U.S. Department of State Careers

FAQs

For frequently asked questions regarding the Foreign Service, click here.

For frequently asked questions regarding the Foreign Service Officer Test, click here.

For frequently asked questions regarding Career Tracks, click here.

For frequently asked questions regarding the Oral Assessment, click here.

For frequently asked questions regarding the Selection Process, click here.

For frequently asked questions regarding Medical Clearance, click here.

For frequently asked questions regarding Security Clearance, click here.

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About the Foreign Service

What is the difference between a specialist and an officer?
Specialists are: Medical Specialists, Office Management Specialists, Information Management Specialists, Diplomatic Security Agents, Human Resource Specialists, etc.

Officers are generalists who enter in one of the career tracks - Consular, Economic, Management, Political, or Public Diplomacy.
What is the entry-level salary for a Foreign Service Officer?
The entry-level salary for Foreign Service Officers ranges from the low-forty to the mid-seventy thousand dollar range, depending on education level and prior work experience. Junior officers generally serve their first two tours overseas, for a total of four years, and can benefit from overseas allowances, including housing and financial incentives (e.g., hardship differential), which make for an attractive overall compensation package. For the complete list of benefits click here.
Are there employment opportunities for spouses overseas?
Yes. Employment opportunities for spouses vary by country of assignment. The Department's Family Liaison Office maintains a listing of job opportunities at most posts and may be contacted directly once an assignment is known. The Department also has a growing number of "tandem couples" in which both spouses work for a foreign affairs agency of the U.S. government.
Will my family get to travel and live overseas with me?
Spouses, children under age 21, and, in rare cases, dependent parents may accompany Foreign Service employees abroad at Government expense. However, even though family members are not required to be medically cleared before an offer of employment is extended, family members must be medically cleared before traveling overseas at U.S. Government expense to accompany Foreign Service Officers on assignment. This means employees could be assigned overseas unaccompanied by those family members who do not have clearances.

Further, the rules for claiming your parent or parent -in-law as a dependent are strict, and involve showing proof that they have been more than 51% dependent on you for an extended period of time. Security concerns and lack of adequate educational or health facilities at certain posts may dictate against eligible family members accompanying the officer to such posts.
Do many FSOs bring their own vehicles on assignment?
Yes, certainly. They might opt to bring their own car, or they might buy one from a departing colleague when they arrive at post. There are a number of possibilities. Just keep in mind though that you are limited sometimes by certain restrictions – right-hand drive cars, sometimes limitations on retractable headlights, emissions, etc. All of this information about a particular country is readily available to you as part of the assignment bidding process so you can be well informed.
Are there programs that help JOs (Junior Officers) adjust to their new duty station?
Yes - each overseas post and American Embassy has an Orientation Program for all new arrivals at post. You are also assigned a "sponsor," an official sponsor at work, as well as a community sponsor who matches your interests and family composition.
What household items do you recommend a JO store and which do you recommend they bring to their new duty station?
Good question. Of course it depends on your state of life, i.e., married, single with kids, etc. It also depends on whether the post is a limited or full shipment post. You should always bring things that will make your home overseas your personal home. Contact the Family Liaison Office prior to departure.
Does the Department of State consider lesbians and gays for employment? What if I have a live-in partner?
It is the policy of the Department of State to provide equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. There are, however, only limited provisions for benefits for domestic partners.

