Becoming A Foreign Service Officer

Overview

Becoming an FSO is an arduous, multi-year process. You are advised to start early even if you aren't 100% sure it's the career for you. You are also advised to continue your career and life parallel to the FSO process. You can take the exam once a year and your application starts fresh each time.

Process & Timeline

Note: The time line provided assumes you hit each of the test offering at the right time. This is highly unlikely so you can expect the process to take longer.

1. Register for the FSOT(Week One)
2. Take the FSOT Exam (Week Four)
   • The exam is offered several times a year across the globe
   • The exam is entirely computer based and includes both multiple choice and an essay.
3. Expect reference checks on one or more of your biographical essays (Week Eight)
4. Schedule and take your Super Critical Needs Language telephone assessment (If Applicable) (Week Eight)
5. Receive your QEP Passing Results Letter (Week 12-16)
6. Schedule your Oral Assessment (Week 13-17)
7. Fill out your SP-86 e-QIP (Week 13-15)
8. Write your Statement of Interest (Week 13-15)
9. Take your Oral Assessment (Week 15-25)
   • The grueling three part exam takes place in DC and several other major cities throughout the year
   • If you pass the Oral Assessment, you will enter directly into your first security clearance interview
10. Complete your medical clearance
11. Wait for your security clearance to take place
    • This can take anywhere from a couple of months to more than a year depending on your travel and international living experiences
    • Non-DS Clearances will not expedite the process
12. Wait for Final Review
13. Get put on "The Register"
14. Either wait for an invitation to Foreign Service 101 (the A-100 Class) or have your candidacy expire and start back at step one