The educational process for becoming a federal Article III judge
As mentioned above, formal educational qualifications are not a precondition for becoming a federal Article III judge. However, convention requires that a candidate should have attended law school, graduated with high grades, and have practiced in academia, the courts, law firms, or all of the above. Obviously, to be practicing in the courts, the formal requirements of becoming an attorney like passing a state bar examination is necessary. Usually, outstanding attorneys and subject experts with deep knowledge of the constitution have a better chance of becoming a federal Article III judge because Article III judges almost always need to deal with violations of the constitution. It is also useful to have served as a state or county judge for a reasonable period of time to be considered for an Article III judicial post.
The social process for becoming a federal Article III judge
The political process in the appointment of a federal Article III judge
Though a federal Article III judge is in a position and designation for life, some might say the appointment relies heavily on political preferences. A federal Article III judge, on the surface, needs to be nominated by the President and then the nomination needs to be approved by the Senate. However, this means that for such nomination to occur, as well as for subsequent Senate approval, the candidate must be sufficiently politically active in his/her state or region and be able to garner political backing. It is difficult to envisage that the President would personally know all nominees, and therefore, the process of rigorous social and political referencing and verification takes place before anyone is considered as a federal Article III judge.
Besides being recommended by fellow politicians, the career and professional qualifications of potential federal Article III judges are closely scrutinized by the Department of Justice, which also takes into consideration other professionals before ratifying a candidate. Additionally, the Senate Judiciary Committee, examines all candidates separately before the Senate votes to approve the appointment of a federal Article III judge.