• Foreign Service Officer
  • Becoming a Foreign Service Officer
    •   Choose a Career Track
    •   Register for the Test: Application
    •   Take the FSO Test (FSOT)
    •   Submit Personal Narrative
    •   Take the Oral Assessment
    •   Clearance: Medical and Security
    •   Final Review Panel
    •   The Register
    •   Assignments and Training
    •   Key Considerations
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Diplomacy Fellows Program
  • Meet Our People
  • FAQs
• Foreign Service Specialist
• Civil Service
• Jobs in Iraq
• Jobs in Afghanistan
• Local Employment in U.S. Embassies and Consulates

The Register

After receiving medical and security clearances and passing the Final Suitability Review, your name is placed on the Register, which is a rank-ordered list of successful candidates, grouped by career track.

You may raise your standing on the Register by receiving Veteran’s Preference points or credit for foreign language proficiency (see information below on languages and veteran's preference.

You should be aware that your placement on the Register does not guarantee an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer, for the number of appointments depends on the needs of the Foreign Service. Your name may stay in the Register for a maximum of 18 months. After 18 months, your name will be removed from the Register. You may decline one appointment offer before we remove your name from the Register; that is, if you decline a second offer your name will be removed from the Register.

If you wish to try to improve your place on the Register, you may begin the process anew at any time after your original 12-month registration validity has expired.