CIA Targeting Officer Recruitment 2026: Salary, Eligibility, Job Responsibilities, Selection Process & How to Apply

The supplied recruitment announcement, identified by USAJOBS control number 756782600, advertises positions at GS-9 through GS-11, with an annual salary range of $72,254 to $109,975.

The vacancy is classified under federal occupational series 0132 (Intelligence). It is a full-time, permanent, non-supervisory position based in Washington, DC, with promotion potential to GS-15.

Unlike conventional government recruitment examinations, this opportunity does not advertise a written examination with a published syllabus, marks distribution, or negative-marking system. Selection instead involves resume screening, position-specific assessments, interviews, and extensive security and medical evaluations.

There is also a crucial eligibility restriction: candidates must be U.S. citizens. International applicants who do not possess U.S. citizenship cannot qualify merely by holding an appropriate university degree or professional experience.

Recruitment highlights

Particular	Details
Recruiting organization	Central Intelligence Agency
Position	Targeting Officer
Announcement number	24-12182976-7032/CSHD
USAJOBS control number	756782600
Job category	Intelligence
Occupational series	0132
Pay grades	GS-9 to GS-11
Advertised salary	$72,254–$109,975
Work location	Washington, DC
Number of vacancies	Many vacancies; exact number unspecified
Employment type	Full-time, permanent
Appointment category	Excepted Service
Promotion potential	GS-15
Telework	Not eligible
Remote work	Not eligible
Travel	Up to 25%
Security requirement	Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
Application platform	CIA Careers / MyLINK

Source: Official USAJOBS vacancy announcement.

About the Hiring Organization: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

The Central Intelligence Agency is the principal U.S. civilian foreign intelligence agency. It operates within the broader U.S. Intelligence Community and provides intelligence information to national security decision-makers.

History and establishment

The CIA was formally established through the National Security Act of 1947, which reorganized important elements of the American national security and intelligence structure following the Second World War.

Its institutional predecessor was the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which conducted intelligence and special operations activities during World War II.

The creation of the CIA reflected the growing need for a permanent organization capable of collecting and evaluating foreign intelligence during an increasingly complicated international security environment.

Over the decades, the agency’s work has expanded alongside changes in international politics, technology, military affairs, terrorism, cyber operations, and global economic relationships.

Mission and responsibilities

The CIA’s broad mission includes:

• Collecting foreign intelligence.
• Evaluating information about international developments.
• Producing objective intelligence assessments.
• Conducting authorized covert action.
• Supporting national security decision-making.
• Protecting sensitive information and intelligence sources.

The agency performs its mission through different directorates and professional divisions.

Understanding the Directorate of Operations

The Targeting Officer position belongs to the Directorate of Operations.

This directorate focuses on human intelligence collection and operational activities outside the United States, subject to applicable legal authorities and agency procedures.

Targeting Officers contribute by identifying people and networks that may provide access to valuable intelligence. Their analytical work helps operational teams understand where relevant information may exist and how intelligence collection opportunities can be developed.

The role is therefore different from a conventional office-based research position. It combines research, analytical judgment, communication, operational awareness, and teamwork.

Work culture

CIA employment comes with significant professional responsibilities.

Employees are expected to demonstrate:

• Integrity and sound judgment.
• Discretion and confidentiality.
• Commitment to national security.
• Respect for legal and institutional requirements.
• Adaptability in demanding environments.
• Ability to collaborate with professionals from different backgrounds.

Candidates should understand that intelligence work is not simply an exciting alternative to ordinary government employment. It requires long-term commitment, strict security discipline, and the ability to operate under unusual professional constraints.

Official reference: CIA Careers.

Complete Vacancy Details

The supplied announcement is a recruitment opportunity for Targeting Officers within the Directorate of Operations.

Vacancy information table

Detail	Official information
Organization	CIA
Position title	Targeting Officer
Job series	0132
Grade	GS-9 / GS-11
Vacancy count	Many vacancies
Location	Washington, DC
Employment	Permanent
Work schedule	Full-time
Supervisory status	Non-supervisory
Promotion potential	GS-15
Relocation	Reimbursement may be available under agency policy
Travel requirement	25% or less
Telework	Not eligible
Remote work	Not eligible
Drug testing	Required
Financial disclosure	Required
Background investigation	National security

Category-wise vacancy distribution

The announcement does not publish a numerical reservation or category-wise vacancy breakdown.

