QuoteWhat is involved in the application process? How long does it take?
Because of the classified nature of our work at the Central Intelligence Agency, the application process is a lengthy one. Depending on an applicant's specific circumstances, the process may take as little as two months or more than a year.
Applicants must undergo a thorough background investigation examining their life history, character, trustworthiness, reliability and soundness of judgment. Also examined is one's freedom from conflicting allegiances, potential to be coerced and willingness and ability to abide by regulations governing the use, handling and the protection of sensitive information. The Agency uses the polygraph to check the veracity of this information. The hiring process also entails a thorough medical examination of one's mental and physical fitness to perform essential job functions.