavior
We trust our employees to uphold the highest standards of conduct. 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.
Lack of Responsiveness
Throughout this process, we expect quick responses and for you to keep your appointments with us as best you can. If there is anything happening in your life that might interfere with your responsiveness, we recommend waiting to apply until you are ready.
Association With Our Social Media
For your security, if you are interested in or have applied for a job at CIA, do not follow us on social media. This includes posting content, following or friending accounts, and liking or sharing content or commentary.
Our Hiring Process
Ready to apply? Get helpful information about the steps and estimated timelines related to our hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate in hiring or granting, denying, or revoking security clearances.
Accommodations
If you need accommodations at any point in the hiring process, our Reasonable Accommodations Staff can help.
Job Opportunities
Review our position descriptions for information about career paths, qualifications, salary levels, and more.