This is important because applicants should not assume that the position follows the reservation categories used in Indian government recruitment or that an undisclosed number of positions is available to any particular demographic group.

The official announcement identifies eligible applicant groups as U.S. citizens and certain categories of current federal employees.

Current job status

As of November 2, 2026:

• The original USAJOBS page is accessible.
• Its displayed status reads “Accepting applications.”
• The announcement is identified by a 2024-style recruitment number.
• The page specifically states that it is for viewing purposes only.
• Candidates are instructed to visit the CIA Careers website and use MyLINK.

Therefore, the practical application status must be confirmed through the CIA’s own recruitment system rather than inferred from the USAJOBS status label.

Detailed Job Profile and Key Responsibilities

A Targeting Officer is responsible for helping intelligence teams identify individuals, relationships, and organizations that may possess information relevant to national security.

The position requires more than general research skills. Officers must understand how people, institutions, international developments, and networks interact.

A. Identifying intelligence opportunities

One of the central responsibilities is identifying people and organizations that may have access to information required by U.S. intelligence priorities.

This involves evaluating available information, recognizing relationships, identifying gaps, and helping operational teams understand where valuable intelligence may be obtained.

B. Supporting foreign intelligence collection

Targeting Officers contribute to the planning and implementation of foreign intelligence collection operations.

They work with other Directorate of Operations professionals to identify opportunities and support ongoing intelligence activities.

C. Counterterrorism and national security

The position contributes to intelligence efforts addressing:

• International terrorist networks.
• Illegal arms trafficking.
• International drug networks.
• Cybersecurity threats.
• Counterintelligence threats.
• Other developments affecting U.S. foreign intelligence priorities.

D. Analytical research and assessment

Officers use analytical skills and specialized tools to evaluate information and identify meaningful connections.

Candidates should be comfortable working with incomplete information, considering competing explanations, and communicating conclusions clearly.

E. Team collaboration

Intelligence work involves multiple professionals with different responsibilities.

Targeting Officers collaborate with operational colleagues and other intelligence specialists. The ability to communicate clearly, share relevant information appropriately, and work toward common objectives is essential.

F. Training and professional development

New Directorate of Operations officers begin with structured training, practical exercises, classroom instruction, and on-the-job experience.

The announcement identifies two recruitment pathways:

Programme	Professional experience
Clandestine Service Trainee (CST)	Three or more years
Professional Trainee (PT)	Less than three years

The exact placement depends on the agency’s assessment and recruitment requirements.

Job Announcement

Day-to-day working environment

The position should not be understood as a conventional nine-to-five research job.

Some officers may be required to:

• Work non-traditional or irregular schedules.
• Make decisions under time pressure.
• Drive independently in daytime and nighttime conditions.
• Navigate uneven terrain and staircases.
• Adapt to changing operational requirements.

These are specific physical and scheduling expectations identified in the announcement. They should not be interpreted as a universal physical fitness test with published numerical standards.

Eligibility Criteria for CIA Targeting Officer Recruitment

Eligibility is one of the most important aspects of this recruitment.

Unlike many international government opportunities, CIA employment is subject to strict U.S. citizenship and national security requirements.

A. Nationality and citizenship

Candidates must:

• Be U.S. citizens.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be physically present in the United States or one of its territories when submitting their resume through MyLINK.
• Be willing to relocate to the Washington, DC area.

Dual U.S. citizens are eligible.

Can Indian citizens apply?

An Indian citizen without U.S. citizenship is not eligible for this particular position.

An Indian-born individual who has subsequently acquired U.S. citizenship may satisfy the citizenship requirement, provided all other conditions are met.

Holding an H-1B visa, student visa, permanent residence, or an Indian passport alone does not satisfy the requirement for U.S. citizenship.

1. Educational qualifications

The official vacancy requires:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Candidates who are within one year of earning a four-year degree may also be considered.
• A GPA of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale is preferred.

There is no specified preferred academic major.

This means graduates from different academic backgrounds may be considered, provided they demonstrate the required analytical, interpersonal, communication, and professional capabilities.

Relevant academic backgrounds may include:

• International relations.
• Political science.
• Economics.
• History.
• Psychology.
• Sociology.
• Computer science.
• Mathematics.
• Business administration.
• Foreign languages.
• Engineering.

