To be eligible for appointment in the NOAA Corps, an applicant must meet the following criteria.

A United States citizen of good moral character.

Ability to complete 20 years of active commissioned service by the 62nd birthday.

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree in a major course of study in engineering, mathematics, or science related to NOAA's mission, conferred by a college, university, or academy listed in the most recent edition of the Directory of Post Secondary Institutions (Volume 1).

• Completion of at least 48 semester (72 quarter) hours in fields related to NOAA’s scientific or technical activities.

• Completion of Calculus I and Calculus II, (integral and differential calculus).

• Completion of Physics I and Physics II, calculus based with laboratory credits.

• Applicants who have completed Calculus I and Physics I, but have not completed Calculus II and Physics II, may request to substitute other academic science subjects directly related to NOAA's mission. For example, coursework in computer science or geographical information systems may be substituted.

• Meet the medical standards prescribed by the United States Coast Guard for officer candidates.

• Visual acuity of 20/400, correctable to 20/20, (each eye). Laser refractive surgery for vision correction is disqualifying. Waivers for Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) may be considered, if certain criteria are met. Prior RK surgery will not be granted a medical waiver. All refractive surgery is disqualifying for aviation duty and diving duty.

Officer Candidates will be asked to submit forms for a security clearance required for appointment to the NOAA Corps. The Department of Commerce conducts background investigations on each candidate to determine eligibility for security clearance. The clearance process considers such factors as: registration for the Selective Service; unsatisfactory employment records; violations of the law; drug or alcohol abuse; a criminal record; or a less than honorable discharge from the armed forces. Investigations include interviews with current and previous contacts, supervisors and coworkers. The Commission of an officer may be revoked during the first 3 years of service if the officer is found not qualified for the service. Potential Candidates who have any serious issues which could prevent them from receiving their clearance should give some thought to the likelihood of their being found ineligible before starting this process. These investigations are conducted by the Department of Commer ce in cooperation with other federal agencies.

The Department of Commerce Plan for a Drug-Free Workplace requires all candidates applying for an appointment in the NOAA Corps be tested for illegal drug use. Testing occurs prior to an officer's appointment. The following will result in disqualification from consideration for an appointment: a confirmed positive test, refusal to submit to testing or failure to cooperate with the collection process, failing to appear for a scheduled test without acceptable explanation and tampering/adulterating/substituting sample. All NOAA Corps officers are subject to random testing throughout their career.