For information on the privileges and benefits afforded to domestic partners/Members of Household, please click here.
How much exposure/experience in the local culture do you have an opportunity to enjoy?
You have lots of opportunity to enjoy the local culture – compare it to the time you have available right now when you go home after work. The host country is your home – after work every day and on weekends. You are a U.S. government representative at all times – but you are also a resident, a tourist, a member of society, much as you would be in the U.S.
If I decline an offer of employment, will my candidacy continue? Am I likely to get another offer of employment in the future?
If a candidate declines two appointment offers, his/her name is removed from the Register, even if the 18 month eligibility period has not expired. If a candidate declines an offer, there is no guarantee that his/her name will be reached again and another employment offer made.
My situation has changed. Can I defer my candidacy for entry into the Foreign Service?
The appointment process to become a Foreign Service Officer requires strong commitment. Occasionally, candidates request deferral of their candidacy. Active or reserve military personnel serving abroad, or U.S. civilian government employees serving abroad, including Peace Corps, may request deferrals for the period of their overseas service, up to a maximum of two years. Requests for deferrals from any other candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis; however, candidates should be aware that only truly compelling deferral requests can be approved. A deferral does not result in additional time for a name to remain on a register. A deferral merely "stops the clock;" at the end of the deferral period, the candidate's name will be re-added to the Register for the period of time remaining from their original candidacy.
Do I have to accept every assignment that is offered?
Foreign Service personnel can express their preference for postings, but must be willing to serve worldwide according to the needs of the Service.
Does the system tolerate dissent?
As public servants, Foreign Service Officers must publicly defend U.S. government policy, despite personal reservations. There is an internal channel through which an employee may present dissenting views on specific foreign policy issues. If an officer cannot publicly defend official U.S. policy, he or she has the option to resign.
Will the Federal government repay my college loans?
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has implemented a program for the repayment of student loans under certain conditions. By law, the maximum any federal agency can award is $10,000 a year, or $60,000 over a lifetime. The Department's program requires that the officer be serving in a designated hardship post or in a danger pay post to qualify for the program. In each of the first three years of our program, the Department approved payments of $4,700. In return, an employee must agree to remain with the paying agency for at least three years. For the complete list of benefits click here.
Are veterans given hiring preference?
Veterans who pass the Oral Assessment and qualify as preference eligibles are entitled to .175 for a 5 point preference or to .35 for a 10 point preference, based on a seven point scale. Specialist candidates, who are assessed on a 100 point scale, and who pass their oral assessment are entitled to an additional 5 to 10 points added to their competitive rating. In all other situations, veterans' preference is not a factor. Candidates must submit form DD-214 to document creditable military service.
Are non-citizens eligible for Foreign Service employment?
Only U.S. citizens may apply for an appointment to the career Foreign Service, i.e., you must be a U.S. citizen by the day you submit your registration package (for generalists), or upon your application to fill a vacancy announcement (for specialists).

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Taking the Foreign Service Officer Test