These are examples of potentially relevant fields, not mandatory degree requirements.

C. Foreign educational qualifications

The announcement specifically permits foreign academic degrees.

However, candidates with foreign qualifications are responsible for obtaining a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that their degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s or master’s degree, as applicable.

For applicants educated in India, this requirement is particularly important.

An Indian bachelor’s degree should not automatically be assumed to meet the CIA’s equivalency requirement without the required evaluation.

D. Age limit

Requirement	Rule
Minimum age	18 years
Maximum age	No specific maximum stated in this announcement
Citizenship	U.S. citizenship required
Dual citizenship	Permitted for dual U.S. citizens

The absence of a stated maximum age does not guarantee eligibility at every age; applicants must still satisfy all applicable employment and security requirements.

E. Physical and medical requirements

Candidates must successfully complete:

• Medical examinations.
• Psychological examinations.
• A polygraph interview.
• A comprehensive background investigation.

Some Directorate of Operations training assignments may also involve physical and mobility-related expectations.

The announcement does not provide a standard height requirement, weight requirement, eyesight score, running-time standard, or a conventional physical efficiency test.

F. Professional qualities

The CIA identifies several desirable characteristics:

1. Personal integrity.
2. Strong interpersonal skills.
3. Excellent communication abilities.
4. Ability to work independently.
5. Teamwork and collaboration.
6. Adaptability.
7. Inquisitiveness.
8. Investigative thinking.
9. Ability to communicate complex analysis.
10. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities.

Candidates should also be comfortable working in high-pressure environments and learning new technologies.

Salary, Perks and Benefits

Advertised salary: $72,254–$109,975 annually

The vacancy advertises a salary range of $72,254 to $109,975 per year under GS-9 to GS-11.

This is the original announcement’s published salary range, not a guarantee that every successful candidate will receive the same amount.

A. Advertised salary structure

Pay grade	Salary information
GS-9	Included in advertised range
GS-11	Included in advertised range
Overall advertised range	$72,254–$109,975
Promotion potential	GS-15

The precise starting salary depends on the applicable appointment and compensation determination.

B. Understanding 2026 Washington locality pay

Federal employees’ General Schedule compensation is affected by locality pay.

For comparison, the OPM 2026 Washington-Baltimore-Arlington salary table incorporates a 33.94% locality payment.

Its published rates include:

Grade	2026 Step 1	2026 Step 10
GS-9	$70,623	$91,815
GS-10	$77,771	$101,097
GS-11	$85,447	$111,087

These figures are the 2026 OPM locality-adjusted rates, not a replacement for the CIA vacancy’s original advertised salary. The CIA should confirm the actual applicable pay treatment and entry salary with candidates.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management+1

C. Health insurance

CIA employees can access health coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.

Additional available coverage includes:

• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Long-term care insurance.

Employees can select from available insurance plans according to applicable enrolment rules.

D. Retirement benefits

Eligible employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

FERS has three principal components:

1. Basic Benefit Plan.
2. Social Security.
3. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

The TSP is a retirement savings programme comparable in broad structure to a workplace defined-contribution retirement plan.

Eligible government contributions and matching arrangements can help employees accumulate retirement savings.

E. Paid leave

CIA’s published benefits information identifies the following annual leave accrual structure:

Federal service	Annual leave per year
Less than 3 years	13 days
3 to less than 15 years	20 days
15 years or more	26 days

Other leave benefits include:

• Up to 13 days of sick leave annually for full-time employees.
• At least 10 paid federal holidays.
• Medical Leave Bank participation, subject to programme requirements.
• Additional leave provisions for eligible veterans.

F. Additional benefits

CIA’s official benefits information also describes:

• On-site fitness facilities.
• Up to three hours of excused absence per week for physical fitness.
• Childcare facilities and subsidy programmes.
• Flexible scheduling options, subject to operational requirements.
• Student loan repayment assistance, subject to applicable conditions.
• Professional education and training opportunities.
• Foreign-language training and potential language-related compensation.
• Overtime, holiday, night differential, and other premium payments where applicable.

G. Is the salary competitive?

The advertised salary is substantial when considered alongside federal retirement, health insurance, paid leave, and professional training.

However, candidates should evaluate the total compensation package rather than salary alone.

The cost of living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area is an important consideration. Housing, transportation, taxes, and daily expenses can materially affect disposable income.

