how do you become a CIA agent ?

This is (not surprisingly) a challenging career question to answer, in large part because the CIA doesn't make the process very transparent.

There are many types of jobs one can pursue in order to work at the Central Intelligence Agency. To give you a sense for the range of positions, here's a comprehensive list created by the CIA: https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/cia-jobs/index.html

When you speak about being an "agent", it sounds like you are referring to what you see in the movies (as opposed to analysts, security officers, investigative agents, or others). In that case, the position within the CIA that most closely reflects that role are the Clandestine Service Officers (follow link for description provided by the CIA).

At a high level, the process appears to go something like this:

• Go to a very high-calibre school (could be undergrad but could also be business schools, engineering schools, or others) or be a very high performer in some branch of the U.S. armed forces
  
  


• Be a documented U.S. Citizen


• Either apply directly for a position, or get approached by a recruiter to be interviewed


• Complete the interviews and written exams


• You must be in excellent health, emotionally stable, and capable of handling extreme stress
  
  


• Complete an extremely extensive background check (in which members of your family and acquaintances may be interviewed)


• Complete a probationary period, after which time you may or may not enter service in some capacity
  
  

The CIA recruits at top colleges.

If you are a smart, standout student, and go to a good college, there is a good chance they will get in touch with you, or you will see them at a career fair booth.

Obviously, they find jobs for lots of students but they're always in need of people with a quantitative feel, so if you know lots of math/cryptography that will also be a way to get yourself noticed.

https://www.ciaagentedu.org/

This should have all the info you are looking for! :)

Be a citizen of the United States.
Be at least 18 years old.
Possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Have strong interpersonal skills.
Have a strong interest in international affairs.
Be able to write clearly and accurately.