Where can I find sample test questions?
Both the Study Guide and the Guide to the Foreign Service Officer Selection Process contain sample test questions. You can order or download the Study Guide and Guide to the Foreign Service Officer Selection Process here.
Does the Foreign Service look more favorably on individuals with advanced degrees or foreign language skills?
There is no set educational level or foreign language skill required to join the Foreign Service as an Officer. Some Foreign Service Specialist positions do have degree requirements. Most officer candidates possess a Bachelor's degree or certification; over three quarters of recent hires have advanced degrees, typically in public administration, international relations, history, or law. Candidates who have passed the oral exam may qualify for bonus points to improve their position within the register list by taking a telephonic language test which assesses speaking proficiency only. The Foreign Service will train officers in job skills or languages required for assignments.
If the retirement age is 65, would the Foreign Service hire someone over 55 knowing that they will only have a 10-year return on their investment?
Yes. There are some Foreign Service Officers who entered the Foreign Service shortly before turning 60. The Department of State encourages all interested candidates who meet the age qualifications to apply. The only requirement is that you must have entered an A-100 class before your 60^th birthday.
If I do not pass the Foreign Service Officer Test, can I re-take, and how often?
You may take the Foreign Service Officer Test any number of times as long as 12 months have passed between attempts. Re-registration is required. You may re-register for the test after 12 months have passed since the previous registration. For example, let's say you registered for the test on August 18, 2007 and took the test on December 3, 2007, but did not pass it. You could submit a new registration on August 19, 2008 or later, and retest in the next test window that is available after December 4, 2008.
When is the best time for us to be at the test center, not too early and not too late?
You should report to the test center at the time shown on your admission notification email. Actual starting time of the test may vary at different test centers due to differences in the amount of time necessary for pre-test administrative procedures. If you report to the center later than the time stated on your admission notification email, you will not be admitted.
Can I switch career tracks before the test?
No. The career track that you select at the time that you submit your Registration Package is the career track for which you will be considered.
What happens if I am unable to take the test on the date I've selected?
You will need to cancel your seat at least 48 hours before the test date. Your admissions letter will contain information on how to do so. If you fail to provide this notification, you will be assessed a $50 fee.
Are there timed sections of the test, and if so, is it difficult to finish on time?
All the sections are timed and you will need to pace yourself.
Are there any set strategies for taking the test?
It pays to guess, eliminate any obvious wrong answers, and get a good night's sleep.
What happens if you don't speak a foreign language but successfully complete the selection process?
You will be trained in the language that you need for your assignment.
Does everyone take the same test, regardless of which track we will ultimately pursue?
Yes.
What percentage of applicants in each test cycle will be invited to the Oral Assessment?
There is no set percentage. The number depends on our hiring needs. In general, however, about 10% of applicants are expected to continue on to the next phase, the oral assessment.
Just to make sure; other than the admissions letter, is there anything else I should bring with me to the test?
In addition to your admissions notification email, you will need a valid, federal or state government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID.
Who prepared the test? College professors or State Dept. officials?
Professional "test-makers" at ACT prepare our test questions. The questions are reviewed and approved by Foreign Service Officers.
Can you give me an idea of the average time frame from taking the Foreign Service Officer Test to completing the whole process (Oral Assessment, security and medical clearances, and final suitability review)?
Assuming no serious security or medical issues arise, candidates who take the Foreign Service Officer Test can expect that the minimum time from the test date to final clearance will be about eight to nine months. It all depends on whether issues arise in either the medical or security clearance processes.
Didn't there used to be a program called Alternative Examination Program listed under Alternate Programs?
Yes, but the AEP has not been active for a number of years and we do not anticipate offering it again in the foreseeable future. If we decide there is a need for it again, we will post a notice on the website.

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About the Career Tracks

What are the Career Tracks?
The Foreign Service is made up of five different career tracks. At the beginning of the hiring process, you must choose a track. The tracks are Consular, Economic, Management, Political, and Public Diplomacy. To assist you with your decision, we developed a questionnaire to help you match your interests to the career track that may be right for you.
As a potential Managerial FSO, what would be the kinds of positions available as a junior officer? I understand that the first tour is usually consular, but what kinds of things after that?
There are a lot of different possibilities depending on the size of a post. If you go to a large post you might serve as a General Services Officer or a Human Resources Officer. If you go to a small post, you might be in charge of all management issues.
Does taking posts outside of your designated career track adversely affect you when it comes to tenure?
Your positions prior to tenure aren't "unstructured." Posts offered to Junior Officers are designed to give them the necessary career track experience to move them toward tenure.
Can you explain more fully what is involved with a "consular" position? Contrast with "non-consular" positions?
Consular officers are specifically responsible for visa adjudication (both non-immigrant and immigrant) and with American citizen services. -Those are their particular area of expertise. Other officers in the post generally do not get involved in those areas except as duty officer, unless emergencies arise or policy issues crop up.
If possible, could you talk about the day-to-day job of an FSO, specifically a political officer?
Political officers get to know local political leaders, journalists, and labor leaders, as well as federal, state, and local government officials. If a political officer reads a controversial article in the local press one morning, he might call a local contact, discuss the contact's views on the controversy, and spend the afternoon putting together a report for his boss or Washington.
May I change to a different career track?
It is a long, difficult, formal process to do that. It's highly unlikely it would happen as such changes are based on the needs of the Foreign Service. There would have to be a shortage of officers in the career track which you prefer before you could apply to change.
Besides selecting a career track, is it possible to develop a regional expertise, especially if one is fluent in one or more languages?
It is not unusual throughout a 20-30 year career that an officer will develop a regional specialty.
Why does State require people to pick a track so early in the selection process and then make it so hard to switch? Seems like a lot of people could choose poorly due to lack of info.
We need to know who wants to do what for workforce planning purposes and to look at their background throughout the selection process. We urge people to look carefully at the options before they choose.
Is there a mentoring process? Who will, or should, provide initial career guidance?
There are mentoring processes. You can request a Foreign Service Officer mentor at any time by emailing FSMentors@state.gov. You can also use the web site to locate the Diplomat in Residence who is nearest you and contact that person by phone or e-mail. They will be happy to discuss your questions with you. Once you join an A-100 class you will have a formal Career Counselor as well as an assigned mentor from a group of volunteer mentors. You'll get lots of advice and guidance throughout your career.