The role may be particularly attractive to candidates who value long-term federal employment, professional development, and intelligence work.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The original recruitment announcement does not provide a dependable set of current application opening, closing, examination, or fee-payment dates.

The announcement’s present accessibility must not be confused with a newly issued 2026 recruitment notification.

Recruitment dates table

Event	Verified information
Original recruitment cycle	Announcement number indicates a 2024 recruitment identifier
Application opening date	Not established from the accessible announcement
Application closing date	Not established
Current USAJOBS display	Accepting applications
Current CIA intake	Must be confirmed through CIA Careers/MyLINK
Written examination	No conventional examination date published
Interview date	Communicated individually, if selected
Medical assessment	During the recruitment process
Polygraph	During the security assessment
Final appointment	Subject to successful completion of the process

Candidate advice: Check the official CIA recruitment portal before making any plans. Do not rely on third-party websites that display old closing dates as though they apply to a new recruitment cycle.

Selection Process and Assessment Pattern

The CIA’s selection process is significantly different from recruitment through conventional public-service examinations.

There is no officially published Targeting Officer written examination with a fixed marks distribution.

Instead, the agency assesses whether candidates possess the professional capabilities, judgment, integrity, and security suitability required for the role.

Stage 1: Resume submission

Candidates submit their resume through MyLINK after expressing interest in the relevant CIA position.

The resume should clearly communicate education, employment experience, relevant skills, and professional achievements.

Stage 2: Invitation to apply

After reviewing the candidate’s profile, a recruiter may contact suitable applicants and invite them to apply for a particular position.

Submitting a resume does not guarantee an interview.

Stage 3: Screening and assessments

The agency may conduct screening, position-specific testing, and interviews.

Candidates should be prepared to explain their qualifications, analytical approach, decision-making abilities, and professional experiences.

Stage 4: Interviews

Interviews may assess:

• Communication skills.
• Integrity.
• Analytical reasoning.
• Professional judgment.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Adaptability.
• Motivation for intelligence work.
• Teamwork.

Stage 5: Conditional Offer of Employment

Candidates who progress successfully may receive a Conditional Offer of Employment (COE).

This is not the same as a final employment offer.

Stage 6: Security documentation

Candidates must complete required documentation, including the SF-86 security questionnaire and other applicable forms.

Accuracy and consistency are particularly important.

Stage 7: Background investigation and polygraph

The CIA conducts a comprehensive national-security investigation.

A polygraph interview forms part of the assessment.

Stage 8: Medical and psychological assessment

Candidates must successfully complete medical and psychological evaluations.

Stage 9: Final employment offer

Candidates who successfully complete the required evaluations may receive an official employment offer and onboarding instructions.

The CIA cautions that its recruitment process may be lengthy.

Official examination-pattern clarification

Examination component	Official published information
Written examination	Not specified
Total marks	Not specified
Examination duration	Not specified
Negative marking	Not specified
Subject-wise marks	Not specified
Interview	Part of recruitment process
Background investigation	Required
Polygraph	Required
Medical examination	Required
Psychological examination	Required

This distinction is important for SEO readers searching for terms such as “CIA Targeting Officer exam pattern” or “CIA intelligence officer syllabus.” There is no verified basis for presenting a conventional competitive examination structure.

Comprehensive Syllabus and Preparation Strategy

Although the CIA does not publish a formal written examination syllabus for this vacancy, candidates can prepare for the analytical, communication, and professional competencies highlighted in the official announcement.

The following is a recommended preparation framework, not an official examination syllabus.

A. International relations and geopolitics

Candidates should develop a strong understanding of international affairs.

Recommended topics:

• International political systems.
• Foreign policy and diplomacy.
• International conflicts.
• Global security developments.
• Regional political relationships.
• International organizations.
• Geopolitical competition.
• Economic sanctions and international trade.

Preparation strategy: Read reputable international news publications and government reports. Practise explaining complicated international developments in concise, evidence-based language.

B. Intelligence and national security fundamentals

Understand the broad concepts behind intelligence work.

Suggested topics:

• Foreign intelligence collection.
• Human intelligence (HUMINT).
• Open-source intelligence (OSINT).
• Counterintelligence.
• National security policy.
• Intelligence analysis.
• Terrorism and transnational crime.
• Cybersecurity threats.

