Foreign Servicedn2024-08-22T09:19:38-04:00
As the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, the U.S. Department of State advances the interests of the American people, their safety, and economic prosperity. The Department has Foreign Service employees serving as diplomats in more than 270 locations abroad and throughout the United States. Foreign Service personnel practice diplomacy to advance America’s interests, solve global challenges, build alliances, counter adversaries, promote peace, and find new opportunities for our nation.
They make a difference globally every day through solving intellectually challenging issues, innovating creatively, achieving lifelong learning and professional development, and helping people around the world.
Foreign Service Career Paths
Foreign Service Generalists, otherwise known as Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), work in five different career tracks: Consular, Economics, Management, Political, and Public Diplomacy, and have varying educational backgrounds and knowledge. Foreign Service Specialists contribute their specialized skills in 19 different career paths, categorized into six key categories: Administration; Building Operations and Construction; Information Technology; Public Engagement and English Language Programs; Law Enforcement and Security; and Medical and Health.
Foreign Service Officers (Generalists)
Foreign Service Officers are key interlocutors with foreign governments, engage with foreign citizens, and inform and influence U.S. foreign policy while working on issues surrounding the safety and security of American citizens wherever they may be, and advances U.S. interests abroad. Learn more about how each career track provides a distinct role in implementing foreign policy and the processes to pursue this unique career.
| First Column | Second Column | Third Column |
|---|---|---|
FSO Career Tracks | Dimensions | FSO Selection Process |
 |  |  |
Foreign Service Specialists
Foreign Service Specialists provide specialized skills to support the business of U.S. diplomacy. Specialists maintain the physical function and protection of U.S. Embassies and Consulates and U.S. government employees, providing expertise in physical protection, cybersecurity, systems networking, clinical lab work, psychology, building construction, architecture, human resources, and more.
| First Column | Second Column | Third Column |
|---|---|---|
FSS Career Tracks | Dimensions | FSS Selection Process |
 | |  |
Requirements to Apply
To be considered for either Foreign Service Officer or Specialist careers, you must possess the following:
- U.S. citizenship on the date you submit your registration package
- Twenty (20) years old and no older than 59 years of age on the day you submit your registration *
- Twenty-one (21) years old and not yet 60 on the day you are appointed as a Foreign Service Officer or Specialist *
- Available for assignments, including Washington, D.C.
- Ability to pass any tests associated with the positions or meet the minimum qualifications, as well as pass the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP), Foreign Service Officer Assessment (FSOA), and all medical, security, and suitability clearances
*Diplomatic Security Services Special Agents must be at least 20 years old and not older than 36 years.
