11 Steps to Becoming a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent

Selection Process

The selection process for an exciting global career as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent begins with an online application where you will demonstrate your unique knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent in the Foreign Service. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security looks for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and all academic majors to join us in delivering world-class global security, investigative and protective missions.

Before you begin your application, we recommend you review our webinar resources, videos, and reach out to a DSS recruiter to learn about the Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent career and Foreign Service lifestyle. You can connect with a DSS Special Agent at DSScareers@state.gov. For specific questions on the application and assessment processes, please email DSFSapplicants@state.gov.

Let's look at the process in more detail and get you started on your way to a new career!

**Note: This process is subject to change.**

Step 1: Review the Vacancy Announcement

Fully review the Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent (DSS SA) Vacancy Announcement as it comprehensively describes the requirements, duties, qualifications, benefits, and application process for the position. This step is critically important to understanding the position you are applying for and prepares you to complete your application. It will also address many routine questions applicants ask regarding qualification requirements.

Here are some basics to get you started!

What are the minimum qualifications required to become a DSS Special Agent?

Conditions of Employment:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen
  • You must be available for worldwide service.
  • You must be at least 20 years old and not older than 36 years. (Except for preference eligible veterans.)
  • You must be fit for physical exertion and pass a pre-employment physical readiness test.
  • You must be able to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance and TS/SCI access.
  • You must be able to meet the minimum medical qualifications to obtain a Foreign Service Clearance and the Supplemental Physical Qualification Standards for Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents.
  • You must be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.
  • You must be able to testify in court
  • You must possess and maintain a valid/current U.S. Driver's License.

Requirements:

  • You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university at the time of application.
  • You must have at least one year of work experience and/or academic achievements that reflect progressively increasing levels of responsibility.

Review the full Vacancy Announcement HERE.

Step 2: Complete and Submit Your Application

Tell us about yourself! The Bureau of Diplomatic Security looks forward to receiving your application and learning about you. Details matter, take your time to submit a complete and high-quality application for the position.

 

To complete your application, please visit www.pearsonvue.com/DSSAT and create a web account. Follow the instructions to complete the Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent online application. Fully complete each section and answer all questions. You will not upload a resumé to provide additional experience, so it is important that your responses fully reflect your qualifications for this position. Note: Your application is saved automatically as you proceed through it. You may interrupt the application process and return later until final submittal, after which you will not be able to make changes.

The application consists of two sections, the Eligibility Verification Form and Application Information. Please complete both sections, to include work history for the past 10 years. The Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent Vacancy Announcement details attributes and requirements for this position.

It is strongly recommended that you confirm that all the information in your application is accurate and complete before submitting as you will not be able to make changes to the application after it is submitted. After you submit the application, this information will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.

Candidates must submit the completed application, schedule and take the Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT) at a Pearson Vue testing center within six months of submitting the Eligibility Verification Form. If the DSSAT has not been taken within six months from the date the Eligibility Verification Form was submitted, the application will no longer be valid, and the applicant must restart the entire application process. Be sure to complete the two sections of the application in a timely manner so you have ample time to schedule and take the DSSAT.

 

Step 3: Schedule and Take the Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT)

The DSSAT is an important part of the selection process that includes job knowledge, English expression, and situational judgement necessary to work as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent.

When can I take the DSSAT?

You have six months from the time you submit your eligibility form to submit your application, schedule and take the DSSAT. If you have not submitted your application and taken the DSSAT within six months of submitting the Eligibility Verification Form, you must restart the application process from the beginning.

Where can I take the DSSAT?

You will take the DSSAT at one of Pearson Vue's test centers. Test centers are located across the United States and around the world.

Do I have to pay for the DSSAT?

Taking the DSSAT is free. However, when making an appointment to take the DSSAT, you must provide credit/debit card information to Pearson Vue to complete the registration process, and your card will be charged a $5 deposit to hold the appointment. This fee is fully refundable and will be credited back to your card after you take the test. However, if you do not take the test or do not cancel within the cancellation window, your card will be charged a $40 no-show fee for a total of $45.

When will I receive my results from the DSSAT?