Candidates should understand the purpose and limitations of different intelligence disciplines rather than assume that memorizing terminology is sufficient.

C. Analytical reasoning

Analytical reasoning is especially relevant because Targeting Officers must evaluate relationships and identify meaningful information.

Practise:

• Logical reasoning.
• Pattern recognition.
• Critical thinking.
• Evaluating conflicting information.
• Identifying assumptions.
• Recognizing information gaps.
• Distinguishing correlation from causation.
• Drawing evidence-based conclusions.

D. Written communication

Strong writing is important in intelligence-related professional environments.

Candidates should practise:

• Writing executive summaries.
• Preparing analytical reports.
• Summarizing complex information.
• Explaining findings objectively.
• Writing concise recommendations.
• Identifying uncertainty and limitations.

E. Research and information evaluation

Develop the ability to evaluate the reliability of information.

Learn to:

• Identify credible primary sources.
• Compare multiple independent sources.
• Recognize unsupported claims.
• Separate facts from interpretations.
• Evaluate source reliability.
• Communicate uncertainty accurately.

F. Situational judgment and decision-making

The vacancy emphasizes adaptability, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to manage multiple tasks.

Prepare examples demonstrating:

• Handling unexpected problems.
• Managing competing priorities.
• Making decisions with incomplete information.
• Resolving professional disagreements.
• Responding to changing deadlines.
• Taking responsibility for mistakes.

Recommended 8-week preparation schedule

Week	Preparation focus	Suggested activity
1	International affairs	Study major geopolitical developments
2	Intelligence fundamentals	Understand intelligence disciplines
3	Analytical reasoning	Practise structured reasoning exercises
4	Research skills	Evaluate information from multiple sources
5	Writing	Prepare short analytical reports
6	Communication	Practise structured interview responses
7	Situational judgment	Work through professional scenarios
8	Interview preparation	Review experience, motivation and examples

Interview preparation tips

1. Understand the job before applying.

Candidates should understand the distinction between a Targeting Officer, an intelligence analyst, and an operations officer.

2. Demonstrate integrity.

The CIA emphasizes personal integrity. Candidates should be prepared to discuss professional decisions honestly.

3. Provide evidence-based examples.

Rather than saying, “I am a good problem solver,” describe a real situation where you identified a problem, evaluated alternatives, and achieved a positive result.

4. Practise concise communication.

Explain complex issues in a clear and logical sequence.

5. Be honest throughout the process.

Inconsistent or misleading information can undermine an application, especially during a national-security investigation.

6. Understand confidentiality.

The agency expects candidates to exercise discretion about their recruitment interest and follow official security instructions.

Application Fees and Payment Mode

The supplied USAJOBS announcement does not specify an application fee.

It also does not prescribe a conventional examination-fee payment system.

Category	Application fee
U.S. citizens	No fee specified
Dual U.S. citizens	No fee specified
Federal employees	No fee specified
Examination fee	No conventional examination fee specified
Payment method	Not specified

Candidates should not assume that a third-party recruitment website’s payment instructions apply to this position.

Important: Be cautious of anyone claiming to guarantee CIA recruitment, interviews, security clearance, or selection in exchange for money.

Always use the official CIA Careers website.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for CIA Targeting Officer Recruitment

The recruitment announcement specifically instructs candidates to apply through the CIA Careers website rather than submit a conventional application directly through USAJOBS.

Follow these steps.

Step 1: Visit the official CIA Careers website

Open:

https://www.cia.gov/careers/

Review the available career opportunities and identify the Targeting Officer position.

Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements

Before expressing interest, confirm that you meet the basic requirements:

• U.S. citizenship.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Bachelor’s degree or qualifying near-completion status.
• Willingness to relocate to Washington, DC.
• Ability to complete the required security and medical evaluations.

Step 3: Review the position description

Read the duties, qualifications, training expectations, and professional requirements.

Check whether the Targeting Officer opportunity is actually accepting new expressions of interest.

Step 4: Express interest in the position

The announcement explains that candidates may express interest in up to four CIA positions.

Select the relevant opportunities according to your qualifications and career interests.

Step 5: Access MyLINK

After expressing interest, you will be directed to MyLINK.

This is the CIA’s recruitment platform for submitting resumes, ranking positions, and providing basic candidate information.

