 FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a specialist and an officer?
A. Specialists are: Medical Specialists, Office Management Specialists, Information Management Specialists, Diplomatic Security Agents, Human Resource Specialists, etc. Officers are generalists who enter in "tracks" - Economic, Public Diplomacy, Consular, and Management & Political.
Q. Do Foreign Service Specialists receive training?
A. There is an initial orientation lasting three weeks followed by additional specialized training lasting up to 17 weeks, depending on the job specialty.
Q. Is ability to speak a foreign language a consideration in hiring Specialists?
A. Foreign language skills are not a prerequisite to employment. The Department of State determines which overseas positions are "language designated" and offers language training to specialists assigned to those positions.
Q. Does a Foreign Service Specialist candidate have to take the Foreign Service Written Exam?
A. No. The hiring process is different for Foreign Service Specialists. For more information visit the Steps to Becoming a Foreign Service Specialist page.
Q. Many of the specialists seem to fall under the management area of responsibility. Do Foreign Service Management Officers have supervisory responsibility over these specialists?
A. Yes, in fact, the Management Officers do oversee many of the specialists. Office Management Specialists are the exception, as they report directly to the officers for whom they work.
Q. Will the Federal government repay my college loans?
A. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has implemented a program for the repayment of student loans. Under this program, agencies may pay up to $6,000 per employee per year, to a maximum of $40,000 total per employee. 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. (link to foreign service benefits page)
Q. Are veterans given hiring preference?
A. Veterans who qualify as preference eligibles are entitled to an additional 5 to 10 points added onto their earned rating in a competitive civil service examination. In all other situations, veterans' preference is not a factor.
Q. Are non-citizens eligible for Federal employment?
A. Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals may compete for competitive jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only when there are no qualified citizens available. A non-citizen may only be given an excepted appointment and may not be promoted or reassigned to another position in the competitive service, except in situations where a qualified citizen is not available. The non-citizen may be hired only if permitted by the appropriations act and the immigration law.
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