You will receive your results immediately following the DSSAT, however, the Department of State only reviews applications quarterly. Applications submitted will be reviewed by cohort. Depending on when you submit your application, it can take up to four months from your test date to receive email communication from the Department. Please monitor your email for time sensitive communications on next steps.

If you do not pass the DSSAT, you must wait one year and a day from the date of your DSSAT to reapply to the Special Agent position.

 

Step 4: Submit your Documents

Be alert for our email communications to submit required documents.

When should I submit my documents?

If you pass your DSSAT, Diplomatic Security Human Resources will send an email to request transcripts and, if applicable, veterans' documentation. Required documentation must be submitted by the deadline date contained in the email. Please add the Department of State domain name (*.state.gov) as a trusted sender and check your spam/junk mail folder to ensure receipt of email messages regarding your candidacy. It can take up to four months from the date of your test to receive an email since test results are delivered to the U.S. Department of State quarterly. Please do not submit your documentation until you receive the email, and it is recommended that your documents are readily available to submit as documentation submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

What does my transcript have to include?

Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted for your bachelor's degree; however, your transcript must include your name, the school's name, the degree, and date awarded. A website of the academic institution is not sufficient, the school's name, your name, degree awarded (such as electrical engineering, physics, accounting, criminal justice, etc.), and date awarded all must be printed on the transcript. A transcript missing any of these elements or any pages will not pass the minimum qualifications, and your candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their transcript(s) contain all the required information. If your documentation does not contain the required information, your candidacy will be discontinued, and you will not be able to reapply until the mandatory waiting period has passed.

Transcripts must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:

  • Must be in PDF format. Any other format will be rejected.
  • Must be an attachment. Documents sent via link, secured message, or any other non-attachment format will be rejected.
  • Must include applicant's name, school's name, degree and date awarded/conferred.
  • Must have no missing pages.
  • Must be legible.
  • Accredited foreign educations transcripts should conform to the requirements outlined above.
  • Documents received directly from credential evaluation services will be rejected.

Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.

What documentation is required for Veterans' Preference (those between the ages of 37-64 must provide proof of preference)?

  • Copy of DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" that must include your Character of Service, or a Certification of Service.
  • If eligibility is based on a service-connected disability, you will need to submit your VA letter and a Standard Form 15 "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference", (the fillable SF-15 is available at https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf); in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of Service.
  • A Certification of Service must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged/released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted. The Certification must include military service dates, date of expected discharge/release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable. It must note any qualifying campaign badges or expeditionary medals which would grant veteran's preference. The Certification should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of service. If submitting a certification, it must contain all of the required information to be considered.

What benefit does Veterans' Preference provide?

Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent candidates who are military veterans and have passed the Assessment may qualify for Veterans' Preference points to be added their overall Assessment score. Applicants who meet the requirements for Veterans' Preference will receive 0.175 veteran preference points for a five-point standing and 0.35 for a 10-point standing on the Register of Cleared Candidates as defined in 5 USC § 2108. Questions pertaining to Veterans' Preference may be directed to DSFSapplicants@state.gov.

 

Step 5: Minimum Qualifications Review

Next steps in reviewing your candidacy for the Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent position.

What are the Minimum Qualifications Review?

After the deadline for document submission, DS Human Resources will review the applications and will determine which application packages meet the required minimum qualifications for the position, as outlined in the Vacancy Announcement. Applicants will be notified once the application review for the cohort has been completed. Please continue to check your email throughout the process.

 

Step 6: Schedule and Complete the Written Test

Candidates who pass the Minimum Qualifications Review will receive an email notification to schedule and take the 45-minute Written Test at a Pearson Vue testing center within a specified timeframe. Applicants who do not complete the Written Test within the specified timeframe in the emailed notification will have their candidacy discontinued.  

You will receive an invitation to schedule your Written Test at a Pearson Vue testing center via email from DS Human Resources at the conclusion of the Minimum Qualification Review.

Taking the Written Test is free. When making an appointment to take the Written Test, you must provide credit/debit card information to Pearson Vue to complete the registration process, and your card will be charged a $5 deposit to hold the appointment. This fee is fully refundable and will be credited back to your card after you take the test. However, if you do not take the test or do not cancel within the cancellation window, your card will be charged a $40 no-show fee for a total of $45.