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About the Oral Assessment

I have been invited to the Oral Assessment. Where do I take it?
The Oral Assessment will be offered in Washington, D.C. and selected major U.S. cities. Other cities will be posted on the website later. We do not conduct oral assessments outside the United States.

Please note oral assessments are not offered on weekends or federal holidays, or when the federal government is closed. Failure to make an assessment reservation or to appear for your scheduled assessment will terminate your candidacy.
I just found out I've been invited to the Oral Assessment, but the deadline for scheduling an assessment has passed. What do I do?
Your invitation is valid for 12 months. You should contact reschedule@state.gov immediately to schedule an appointment in the current oral assessment cycle. Provided there is an appointment slot available, you will be able to schedule an assessment appointment during the current oral assessment window. If no appointments remain, your name will be added to a list of those candidates whom ACT will contact during the subsequent oral assessment scheduling window.
Is there a limit to the number of oral assessments I may take?
All candidates who qualify for the Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA) through the Foreign Service Officer Selection Process are entitled to one assessment per Foreign Service Officer Test; those candidates who qualify to take the Oral Assessment through other processes may take the FSOA a second time, but not within six months of the prior assessment.
Can I have more than one active candidacy?
Yes, it is possible. Also, it is possible to have active candidacies in different career tracks, if you chose different career tracks for different FSO Tests.
I have a disability that requires that I have special accommodations. What should I do?
Please e-mail testneeds@state.gov and provide us with your contact information and a brief description of your disability and accommodation requested. We will contact you within the following week.
I live overseas, can I be assessed at the American Embassy where I took the Foreign Service Officer Test?
No. Oral assessments are only conducted in the Continental United States at the locations listed above.
Will I be reimbursed for the expenses I incur to go to the Assessment?
No.
I am not sure when I'll be available for the Assessment. Can I make several appointments to ensure I have a saved spot?
No. Each exam passer is allowed to make 1 appointment.
My friend and I passed the Foreign Service Officer Test and want to take the Oral Assessment together. Can I make the appointment for him/her and myself?
No. Each candidate must make his/her own appointment. Assessing on the same day and location as a friend or relative is strongly discouraged.

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Selection Process Results

I took the Foreign Service Officer Test during the July testing window. How will I be notified of my results?
The results of the July FSOT will be available approximately 6-8 weeks following the testing window. You will receive an email telling you how to access your test results letter. To access the results letter, you will need to use the same personal login ID and password that you used to register for the FSOT, so please keep them handy.

Your test results letter will tell you whether or not you passed the FSOT. If you passed, your candidacy will continue to the next stage of the selection process, the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) review. After the QEP has reviewed the candidacies of all FSOT passers from your test window, you will receive a second email – approximately in early December – informing you whether or not you are invited to the Oral Assessment.

Applicants will be notified by email within two weeks following the testing window if they are being invited to take a language test.

