It takes from one week to several months to complete a suitability determination. The length of time depends on the issues involved in each candidate’s file and the need for the Panel to obtain additional information in order to reach a decision that both conforms to the standards outlined in the Foreign Affairs Manual and is fair to the candidate. 

Upon completion of the background investigation and minimum medical qualification, a Suitability Review Panel is convened for each candidate. The Panel examines a candidate’s total record (except medical files) to determine suitability for employment with the Foreign Service. In evaluating suitability, the Panel considers among other points: misconduct in prior employment; criminal or dishonest conduct; misrepresentation in the application process; use to excess of intoxicating beverages; trafficking in or abuse of narcotics or controlled substances; doubt as to loyalty to the U.S. Government; conduct which clearly shows poor judgment; and lack of financial responsibility, including a history of not filing tax returns or meeting financial obligations.

Candidates who decline two appointment offers will be removed from the Register even if the 18-month eligibility period has not expired. Since hiring is based on the needs of the Department at a given time, there is no guarantee a candidate who declines an initial offer will receive a second one.

Yes, it is possible to have more than one active candidacy. However, if a candidate accepts a job offer from the Department in one career track while he or she is on an additional register or registers, the signature of a Letter of Offer will close any other candidacies still active or pending with the Foreign Service. Consular Professionals in Limited Non-Career Appointments (LNA) are not considered career positions and accepting an LNA position will not terminate other candidacies.

While results of the FSOT are generally available at the conclusion of the exam, candidates should allow 10 to 12 weeks before receipt of their QEP results. Candidates should log into their Pearson VUE accounts and enable notifications to receive an alert, or check their account 10 to 12 weeks after the FSOT to retrieve QEP results.

All candidates who take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) and submit Personal Narratives are considered by the QEPs. The QEPs look at the “total candidate” to rank order all the candidates in a given career track. The number of candidates invited to the Foreign Service Officer Assessment depends on the Department of State’s anticipated hiring needs and budget.