How do you become a diplomat? Page URL copied to clipboard!

The U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy efforts, advancing our nation’s interests and national security abroad. Diplomats represent and further the interests and policies of the United States while serving overseas.

Foreign Service Officer

Becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is one way to serve as an American diplomat. The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing U.S. interests abroad. Any high school graduate at least 20 years of age is eligible to become a Foreign Service Officer.

The successful FSO candidate must demonstrate the skills, abilities, and personal qualities needed to be a diplomat. Diplomats have to be calm in stressful or difficult circumstances and be able to think on their feet, adjusting quickly to changing situations. They must also be able to work with people from other cultures with different values, political beliefs, and religions. Diplomats must learn one or more foreign languages during their careers.

Additionally, being a diplomat requires strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills, good judgment, and high integrity. Finally, they must be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, and be resourceful and creative problem solvers. 

While there is no specific academic degree or professional experience required to become an FSO, all applicants must undergo a rigorous selection process. This consists of:

• A written Foreign Service Officer Test
• A written personal narrative
• An oral interview combined with role-playing exercises
• A medical & security clearance review

The application then goes to a Suitability Review Panel for one last look. Then, the applicant’s name is placed on the Registrar of selected candidates eligible to be offered a position in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Foreign Service Specialist

The U.S. Department of State also employs many non-FSOs who work abroad alongside Foreign Service Officers. These are people with specialized skills needed to keep foreign missions running smoothly, such as doctors and nurses, IT specialists, security agents, construction engineers, and English teachers, among others. There is a separate selection process for these foreign service specialists. 

Preparing for a Career in Diplomacy

Test Preparation

Staying up to date with current events and following the suggested reading are ways prospective diplomats can prepare for the exam.

FSOs must be well-informed and knowledgeable on topics such as current world and national affairs, economics, history, public affairs, and management. The topics covered on the test include communication, computers, grammar, economics, management principles, mathematics and statistics, political science, U.S. society and culture, world history, and geography.

Since this knowledge is usually gathered gradually over time, the best foundation is a solid education and personal habits such as reading, learning, and expanding one’s understanding of the world.

Student Diplomats 

The State Department offers a variety of internships and fellowships in Washington, DC, and abroad in our embassies and consulates. These experiences show students diplomacy in action and the day-to-day of a career in the foreign or civil service.

Additional Links

• FSO Career Tracks 
• Which Career Track is Right for You? 
• Meet with a Local Diplomat 
• Serve as a Student Diplomat 
• Is the Foreign Service Right for You 
• U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Careers 
• Foreign Agricultural Service 
• U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service Careers 
• DoS Careers Mobile App 
• State Department structure 
• Foreign Service Officer Practice Test 
• Info Guide to the U.S. Foreign Service