NOTE: The estimated timing for results will vary for each test administration. The above estimates are for the July 2008 testing window only.
I took the Foreign Service Officer Test during the July 2008 testing window, but I haven’t received my results.
Results of the July 2008 testing window were available in mid-August. If you have not received your results, please contact ACT at (800) 205-6358 or by email at fsot@ACT.org.
I have moved since taking the exam, whom should I contact for a change of address?
Call ACT, Inc. at (800) 205-6358 or (319) 341-2500, or submit new information by e-mail to fsot@act.org or in writing to: ACT, Inc., P.O. Box 4070, Foreign Service Officer Test (82), Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4070, information to update your records.
I no longer have the same e-mail address, whom should I contact?
Call ACT, Inc. at (800) 205-6358 or (319) 341-2500, or submit new information by e-mail to fsot@act.org or in writing to: ACT, Inc., P.O. Box 4070, Foreign Service Officer Test (82), Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4070, information to update your records.
I understand Foreign Service Officer Test results are reported on a pass/fail basis. How can I have more information on my performance?
Although individual feedback cannot be provided, you may request a breakdown of your score. Your request must be in writing and show your full name, your date of birth, the date that you took the FSOT, the test site location, and your mailing address. You may fax your request to ACT, Inc. at (319) 337-1122 or mail it to: ACT, Inc., P.O. Box 4070, Foreign Service Officer Test (82), Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4070.
I have taken the Foreign Service Officer Test before and when I requested my score information, I was told it was too late. What is the time limit for score reporting?
All requests for scores must be made in writing within five months of the exam date to: ACT, Inc., P.O. Box 4070, Foreign Service Officer Test (82), Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4070, or faxed to 319-337-1122.
I suspect an error may have occurred when scoring my Foreign Service Officer Test. Can I ask that my exam be scored again?
Yes. You may submit a written request for re-scoring. The answer documents for all three multiple-choice sections will be re-scored by hand for a fee of $30. The fee to re-evaluate the written essay section of the FSOT is $30. Copies of the written essay or multiple choice answer sheets will not be released or provided to examinees. The results of re-scoring will be reported to you in writing about two to three weeks after the request is received.

Requests for re-scoring must be received by the FSOT Program Office at ACT within five months after the test date. In your letter, identify yourself by your full name, date of birth, date you took the FSOT, the test site location, your mailing address, and section of the test you want re-scored. Enclose a check or money order payable to ACT, Inc. for the appropriate amount and mail to Foreign Service Officer Test, P.O. Box 4070, Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4070.

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Medical Clearance

What is involved in the medical clearance process?
The requirement for pre-employment in the Foreign Service is that the applicant must be medically cleared for "worldwide assignment." Family members, however, must be medically cleared before traveling overseas to accompany an employee on assignment at U.S. Government expense. These medical fitness standards are more rigorous than those of most other professions as some overseas posts may be remote, unhealthy, or have limited medical support.
I'm a breast cancer survivor. It has been 10 years since I've shown any evidence of cancer in my regular screenings. Can I be cleared for appointment?
A full medical report from the oncologist is required to establish the type of follow-up that is needed. If, after 10 years, you are taking no medication for the breast cancer and your only follow-up care is an annual mammogram, there is a good possibility that your condition would not limit your medical clearance.
My ten-year old child is in a special education program and will need to continue to receive special education assistance for the foreseeable future. What are the implications for her medical clearance?
For any child who has special education needs, the Individual Education Program must be forwarded to Medical Clearances for further evaluation through MED's Mental Health Services. Because of the special education needs, your child is likely not worldwide available and would have the limited, Class 2, medical clearance. This means that approval of an overseas post from Medical Clearances will be necessary prior to your child's inclusion on your travel orders.
I have lived with Type I diabetes since I was a child. It is managed and I am completely capable of giving myself the necessary injections. Is this a limitation to a full medical clearance?
The standard for diabetes control is based on frequent blood glucose monitoring, testing for hemoglobin A1C every 4-6 months, and having access to emergency services in the event of a diabetic crisis, as well as routine monitoring by specialists as required. Due to conditions at some posts, one may encounter profuse sweating, diarrhea and vomiting, or other unforeseen chemical changes that may affect blood sugar levels very quickly and require the need for emergency care. The specific type of insulin you need may not be available in many locations worldwide and it may not be possible to ship insulin to you at such locations. Given this range of considerations for the treatment and control of your diabetes, it is not likely that you would be worldwide available.
I'm 39 years old. I had a mild heart attack three years ago and was hospitalized briefly. I've had no further cardiac events and my doctor monitors me regularly. I am otherwise in good health. Does this history pose a clearance problem?
We would carefully evaluate the type of monitoring you require. Because your doctor monitors you regularly, it is not likely that you would be worldwide available. There are numerous Department of State posts where no cardiologist, indeed no physician at all, would be available to care for you.
If I am cleared medically for any post in the world but one of my family members is not, won't the Department of State simply assign me to one of those places where all my family members can accompany me?
Accepting employment as being cleared for worldwide assignment means that the Department may send you to any assignment in the world without regard to the ability of your family members to accompany you. Although in many cases it may be possible to locate an assignment where all family members can accompany you, there is no guarantee of this and, if the medical clearance for your family members does not change, the same problem will repeat itself with each assignment throughout a career.