Step 6: Prepare and submit your resume

Your resume should include:

• Educational qualifications.
• Employment history.
• Professional accomplishments.
• Relevant analytical experience.
• Communication skills.
• Technical competencies.
• Language capabilities, where relevant.

Use clear descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.

Do not exaggerate your experience or include information that is inaccurate.

Step 7: Rank your job preferences

The MyLINK process allows candidates to submit their job preferences.

Choose positions that genuinely match your professional background.

Step 8: Submit your information

Review all entries before submitting.

The announcement specifically requires candidates to be physically present in the United States or a U.S. territory when submitting their resume through MyLINK.

Step 9: Wait for recruiter communication

A recruiter may contact candidates whose qualifications match the agency’s requirements.

Not every candidate who submits a resume will receive an invitation to proceed.

Step 10: Complete subsequent assessments

If invited, follow the instructions for screening, assessments, interviews, security documentation, and medical evaluations.

Required documents and upload specifications

The announcement does not publish exact photograph dimensions, resume file-size limits, or image-upload specifications.

Therefore, candidates should follow the current MyLINK instructions instead of relying on unofficial document-size requirements.

Keep the following information available where requested:

Document or information	Purpose
Resume	Academic and professional history
Degree certificate	Educational verification
Academic transcripts	Qualification verification
Foreign degree evaluation	Equivalency assessment, if applicable
Employment history	Professional background
Personal information	Recruitment processing
Security questionnaire	Background investigation, when requested
Supporting documents	As specified by the recruiter

Do not submit sensitive personal information through unofficial websites or third-party recruiters.

Official Links for CIA Targeting Officer Recruitment

Candidates should prioritize official government websites when researching or applying for this opportunity.

Resource	Direct official link
Original Targeting Officer announcement	USAJOBS – Control No. 756782600
CIA Careers homepage	CIA Careers
CIA hiring process	How We Hire
CIA recruitment requirements	CIA Requirements
CIA benefits	Employee Benefits
CIA working environment	Working at CIA
CIA official history	CIA History
Federal salary information	OPM 2026 Salary Tables

Direct application link: The USAJOBS announcement does not provide a standalone public application URL for this particular position. Candidates must navigate through the CIA Careers website and proceed to MyLINK when the relevant recruitment opportunity is available.

This is important: do not mistake the USAJOBS viewing page for a direct application submission form.

14. Employee Reviews and Career Prospects

A job’s official description tells candidates what the organization expects. Employee feedback can provide additional perspective about the working environment.

Glassdoor’s publicly indexed CIA company profile has shown generally positive employee ratings, although ratings change over time and depend on the number and nature of reviews.

At the time of the retrieved review information, the profile showed an overall rating of approximately 3.8 out of 5, with career opportunities rated more highly than senior management.

Glassdoor+1

These ratings should be interpreted carefully.

They are based on anonymous employee submissions and do not represent an official CIA assessment or a Targeting Officer-specific satisfaction survey.

Potential career advantages

• Exposure to complex international security issues.
• Specialized intelligence training.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Federal health and retirement benefits.
• Potential for career advancement.
• Collaboration with experienced intelligence professionals.

Potential career challenges

• Extensive background and security requirements.
• Strict confidentiality obligations.
• Potentially irregular working schedules.
• High professional expectations.
• Limited flexibility regarding remote work.
• Relocation requirements.
• A potentially lengthy recruitment process.

The five-year Contract Term Agreement is another important consideration. Candidates should review the applicable terms carefully before accepting an offer.

Conclusion: Should You Consider CIA Targeting Officer Recruitment?

The CIA Targeting Officer opportunity is a specialized career option for individuals interested in intelligence collection, international security, analytical research, and national security operations.

With an advertised salary range of $72,254 to $109,975, a permanent full-time appointment, federal benefits, and promotion potential to GS-15, the position offers a substantial professional opportunity.

However, the recruitment process is demanding.

Candidates must satisfy strict citizenship requirements, possess the necessary educational qualifications, demonstrate professional integrity, and successfully complete comprehensive security and medical evaluations.

The position is particularly suited to individuals who enjoy analytical problem-solving, international affairs, research, teamwork, and making sound decisions in complex environments.