The Written Test: 

Utilizing a computer, candidates will have 45 minutes to write a one-to-two page essay on a topic that the candidate will select from a list of questions provided from Pearson Vue. Once the essays are received by DS Human Resources, the DS assessors will evaluate the essays based on a candidate's ability to analyze a topic and to write a concise, well-organized essay in grammatically correct English. A well-written essay will make a clear and effective argument that is easily read and understood. Assessors do not consider the opinions expressed when evaluating an essay.

 

Step 7: Take the Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent Assessment 

When do I schedule my assessment? 

You will receive an email from DS Human Resources with available dates and times to schedule your assessment.

What to expect during the Assessment?

The Assessment will take approximately 90 minutes for Special Agent candidates, however there may be some additional administrative time at the end of the process.  Candidates should plan accordingly. While the main elements of the Diplomatic Security Assessment remain constant, information on time limits or Assessment order, for example, can change quickly.  Candidates who advance to the Assessment stage should follow the instructions provided on the day of the Assessment.

The invitation to the Assessment will outline what information will be needed prior to and the day of the assessment.

The Department of State is committed to full and equal participation in all aspects of the application process. Candidates with disabilities may request accommodations to take the Assessment by contacting the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation at OAA@state.gov. Candidates must clearly describe the accommodation(s), the medical need (diagnosis), and how the requested solution(s) support participation in the Assessment. Candidates should contact OAA as soon as possible and be prepared to submit medical documentation, if requested. Requests must be submitted and approval received prior to the scheduled assessment. Any delay may require the Assessment to be postponed.

The Structured Interview

All candidates participate individually in a Structured Interview conducted by the three assessors. Candidates are expected to respond to questions based on their personal background, professional experience, and motivation to become a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent.

Candidates should respond specifically to the questions that are asked in a clear and concise manner, rather than give a response that highlights their qualities or resumé but does not answer the specific question. 

The interview is structured to ensure that all candidates receive the same Assessment experience. Candidates will likely find it more formal and structured than other interviews they may have experienced. Assessors remain neutral throughout the interview and do not provide any clues, including non-verbal ones, about a candidate's performance. During the Structured Interview, assessors may shuffle papers, lose eye contact, or interrupt a candidate to manage the time. Candidates should not assume that these actions signal anything either positive or negative.

The Structured Interview portion of the Assessment consists of three sections, which together, will last no more than 60 minutes. The interview encompasses a lot of material, so candidates will have only a few minutes to answer each question. The time is controlled to provide all candidates the same opportunity.

  1. Experience and Motivation Interview–In the first segment of the Structured Interview, candidates should convey to the assessors a clear and precise picture of themselves, including their understanding of the opportunities and challenges of a career in the Foreign Service and Diplomatic Security Service. The assessors will consider the candidate's expressed motivation and experience to join the Foreign Service. It is helpful to have some knowledge not only of the Foreign Service in general, but also of the Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent career.
  2. Past Behavior Interview –In the second segment of the Structured Interview, the assessors ask the candidate a series of questions to which the candidate should respond with examples from their own experience. Candidates will select six questions that they wish to discuss (one question for each competency) and prepare their responses based on the candidate's personal experience. During this portion of the Structured Interview, candidates should ensure that their responses relate directly to the relevant Dimension and emphasize what they personally did in each situation.
  3. Hypothetical Scenarios – The final segment of the Structured Interview consists of a series of hypothetical scenarios designed to test the candidate's situational judgment. Although the scenarios presented in this exercise are hypothetical, they are closely related to real-life situations that Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents regularly encounter. Candidates are advised, however, that while the scenarios occur in a Foreign Service setting, they are not expected to know how an Embassy operates or to be familiar with government rules and regulations. Rather, they are asked to provide a solution that demonstrates good judgment and knowledge of their specialty.

When will I know the results of my Assessment? 

Assessment results will be emailed to you within 3 business days from the date of the Assessment.

 

Step 8: Clearances – Medical & Security

All Foreign Service candidates must receive security and suitability clearances and meet the minimum medical qualification standard as conditions of employment with the Department of State to receive a confirmed offer of employment.  In addition, Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent candidates must meet Supplemental Physical Qualification Standards. 

