You do not have to speak a foreign language to apply and be selected for a Foreign Service career. In some cases, you can add points to your final score and place on the Register by demonstrating proficiency in certain languages. We score language skills on a 0 to 5 scale. See below:

Students: Language Proficiency Definitions

Language Proficiency Definitions
Proficiency CodeSpeaking DefinitionsReading Definitions
0 – No Practical ProficiencyNo practical speaking proficiency.No practical reading proficiency.
1 – Elementary ProficiencyAble to satisfy routine travel needs and minimum courtesy requirementsAble to read some personal and place names, street signs, office and shop designations, numbers and isolated words and phrases
2 – Limited Working ProficiencyAble to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirementsAble to read simple prose, in a form equivalent to typescript or printing, on subjects within a familiar context
3 – Minimum Professional ProficiencyAble to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topicsAble to read standard newspaper items addressed to the general reader, routine correspondence, reports, and technical materials in the individual’s special field.
4 – Full Professional ProficiencyAble to use the language fluently and accurately on all levels pertinent to professional needs.Able to read all styles and forms of the language pertinent to professional needs.
5 – Native or Bilingual ProficiencyEquivalent to that of an educated native speaker.Equivalent to that of an educated native.