Surprisingly, there are no explicit educational requirements. In fact, candidates for a position with a US Embassy do not necessarily need to have a college degree at all. However, candidates do need to have a broad knowledge in many academic areas, as well as strong writing and research skills. [3] X Research source There is no foreign language requirement to become a Foreign Service Officer. The Department of State will teach candidates any required languages. However, fluency in a foreign language does make a candidate more likely to be chosen for an assignment. [4] X Research source
Composure - Candidates must remain calm and efficient in stressful or dangerous situations. Candidates must also be able to think fast and adjust to rapidly-changing situations. Cultural Adaptability - Candidates must be able to work with people of other cultures, value/belief systems, political affiliations, and economic situations. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of other cultures, and must always show respect for cultural differences. Experience & Motivation - Candidates should demonstrate skills and knowledge gained from previous professional experiences, and should be motivated to join the Foreign Service with the intention of furthering the Department of State’s interests. Information Integration & Analysis - Candidates should be able to retain and utilize information drawn from an appropriate variety of sources. Candidates should also be able to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information with ease. Initiative & Leadership - Candidates must assume responsibility for their work, and should be able to motivate others to work toward meeting the goals set forth by the Department of State. Judgment - Candidates should be capable of evaluating circumstances and determining what actions are appropriate for real world situations. Objectivity & Integrity - Candidates are expected to be fair and honest in all dealings as representatives of the US Department of State. Candidates should never be deceitful and should avoid favoritism and discrimination, keeping all personal bias out of their professional dealings. Oral Communication - Candidates should be capable of speaking in a well-organized, professional manner. Candidates should also be able to tailor their methods of communication to best suit a given audience. Planning & Organizing - Candidates should be able to prioritize tasks and manage work loads to most effectively achieve their professional goals. Resourcefulness - Candidates should be skilled at problem solving and troubleshooting to address problems that arise in the course of FSO duties. Working with Others - Candidates are expected to always interact with others in a professional and harmonious way. Candidates must work together to meet the goals and objectives set forth by the US Department of State. Written Communication - Candidates should be able to write concise and grammatically-correct prose to effectively communicate with and persuade audiences as necessary. Quantitative Analysis - Candidates should be able to compile and evaluate data, recognize patterns, perform mathematical operations, and draw appropriate conclusions based on the data analyzed.
Consular Officers are expected to be strategic planners with crisis management skills, capable of protecting US citizens while working to serve US interests abroad. Consular Officers are trained in resolving child custody disputes, overseeing arrests and detentions, issuing travel advisories, and addressing and responding to emergencies abroad.
Economic Officers must be skillful negotiators capable of building and maintaining mutually-beneficial trade relations with other nations. Economic Officers are trained in economics, trade, commercial diplomacy policies, energy issues, or environmental issues, depending on that officer’s assignment.
Management Officers are required to be fast thinkers who are capable of devising problem-solving strategies in the face of challenging situations. Management Officers are trained in a variety of professional areas, depending on the needs of that officer’s appointment office.
Political Officers are required to be well-informed and must possess the skills to effectively interpret situations and negotiate with other agencies on issues of international interest. [10] X Research source Political Officers are trained to solicit support from foreign government agencies to help move US interests and shared international goals forward. [11] X Research source
Public Diplomacy Officers are expected to be skilled experts in cross-cultural interests and relations while advocating for American policies and values abroad. Public Diplomacy Officers are trained in communicating American history, values, and traditions to foreign audiences in order to build international support for American policies.
Job knowledge - this category includes multiple choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge of US history and culture, government, world history, finance/economics, and international affairs. [16] X Research source English expression - this multiple-choice category tests the candidate’s writing and communication skills. [17] X Research source Biographic information - this portion of the exam requires the candidate to self-assess his work style, communication skills, and awareness/respect of other cultures. [18] X Research source An assigned topic, about which candidates must write an articulate essay in under 30 minutes. [19] X Research source
Leadership - the QEP assesses the candidate’s ability to innovate, make decisions, and work as part of a team. [22] X Research source Interpersonal Skills - the candidate’s professional standards are evaluated, including his ability to persuade, adapt, and negotiate. [23] X Research source Communication Skills - the QEP evaluates the candidate’s written and oral communication skills, his ability to actively listen and learn, and his existing foreign language skills, if relevant. [24] X Research source Management Skills - the candidate’s effectiveness at evaluating, managing, and conducting operations are evaluated by the QEP. [25] X Research source Intellectual Skills - the QEP assesses the candidate’s critical thinking and active learning abilities, as well as his ability to gather and analyze information. [26] X Research source Substantive Knowledge - the QEP examines the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of US history, government, and culture, and his potential ability to interact with other cultures. [27] X Research source
measure the candidate’s skills in each of the outlined 13 dimensions[30] X Research source measure the candidate’s ability to meet the tasks and duties of the Foreign Service[31] X Research source assess the candidate’s skills and personal characteristics, and compare those skills and characteristics with the essential duties within the candidate’s preferred career track[32] X Research source
Medical clearance will be given by either The Office of Medical Services or the Department of State, and is contingent upon the candidate’s medical history and his current and projected medical needs. Medical clearance factors in the potentially limited medical resources available at certain Embassy locations around the world. [33] X Research source [ Security clearance will be given by the US Department of State, following a thorough background investigation that examines the candidate’s employment history, credit history, criminal record, history of substance abuse, and his history of loan and tax payments. [34] X Research source Candidates with dual citizenship status, candidates who have extensively stayed abroad for travel, education, or employment purposes, candidates with a foreign-born spouse, and candidates with immediate family members who are not US citizens may experience longer wait periods before clearance is given. [35] X Research source
employment history, including instances of misconduct, poor performance, and inability to collaborate with others[36] X Research source financial irresponsibility[37] X Research source criminal history and personal misconduct[38] X Research source any instances of deception or fraud during the application process[39] X Research source history of alcohol use, specifically with regard to the candidate’s ability to manage professional expectations[40] X Research source use or sale/transportation of controlled substances[41] X Research source the candidate’s loyalty to the American government[42] X Research source any personal or professional instances of poor judgment or lack of discretion[43] X Research source
Certain prior obligations, such as overseas deployment in the military, are permitted as reasonable eligibility for job appointment deferment. However, deferments are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and are rarely granted, even for highly-qualified candidates. [46] X Research source For this reason, anyone wishing to work for the Department of State should be prepared to relocate for training and assignment on short notice.
