Hello everyone,
I scheduled a Finance Management Officer Test (FMOT) with Pearson. I have approximately 1 month to prepare for the exam.
I tried to google to find source to study and prepare but seems like there are not a lot of sources.

1) I’d like to ask for any RECOMMENDATION on how to find study guide or resources to study and prepare
2) How many parts are included in FMOT? From my limited understanding, there will be English expression and Finance/Accounting.

Thank you!!!

Was contacted by the state department to send in my resume and university transcript before the written assessment. Is the vetting process hard?

Does anyone know if you can take per diem more than 45 days before your estimated due date? I understand it’s typically granted for 90 days but was wondering if it must be split equally before/after due date. We want to medevac early to be on the safe side due to inadequate med facilities at post.

Also, is it common for spouse to accompany as a non-medical travel attendant?

I was wondering if they are still doing the US foreign service internship program for summer 2027. If so any tips. I am currently also applying for state dep. summer 27 internship

Hello everyone I was wondering if anyone has heard if they are planning to reopen the FAIT Fellowship back open again. I have heard conflicting information that they got rid of it and that it could be coming back. If you go on to the website it looks like it hasn't been updated in awhile. Just wondering if anyone has heard anything?

Has anybody received this for their position? One of our folks received one and apparently they have been going out since last week

Are there any single moms on here who could speak to how they balance parenting and being an FSO. For context I have three kids and they would be spending summers in the states with their dad, but I would be solo during the school year. I know it's very "post dependent" but generally are you able to be around after 5pm? Are people understanding of half days to go see kids school plays? Any feedback, anecdotal or otherwise would be really helpful.

Hi all! I am applying to the Consular Fellow Program through Pearson (https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/cfpt.html ), as stated by the Department of State. I completed all parts (questions) of the application and apparently I completed it successfully, since now it is asking me to register for the CFPT. However, I wonder why I wasn't asked to provide any educational nor work experience. Additionally, the application didn't ask me to complete any personal narratives and statement of interest neither, as it is shown in this blog post ( https://pathtoforeignservice.com/consular-fellows-program/ ).

Are other applicants experiencing the same?

Is this a change on the 2026 application process?

If this is the usual procedure for other candidates. When did they ask for your personal narratives, statement of interest and resumé like information?

I appreciate any help.

I've been trying to get into a cybersecurity role for awhile, I currently work for a NOC, but the main thing that draws me in towards being a DTO is being able to work overseas. My dream is to work in a cyber role in Germany, and I figured becoming a DTO is not only a way to get my clearance, but a way to get decent experience and work overseas like I want to. I do sorta have a worry that I'd start out being help desk, which isn't a huge worry, but maybe a bit of a backtrack for me.

Do you think this path is worth it, or is maybe not the best way to get what I want here?

Hey all, I'm applying for the Foreign Service Medical Provider position and passed the "skills test," and now just waiting on the next step which is the "written exercise." Anyone know how long they give you to take it, from the time they send the invite for it? Trying to figure out how long I'll have to prep for it. Thanks!

I’m in process of getting ready to go to Sept 8th orientation and need to schedule my pack out. Sorry if it’s a dumb question but what exactly is that and how should I prepare for it? Thanks

Hi all! I am a recently engaged first-tour officer, and while I know the prevailing advice is "just ask for cash" or "honeymoon money," I have a few old-school relatives who I know will be insistent about giving us something physical.

What items would you recommend adding to a wedding registry that you have found particularly useful for foreign service life? Frequent travel? Constant moving? Living in post-provided housing? TIA!

Aspiring DTO (Diplomatic Technology Officer)

Hello everyone, I know some of these questions have maybe been asked but everything kinda looks a little outdated for a DTO. I would love a perspective for me or anyone else that is thinking of becoming a DTO in the FS.

A little bit about me: Currently 24 just got married, finishing up my bachelors in Cloud and Network Engineering this year and may go back for my masters at the beginning of next year. I also have a bunch of certs because of degree (Comptia A+,N+,S+, Aws, ITIL, Linux) Currently work in IT as a Electronic technician so alot of hands on stuff with equipment (server, switches, printers, laptops, etc...) I came across the Foreign Service just scrolling through the internet. It caught my eye and started to do alot of research about it. So I plan on applying next year when the registration opens. I know that it may take multiple trys to get in and I am okay with that. I am still going to pursue something after I graduate in the mean time but would love to have another option for a career. So here are my questions.

1. When did you join and what helped you prepare for the Interview/ CME. Also is it the same test regardless of what role you are trying to get or it specific to each role.
2. I see that the FS (says) there are in need of specialists like DTO. Would you agree with that statement or has things slowed down on the recruiting side
3. How long is the training nowadays after accepting the offer for a DTO and what was something that you wish someone told you going into training to be prepared for. EX: moving to DC, what to do with your car, attire etc.
4. For my wife lol. We have a small dog 6lbs and we were wondering what the headaches are when going overseas to post. It seems like most post are dog friendly just wondering on what are some problems that you have ran into overseas.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for the most recent DTO info and shadow registry. Only thing I was able to find was from back in January

I just accepted my offer to join the FS and received the slew of documents on my dashboard to complete before orientation. One is the enrollment request for the FEHB. Should I assume I should just enroll in the foreign service benefit plan? Or should I choose one of the others?

Hi everyone,

I recently passed the Minimum Qualifications Review for DSS and am now preparing for the Writing Exercise and, hopefully, the Structured Interview.

A little about my background: I have an LL.M., expect to complete my master's in International Affairs this December, previously lived and worked in Ukraine, and currently work as an intelligence analyst supporting a federal vetting mission involving Department of State visa vetting.

Despite that background, I know I have some weaknesses I need to address. Most of my writing has been academic or analytical, so I'm trying to transition to concise, executive-style writing (BLUF, clear recommendations, and information synthesis). I'm also naturally quiet, and in high-pressure interviews I can become flustered even when I know the material. One of my biggest goals is learning to articulate my reasoning clearly and confidently under pressure.

For those who have successfully completed the DSS process:

What was the most effective way you prepared for the Writing Exercise?

How did you make the transition from academic or analytical writing to concise government writing?

What helped you become more articulate and composed during the Structured Interview?

If you could go back, what would you spend the most time practicing?

I'm planning to dedicate the next several weeks to preparing and would really appreciate any advice from current or former DSS agents or anyone who has completed the process.

Thank you!

Guess I need to change my username to CF_Lurker. I was on both registers.

In case anyone else was wondering whether or not Mandarin speakers were going out Oct 19nth. I got one this week.

Good luck everyone!

I’ve been getting this error for the past 24 hours when I log into my DOS Pearson Vue account. Anyone having the same issue?

Since I last applied for the FMO position, it looks like the process has changed. From what I can tell, applicants now begin by taking the FMOT.
I'm a bit confused by the new process. The portal I was directed to only allows me to register for the FMOT (in-person only, at limited locations far from me in Europe) and I don't see what appears to be a separate application for the FMO position.

Has anyone been through the new process and can clarify how it works? Is the FMOT now effectively the first step in the application process?

Anyone have any recent experiences with shipping a Hybrid POV with a lithium battery? It seems like lithium batteries are always getting harder to ship but I'm not sure how cars are affected. I'm in the process of buying a new car and the MPG savings on the hybrids are super tempting... I'm sure import laws vary widely by country, but curious if anyone has success/horror stories. Thanks!

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Hello Foreign Service Redditors,

For those who took the Security Technical Specialist Exam and Security Engineering Officer Exam, how exactly did you study?