Tell me more about the Minimum Medical Qualifications Process  

The Bureau of Medical Services of the Department of State determines a candidate's medical fitness and ability to serve overseas. Many Foreign Service posts are in remote areas with extremely limited medical support. Each candidate, therefore, must meet the minimum medical qualifications. Medical qualifications are determined by the Medical Clearances office based on its thorough review of each candidate's medical history and a physical examination, including an individual assessment of his/her specific medical needs and the medical capabilities of Foreign Service posts to meet those needs. 

After receiving a conditional offer of employment, MED Care Management will assist candidates throughout the medical clearance process, to include providing the candidates with the necessary examination forms (with instructions) to give to their health care provider (MD, DO, NP, PA).  Per the MED Care Management Office, candidates are NOT to obtain your own medical forms as MED Care will provide all the necessary medical forms needed for candidates who passed the Assessment and for their eligible family members. 

DS Human Resources will provide an authorization for the U.S. Department of State to pay for outside examinations as a secondary insurer once a candidate's primary insurance provider has paid its share. 

The purpose of the pre-employment medical clearance is to identify any physical or mental health condition(s) that could limit one's availability to serve overseas without disruption. If the candidate meets the minimum medical qualification standard, the medical clearance is valid for five years from the date of issuance through the end of their first tour. For more information on the minimum medical qualifications, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. 

What additional Supplemental Physical Qualifications do DSS Special Agents need? 

Special Agent applicants must meet certain minimum sensory standards, including various tests for vision in each eye, with and without correction, as well as audio-metric standards for hearing in each ear (use of a hearing aid is not permitted), sufficient to satisfactorily perform an Agent's duties. For example, uncorrected distant vision must be 20/100 or better in each eye and corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 or better in the other eye. Applicants must also pass color vision and depth perception tests.  They must also take an exercise stress test.  Additional information on Supplemental Physical Qualification Standards can be found here.   
 

How soon do I need to complete my medical exams? 

Special Agent applicants should complete exams and submit medical documentation within 90 days of conditional offer. 

Tell me more about the Security Clearance process  

After passing the Assessment, candidates must undergo a comprehensive background investigation, conducted by the U.S. Department of State, that will provide the information necessary to determine a candidate's suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service and for a Top-Secret security clearance. The Diplomatic Security Service's Office of Personnel Security, the office responsible for processing background investigations, will assign candidates a Clearance Coordinator who will assists them through completing and submitting the Electronic Application (eAPP). The eAPP contains the investigative standard forms federal applicants and employees use to input information required to process their background investigation. 
 
All backgrounds are assessed using the SEAD 4: National Security Adjudicative Guidelines, the single common criteria used to evaluate all individuals who require national security eligibility. In addition to these standards, DSS considers all available, reliable information about a person (past and present, favorable, and unfavorable) when reaching a national security eligibility determination; this is known as the "whole-person concept." 
 
All Foreign Service candidate investigations are sent to the Board of Examiners for evaluation by a Suitability Review Panel to determine suitability for employment with the Foreign Service, even if the candidate already holds the appropriate national security clearance. 
 
Additional information and Frequently Asked Questions on the security clearance process can be found here. 

How long does it take to get Medical and Security Clearances? 

The time to obtain medical and security clearances varies widely for each candidate depending on their personal circumstances. 

 

Step 9: Suitability Review Panel

Upon completion of the national security investigation, a Suitability Review Panel will examine your file to determine your suitability for employment with the Foreign Service.

What happens during the Suitability Review Panel? 

A Suitability Review Panel will examine your file to determine your suitability for employment with the Foreign Service. 

The Department of State requires the highest standards of conduct by employees of the Foreign Service, including an especially high degree of integrity, reliability, and prudence. Given the representational nature of employment in the Foreign Service, employees must always observe proper standards. The purpose of the suitability review is to determine, from the candidate's total record, whether the candidate is indeed suitable to represent the United States. The Suitability Review Panel has the authority to discontinue a candidacy.   

The U.S. Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. In evaluating suitability, the factors and criteria the Suitability Review Panel takes into consideration may be found here: 3 FAM 2215.2 

 

Step 10: Schedule and Take the Physical Readiness Test

 

What is the Physical Readiness Test? 

The Physical Readiness Test (PRT) consists of three events conducted in sequence to test muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. The events shall be conducted in the following order, with a five-minute rest period between events.  Please note that these standards are subject to change. 

