What is the age limit for the CIA?

Author: Ronny Morissette  |  Last update: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Minimum age requirement is 18 years old to apply. There's no maximum age limit for any role at the CIA with the exception of operations officers, which for them is 35.

Can you join the CIA at any age?

Some federal agencies do have an upper age limit for employment for certain positions; however, CIA does not. There's no strict age limit for employment; hiring decisions are made based on a review of the whole person.

What disqualifies you from joining CIA?

Disqualifying Factors

For example, a misdemeanor, shoplifting incident or DUI may disqualify an individual from a potential position at the CIA. While drug use is discouraged, the occasional use of soft drugs like marijuana prior to employment won't impact one's eligibility.

Is it hard to get into CIA?

The CIA maintains rigorous hiring standards. When looking at a career at CIA, make sure you start by looking at the requirements which include: You must be a U.S. citizen (dual citizenship is acceptable). You must be willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.

How much do CIA agents get paid a year?

As of Mar 6, 2025, the average annual pay for a Cia Agents in the United States is $76,185 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $36.63 an hour.

How CIA Spies RECOGNIZE Each Other Instantly

Who is more powerful the FBI or the CIA?

Answer: The FBI has far more power than the CIA, particularly when it comes to ordinary Americans. They primarily operate in the United States and can arrest people. Their mandate is much broader than the CIA's, and they have far more leeway in following the law because no one is looking into them.

Will the CIA hire you without a degree?

It's possible to get a job at the CIA without a college degree. However, most CIA jobs require candidates to have at least a bachelor's degree. Aspiring CIA agents, operations officers, analysts, computer specialists and more all need to get a four-year degree before applying.

Which part of the CIA is the hardest?

CIA Exam Difficulty: The Hardest Part of the CIA Exam

We've found, and frequently hear from candidates around the world, that Part 3 tends to pose the biggest challenge for a number of reasons. Remember, the total exam is 6.5 hours of testing and is divided into three parts: Part 1 – Internal Audit Basics.

What is the most elite CIA unit?

CIA Special Activities Division (SAD) / Special Operations Group. The Special Activities Division (SAD) is the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) covert paramilitary operations unit. They are one of America's most secretive and lowest profile special ops organizations.

How long is CIA training?

Individuals must complete the 56-day Criminal Investigation Training Program through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Program as a condition of employment. The CIA training program is an extensive, 18-month, headquarters-based program.

What do CIA agents tell their family?

CIA officers are permitted to tell their spouses and adult children where they work. Details about that work are classified and you just can't go home and give your spouse or children classified information.

What happens if you fail CIA exam?

Candidates who expire out of the CIA program AFTER 1 September (and who reapply and are approved) have 3 years to complete the CIA program. I failed an exam and want to retake it. How am I affected? Candidates that fail an exam have a 30-day waiting period to retake the exam.

What age can you retire from CIA?

Voluntary Retirement: A participant may voluntarily retire with the consent of the DOI at age 50 with at least 20 years of service including at least 10 years of Agency service of which 5 years are qualifying service. There is no reduction in his annuity for being under age 60. b.

What degree do you need for CIA?

The CIA requires applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field serves as good preparation for a career as a CIA agent.

Can you have long hair in the CIA?

(2) Longer hair may fall loosely to the rear in a neat ponytail, one or two braids, or a tied cluster of braids. (a) Length will not extend below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm.

What's bigger than the CIA?

The NSA relies on a variety of measures to accomplish its mission, the majority of which are clandestine. The NSA has roughly 32,000 employees. "Defending Our Nation. Securing the Future."

Is CIA hard to pass?

The pass rates hover between 40-50% meaning on average, more candidates fail the exam than pass.

Does the CIA go into combat?

As the action arm of the CIA's Directorate of Operations, SAC/SOG conducts direct action missions such as raids, ambushes, sabotage, targeted killings and unconventional warfare (e.g., training and leading guerrilla and military units of other countries in combat) as an irregular military force.

What are the physical requirements for the CIA?

Push-ups: minimum of 18 in one minute. Sit-ups: minimum of 27 in one minute. 1.5 mile run: 15 min 20 sec or less. 300 meter dash: 1 min 08 sec or less.

What college should I go to if I want to be in the CIA?

Although the CIA does not specify that candidates possess specific college degrees, it does suggest that candidates possess a degree that shows a strong interest in international affairs.

Do CIA officers carry guns?

CIA officers are armed when they are physically in an area that requires personal protection using a firearm. CIA provides training and weapons. Otherwise they never carry a firearm.

What is the age limit for the FBI?

There are several basic requirements you need to meet to become an FBI agent: You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be between 23 and 36 years of age. You should have a bachelor's degree.

Is raw as good as CIA?

ISI has the power that can surpass the government, while the CIA and RAW are relatively in the control of the government. CIA is technologically well advance; ISI is least funded still competitive, and RAW is well managed.

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