10 Steps to Becoming a Diplomatic Security Service Security Engineering Officer

Selection Process

The selection process for an exciting global career as a Diplomatic Security (DSS) Service Security Engineering Officer (SEO) with an online application where you will demonstrate your unique knowledge, skills and abilities to serve as a Security Engineering Officer in the Foreign Service. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security looks for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, physics, computer science or cybersecurity majors to join us in delivering world-class global technical, physical, and cybersecurity expertise. 

Before you begin your application, please review our webinar resources, videos, and reach out to a DSS recruiter to learn about the Diplomatic Security Service Security Engineering Officer career and Foreign Service lifestyle. You can connect with a DSS Security Engineering Officer at DSScareers@state.gov. For specific questions on the assessment process, 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!  

Step 1: Review the Vacancy Announcement

Fully review the Diplomatic Security Service Security Engineering Officer (DSS SEO) 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.  

Here are some basics to get you started! 

What are the minimum qualifications required to become a DSS Security Engineering Officer? 

Conditions of Employment: 

  • You must be a U.S. citizen. 
  • You must be available for worldwide service. 
  • Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed. 
  • You must possess and maintain a valid/current U.S. Driver's License. 
  • 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 medical clearance and the Supplemental Physical Qualification Standards for Diplomatic Security Service Security Engineering Officers. 
  • You must be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination. 

Requirements: 

  • Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, Master of Science (MS), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Physics, from a school with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); or 
  • Evidence of successfully passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by a state, District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico engineering licensure board. A current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any state, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico may also be used to fulfill the education requirement. Submit evidence of licensure at time of application, if applicable. 
  • Applicants entering their junior year or entering an engineering, computer science, physics or cybersecurity master's degree program may apply, as long as the school has at least one program accredited by ABET. Please refer to the vacancy announcement for specific time frame requirements. 
  • Depending on experience, applicants may now enter at the following grade levels: 
    • FP-06      0-2 years of experience. 
    • FP-05      3-4 years of specialized experience; or Master's in one of the required degrees and at least one year of specialized experience. 
    • FP-04      4+ years of specialized experience; or PhD in one of the required degrees and at least one year of specialized experience. 

Review the full Security Engineering Officer 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 https://gov.pearsonvue.com/dsseot.html and create a web account. Follow the instructions to complete the Diplomatic Security Service Security Engineering Officer online application. Fully complete each section and answer all questions. You will not upload a resume to provide additional experience, so it is important 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 Security Engineering Officer 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, Security Engineering Officer Test (DSSEOT) at a Pearson Vue testing center within six months of submitting the Eligibility Verification Form. If the DSSEOT 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 DSSEOT.

Step 3: Schedule and Take the Diplomatic Security Service Security Engineering Officer Test (DSSEOT)

The DSSEOT 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 Security Engineering Officer. After submitting your application, you must schedule and take the Diplomatic Security, Security Engineering Officer Test (DSSEOT) at one of Pearson Vue's test centers. 

When can I take the DSSEOT? 

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

Where can I take the DSSEOT? 

You will take the DSSEOT 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 DSSEOT? 

Taking the DSSEOT is free. When making an appointment to take the DSSEOT, 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.  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 DSSEOT? 

You will receive your results immediately following the DSSEOT, 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 DSSEOT, you must wait one year and a day from the date of your DSSEOT to reapply to the Security Engineering Officer position. 

Step 4: Submit your Documents

Be alert for our email communications to submit required documents by the deadline provided.

When should I submit my documents? 

If you pass your DSSEOT, 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 must be submitted with your application to demonstrate you meet the required educational achievement in the engineering, physics, computer science or cybersecurity fields. Transcripts 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, 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) contains 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 60 and 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 the service. 

What benefit does Veterans' Preference provide? 

Diplomatic Security Service Security Engineering Officer 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 Security Engineering Officer position. 

What is 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 Take the Security Engineering Officer 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 DSS 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. 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 by Pearson Vue. Once Diplomatic Security's Human Resources office has received the essays, the DS assessors evaluate 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 Security Engineering Officer Assessment

Where do I take my Diplomatic Security Service Security Engineering Officer 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 Security Engineering Officer 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) supports participation in the Assessment. Candidates should contact OAA as soon as possible and be prepared to submit medical documentation, if requested. 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 Security Engineering Officer.  

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 resume 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 will 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. 

  • Experience and Motivation Interview– In this portion 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 candidates' 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 Security Engineering Officer career.  
  • 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 have six minutes to select six questions they wish to discuss (one question for eachCompetency) and to 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 Competency and emphasize what they personally did in each situation.  
  • Hypothetical Scenarios– The final part 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 SecurityEngineering Officers 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 Security Engineering Officer 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. 

The Bureau of Medical Services 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 Security Engineers need? 

A physical examination of each applicant offered a position is required to ensure that the candidate meets the essential physical and medical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and can meet the required minimum medical qualification standards.  

In addition, candidates must have vision that is correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, no color blindness, adequate night vision, and good peripheral vision.
Note: Lasik surgery and implantable lens are permitted. Surgical and follow-up reports will be required.   

Candidates must also have good hearing with no loss of greater than 30 decibels at 500, 1000, or 2000, Hz level. Note: Use of hearing appliances is not allowed.  

The musculoskeletal system should have no deformities, diseases, or limiting conditions that would interfere with the performance of duties. 

How soon do I need to complete my medical exams?  

Security Engineering Officer 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 assist 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. 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 background 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 terminate 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: 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 Security Engineering Officer 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 Human Resources 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 terminates 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 to begin training. You may decline the first offer of employment, however, 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 Security Engineering Officer 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 on introducing 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. 

REQUIRED TRAINING 

Selected candidate will complete approximately twelve months of specialized training in addition to orientation. The selected candidate must complete the Technical Security Training Path (TSTP) in Springfield, VA. This specialized initial training provides the candidate with the knowledge and skills to operate, install, maintain, and repair technical security systems at post.  The second phase of this training is at the Interagency Training Center in Fort Washington, Maryland. Failure to successfully complete any portion of the TSTP is grounds for separation. 

Join us in delivering world-class security and technical services and protecting U.S. interests around the world.  

We look forward to receiving your application for the Security Engineering Officer position.  

Apply today!