Accepting an appointment in the Foreign Service when one has family members with medical or learning disability problems that preclude them from receiving a Class One medical clearance is accepting the possibility of unaccompanied assignments. All prospective employees and their family members should understand that principle before pursuing a career in the Foreign Service.

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Security Clearance

What is the background investigation in the security clearance process?
Applicants who are successful in the Oral Assessment will be asked to submit forms for the Top Secret security clearance required for appointment to the Foreign Service. The clearance process investigates the candidate's background and, prior to issuing a security clearance, considers such factors as: registration for the Selective Service; failure to repay a U.S. Government-guaranteed student loan; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; failure to meet tax obligations; unsatisfactory employment records; violations of the law; misrepresentation in the Registration Process; drug or alcohol abuse; a criminal record; extensive travel; education; residence and/or employment overseas; dual citizenship; foreign contacts; immediate family or relatives who are not citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse; or a less- than-honorable discharge from the armed forces. Clearances from other agencies may be recognized by the Department of State, but some may need to be up-dated. Investigations include interviews with current and previous contacts, supervisors, and coworkers.
I have dual citizenship - can that be a factor in obtaining my security clearance?
Security clearance evaluations/determinations must assure that access to classified information for a specific individual is "clearly consistent with the interests of national security." Under the adjudicative guidelines, "any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security." When making such a determination, DS must consider all available information, both positive and negative. This is the "whole person" concept. Dual nationality is a relevant element in some cases.

While U.S. citizenship is a basic eligibility requirement to be considered for access to classified information, it does not automatically confer the right to a security clearance. Dual citizenship must be considered in context of other circumstances in an individual's background. For more information on Dual Citizenship please download our in-depth page.
What happens if I do not receive clearance?
Candidates who do not receive security clearances are ineligible for appointment. 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 State in cooperation with other federal, state, and local agencies.
During the security clearance process, what will my current employer be told is the reason for the clearance? Is it best they didn't know I was applying for another job, since A-100 isn't guaranteed?
If you don't want your current employer contacted, you need to say so to the security investigator. They are not supposed to do that unless you say that they may, since this is a common - and obviously legitimate - concern.
Can you give me an idea of the average time frame for completing the security and medical clearances?
It all depends on whether issues arise in either the medical or security clearance processes. It can take as little as 60 days (sometimes even less), but it can also take much longer if there are issues that are complex. Such cases, fortunately, are rather rare, and we generally know within 120 days or so whether the clearances will be forthcoming.
I have top security clearance now. If I pass the Foreign Service Officer Test and oral assessment, would I be eligible for a job immediately?
If your TS clearance was granted by the Department of State, then you won't need a new one. However, if it's from another agency, we'll need to verify the duration and level of clearance to determine if we need to update the background investigation and issue our own clearance. In either case, your entire file will be reviewed to determine your suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service before you are offered a job.
What chance does someone with a misdemeanor conviction have of becoming a foreign officer?
All security clearances are handled on a case-by-case basis. Mitigating factors depend on when, what, etc.
Is sexual orientation a factor considered by the Department in its hiring decisions?
The Department of State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation. There are, however, only limited provisions for benefits for domestic partners.