Final advice for applicants

Before applying:

1. Confirm your U.S. citizenship eligibility.
2. Review the official Targeting Officer vacancy requirements.
3. Prepare an accurate and professionally structured resume.
4. Develop your analytical and communication skills.
5. Understand the CIA’s recruitment and security procedures.
6. Confirm whether the position is accepting new applications through MyLINK.
7. Avoid unofficial recruitment agents and payment requests.

Most importantly, remember that the USAJOBS listing is a viewing-only announcement. The CIA Careers website and MyLINK are the authoritative starting points for expressing interest in employment.

For candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and are genuinely motivated by intelligence work, this career path deserves serious consideration.

Official sources and further reading

The following official and independent resources support the recruitment details and career information discussed above.

1. USAJOBS – Targeting Officer, Control Number 756782600
2. CIA – Official Careers Portal
3. CIA – How We Hire
4. CIA – Benefits
5. CIA – History of the Agency
6. CIA – Mission and Vision
7. OPM – 2026 Washington Locality Salary Table
8. OPM – Federal Employees Retirement System
9. Glassdoor – CIA Employee Reviews

Editorial note: Salary figures, eligibility requirements, and vacancy details in this article are based on the supplied official announcement. Current recruitment availability and agency policies should always be reconfirmed through official CIA channels before taking action.

Important update (November 2, 2026): This USAJOBS announcement remains accessible and displays an “Accepting applications” label. However, the announcement number begins with 24, and the page explicitly describes itself as a viewing-only posting. Applicants must use the CIA Careers website and MyLINK process to express interest. The displayed status should not be treated as confirmation that a new application intake is currently available.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the CIA Targeting Officer recruitment?

The recruitment is for Targeting Officers within the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Their work involves identifying individuals, relationships, and organizations that may provide access to information relevant to U.S. foreign intelligence requirements.

Q2. What is the salary of a CIA Targeting Officer?

The supplied USAJOBS announcement advertises an annual salary between $72,254 and $109,975, with entry grades of GS-9 through GS-11. Actual compensation depends on the applicable appointment and salary determination.

Q3. Can Indian citizens apply for CIA Targeting Officer recruitment?

Indian citizens without U.S. citizenship cannot apply for this position. The CIA requires applicants to be U.S. citizens. Dual U.S. citizens are eligible, provided they satisfy the other requirements.

Q4. What is the minimum educational qualification?

Candidates need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants who are within one year of completing their four-year degree may also be considered. A GPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale is preferred.

Q5. Is there a written examination?

The supplied announcement does not specify a conventional written examination, examination marks, duration, or negative marking. The recruitment process includes screening, position-specific testing, interviews, and extensive security assessments.

Q6. What is the maximum age limit?

The announcement specifies a minimum age of 18 years but does not publish a specific maximum age limit.

Q7. What is the selection process?

The process generally involves resume submission through MyLINK, an invitation to apply, screening, testing, interviews, a Conditional Offer of Employment, security documentation, background investigation, polygraph, medical and psychological assessments, and a final employment offer.

Q8. Does the CIA provide relocation assistance?

The USAJOBS announcement states that candidates may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Reimbursement is not guaranteed for every candidate.

Q9. Where is the Targeting Officer position located?

The advertised duty station is Washington, DC. The position is not eligible for remote work or telework. Overseas travel and competitive opportunities for multi-year overseas postings may be available.

Q10. Is the CIA Targeting Officer job permanent?

Yes. The announcement identifies the appointment type as permanent and the work schedule as full-time. It also specifies a five-year Contract Term Agreement.

Q11. Is a polygraph examination required?

Yes. The announcement requires candidates to successfully complete a polygraph interview as part of the security assessment.

Q12. What is the promotion potential?

The vacancy advertises promotion potential to GS-15. However, this is not an automatic promotion guarantee. Advancement depends on performance, agency requirements, and applicable career progression policies.

Q13. Can candidates with foreign university degrees apply?

The announcement accepts foreign academic degrees, provided candidates obtain and submit an appropriate credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming U.S. degree equivalency.

Q14. Is there an application fee?

The supplied vacancy announcement does not specify an application fee or conventional examination fee. Candidates should use the official CIA recruitment system and disregard unofficial payment demands.

Q15. Is the vacancy currently open?

The USAJOBS page displays “Accepting applications” as of November 2, 2026. However, the posting identifies itself as a viewing-only announcement and directs candidates to CIA Careers and MyLINK. Therefore, actual new application availability must be confirmed through the CIA recruitment portal.