Pre-Application Checklist

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Filling out the application is fast — approximately one hour — but it helps to be prepared.

Advice from Peace Corps Volunteers

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Tori Jackson

6 things I learned applying to the Peace Corps
Read Peace Corps Volunteer Tori Jackson's story of how diligence and perseverance paid off during the application process.

Also see: Application FAQs | Connect With a Recruiter

Required documents

Collect the items below before beginning your application. Please note: You can only have one active Peace Corps Volunteer application.

  • Resume
    • 1-3 pages
    • Accepted formats: doc, dox, htm, html, mht, mhtml, pdf, rtf, txt
  • Motivation for Serving statement

    Maximum length: 4,000 characters (approximately 500 words)

    Address why you want to become a Peace Corps Volunteer and how you would overcome the challenges associated with service.

  • Three references

    Required information:

    • Name
    • Email
    • Phone number

    Recommended relationships:

    • Preferred: Current or previous employment supervisor(s)
    • Volunteer work supervisor(s)
    • Professor or advisor
    • Mentor
    • Close friend
    • No relatives permitted
  • Foreign language skills

    You will be asked to select your level of skill if applicable, and need to provide proof of completion:

    • Official or unofficial transcript for college coursework
    • Proficiency exam results

Additional required information

The following is needed to successfully submit your application:

  • Basic personal information such as contact info and Social Security number
  • Naturalization number (if applicable)
  • Peace Corps history (if applicable)
  • Legal history
  • Intelligence agency background (for you and any immediate family members)
  • Education background
  • Sector specific experience in Agriculture, Health, Youth in Development, and/or Education (See What Volunteers Do)
  • Peace Corps Prep certification: If you are a program participant, a Peace Corps prep certificate or the Peace Corps Prep Exit Checklist signed by your program coordinator.
  • If interested in serving where you are needed most, provide your earliest availability date and regions and sectors of interest.

Make your application stand out from all the rest. Our recruiters are ready to help.

Connect with a recruiter