  • First event: Maximum push-ups completed to standard in two minutes. 
  • Second event: Maximum sit-ups completed to standard in two minutes. 
  • Third event: 1.5 mile run. 

 

You must achieve a satisfactory score or higher in each of the three events to pass the PRT. If you do not pass the PRT on the first try, you will be offered one additional opportunity to pass the PRT after a 60-day waiting period. 

Please review minimum Age / Gender PRT passing standards in the Diplomatic Security Service Physical Readiness Test Guide. Please note that these standards are subject to change.  

 

When and where do I take the PRT?  

Once you have received all clearances and passed the Suitability Review Panel, DS Human Resources will contact you to schedule your PRT. The PRT is offered at DSS offices throughout the United States and around the world. You will be provided with two pre-established dates to choose from and are expected to complete the PRT within the dates provided. 

 

Step 11: Register of Cleared Candidates

 

What is the Register of Cleared Candidates? 

Once meeting all pre-employment requirements, you will be placed on a rank order Register of Cleared Candidates for the Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent position. You may remain on this Register for up to 18 months, after which your candidacy will expire. Please note that if U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Personnel and Training extends a final offer of employment and you decline or do not respond, your name will be placed back on the Register and there is no guarantee you will receive a subsequent offer. If you do receive a second final offer of employment and decline or do not respond, your candidacy will discontinue regardless of how much time you have left on the Register. Your ranking on this register will fluctuate over time as other candidates are added to or drop off the register. Candidates who are eligible for veterans' preference, or who demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, may receive additional points and thus may increase the chances of receiving a final offer of employment. 

 

What happens if I am offered an appointment?  

If you rise to the top of the ranked order Register of cleared candidates for your specialty, based on the hiring needs of the Foreign Service, you may receive an offer of employment. This often entails relocating to Washington, D.C. with short amount of notice in order to begin training. You may decline the first offer of employment. There is no guarantee that you will receive a second offer, as the register is fluid and score-based, changing daily as candidates are added and removed. If you decline a second offer, your name will be removed from the ranked order Register, and your candidacy will be discontinued. In rare cases, such as a military deployment or other overseas obligation to the U.S. government, you may be eligible to defer your appointment, and you would need to promptly notify the Registrar's Office.  

New DSS Special Agent Candidates begin their careers with a six-week orientation program at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, VA. The focus of the orientation is to introduce new employees to the structure and function of the Department and its role in the development and implementation of U.S. foreign policy, developing an understanding of the terms of employment, and enhancing core skills needed by all Foreign Service employees. 

After the initial six-week Foreign Service orientation course, DSS Special Agent Candidates will attend the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, GA. FLETC's Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) provides, on an interagency basis, a program of instruction that fulfills all the basic criminal investigative training requirements necessary for responsible and competent job performance. Rather than being agency-specific, the program addresses common knowledge, skills, and abilities that are expected of all investigators. In today's changing world, criminal investigators are faced with a variety of situations that, in addition to traditional law enforcement skills, require an awareness of and expertise in human behavior, modern technology, cultural sensitivity, law, and other interdisciplinary approaches to effective law enforcement. The CITP is designed to meet these training needs as identified through systematic program monitoring in the form of validation studies and continuous research, which includes feedback from Partner Organizations. https://www.fletc.gov/criminal-investigator-training-program 

The final phase of training is the Basic Special Agent Course (BSAC) at the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) in Blackstone, VA. The BSAC Program provides a rigorous, entry-level law enforcement training program that prepares newly appointed DSS special agent candidates to perform basic-level domestic duty assignments upon graduation. BSAC represents the baseline training for all DS special agent candidates, and its curriculum is comprised of job-related training in ethics and integrity. BSAC is designed to build upon and refine skills received in CITP and teach DS-specific knowledge, skills, abilities, and ethics. Students will spend approximately 14 weeks learning core skills specific to success as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent such as investigations, firearms, tactics, and protective security operations using scenarios, exercises, and written tests. They also participate in a Physical Readiness Test. 

Overall, newly hired DSS Special Agents can expect to spend 33-34 weeks in training before proceeding to their first assignment in one the Diplomatic Security Service Field Offices in the United States.