Upon completion of the background investigation, a Suitability Review Panel will examine a candidate’s completed file (except medical records) to determine suitability for employment with the Foreign Service. In evaluating suitability, the Suitability Review Panel takes into consideration factors such as misconduct in prior employment; criminal, dishonest, or disgraceful conduct; misrepresentation, including deception or fraud in the application process; repeated or habitual use to excess of intoxicating beverages; abuse of narcotics or controlled substances; reasonable doubt as to loyalty to the U.S. Government; conduct which clearly shows poor judgment and/or lack of discretion; and financial irresponsibility, including a history of not meeting financial obligations or an inability to satisfy debts.  For a complete list of factors considered, see 3 FAM 2215.2-6 Suitability Criteria. Eligibility for a security clearance and suitability determinations are separate and distinct processes and evaluations, therefore, obtaining a security clearance does not automatically confer a favorable suitability determination. 
 

All security clearances and suitability determinations are handled on a case-by-case basis, employing the whole-person concept. The recency, severity, and duration of an incident are some of the factors weighed in the adjudicative process. For more information, visit https://www.state.gov/security-clearances. 

Candidates who do not receive a security clearance or favorable suitability determination are ineligible for appointment. Before starting this process, potential candidates who have any serious issues which could prevent them from securing a security clearance should give some thought to the likelihood of their being found ineligible. 

If you were born a male after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, civil service employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. If you are required to register but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for appointment by executive agencies of the federal government. If you are unsure of your registration status, or are seeking further details on exemptions to the registration requirement, you can check the Selective Service System website at: http://www.sss.gov. 

Candidates will undergo a background investigation that includes verifying and corroborating key activities, information, and events.  In addition to various inquiries into criminal history, credit, and other databases, a Diplomatic Security (DS) background investigator may conduct interviews with you and various references (those you provide and those developed through the investigation).

Based on the information obtained in the investigative process, DS will determine if you are eligible for access to classified information. A Security clearance will enable you to perform the various duties and responsibilities of a Foreign Service or Civil Service employee. The security clearance is adjudicated based on Security Executive Agency Directive (SEAD) 4: National Security Adjudicative Guidelines.  These guidelines include factors that may raise security concerns, as well as the circumstances that mitigate those concerns. You are encouraged to review SEAD 4 for awareness of the issues DS considers in making this determination. See SEAD 4 For more information, visit https://www.state.gov/security-clearances.