A Career in the Foreign Service

The U.S. Department of State is the United States’ premier diplomatic institution, with opportunities for technical security professionals to serve our country overseas and domestically. If you are interested in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we are now hiring Foreign Service Diplomatic Security, Security Technical Specialists.

Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave.  Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.

To learn more about the Department of State and a career in the Foreign Service, please visit us at careers.state.gov. For information on Diplomatic Security positions in the Department of State, please visit us at careers.state.gov/ds.

U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security, Security Technical Specialist Test (DSSTST)

The Diplomatic Security, Security Technical Specialist Test (DSSTST) is a key step in the Foreign Service Security Technical Specialist (STS) selection process, covering job knowledge, English expression, and situational judgment necessary to work as a Security Technical Specialist. You can view complete information on the DSSTS Selection Process.

The DSSTST is conveniently offered throughout the U.S., likely in a location near you, and is available Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Some test centers offer testing Monday through Sunday with some evening hours. Click here to find a test center near you.

Please note: New candidates must create a web account before they can submit an application.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, the U.S. Department of State requires that each candidate:

• Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service.
• Be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Be able to meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
• Be able to meet the supplemental medical qualification for the STS position.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.
• Be at least 20 years old at application and at 21 years old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans are excepted).
• Possess and maintain a valid/current U.S. Driver’s License.

Education and Experience Requirements

At the time of application, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Candidates can substitute additional educational achievements for Specialized Experience. Please see Qualifications section for Specialized Experience requirements. Please note 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours is equivalent to one year.

For one year of Specialized Experience: One full academic year of education in any electronics or electro-mechanic specialty, or the equivalent amount of vocational, military, and/or formal job-related classroom training.

For two years of Specialized Experience: Completion of all requirements for an Associate’s degree in any electronics or electro-mechanic specialty, or the equivalent of two full academic years of vocational, military, and/or formal job-related classroom training.

To substitute educational achievements for Specialized Experience, you must submit a copy of your official or unofficial university transcript(s) with your application. Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation. Transcripts must include candidate’s name, school’s name, degree and date awarded/conferred, have no missing pages, and be legible. A transcript missing any of these elements will not pass the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of higher education transcripts. PDF documents are required and must be sent as an attachment. Documents sent via link, via a secured message, or any other non-attachment format will not be accepted.

Candidates must have at least two years of specialized experience, which demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair electronic, electrical, and/or electro-mechanical systems and equipment, and is supported by work experience in this discipline.

Please refer to the Vacancy Announcement for complete information on eligibility requirements and qualifications.

If you have questions about the DS STS Selection Process, please email us at DSFSApplicants@state.gov.

Collection of No-Show Fees

The DSSTST is offered for free. However, please note that Department of State requires that candidates provide credit/debit card information to Pearson VUE (the test administrator) to complete the registration process. The card will be charged $5 to hold the appointment. This fee is fully refundable and will be credited back to the credit/debit card a few weeks after you test. If, however, a candidate either does not take the test or does not cancel an appointment at least 48 hours in advance, the card will be charged an additional $40 for a total no-show fee assessment of $45.

Registering for the DSSTST

Candidates must complete two registration steps: submitting an application and selecting an appointment. Applicants have six months to schedule an appointment for the gateway test, however due to required administrative processes, the appointment must be made within eight weeks of the desired testing date. If you would like to schedule an appointment further than eight weeks out, you will need to log back into this system closer to the date you wish to schedule the test to make a request. Once an application is submitted it cannot be changed until the six months have passed. Candidates may test only once in a 12-month period.

AUTHORITIES: The information is sought pursuant to 301(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended (22 U.S.C. § 3941(b)).

PURPOSE: The information solicited on this form will be used to determine eligibility to take the DSSA Test, to register for the DSSA Test, to assess qualifications for selection as a Diplomatic Security Special Agent, and to ensure the integrity of the examination process.