U.S. Department of State Consular Fellows Program Test (CFPT) for Consular Affairs Appointment Eligible Family Members (CA-AEFMs)

Welcome to the Consular Affairs Appointment Eligible Family Member (CA-AEFM) Program page.  The first step to apply for the CA-AEFM program is to submit an online application and schedule to take the Consular Fellows Program Test (CFPT).  The CFPT is an important part of the selection process, covering the job knowledge, English expression, and situational judgment necessary to work as a CA-AEFM.  It is the same online skills test that Consular Fellows must take as part of their application process. 

If you pass the CFPT, you will receive an invitation to the Foreign Service Consular Professional Assessment (FSCPA) Virtual Case Management Exercise and the Structured Interview approximately 4-12 weeks after taking the CFPT.

Detailed Information on this Program can be found here:

• Consular Affairs - Appointment Eligible Family Member Program - United States Department of State
• Consular Affairs - Appointment Eligible Family Members Program Vacancy Announcement - United States Department of State

The Test is offered Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. However, there are some test centers that offer testing Monday through Sunday with some evening hours. Find a test center.

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 able to obtain authorization to work in the country or countries of assignment. (Note: Candidates with dual nationality are ineligible for assignment within their country of dual nationality.)
• Be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance.
• Be able to obtain a Foreign Service Medical Clearance.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.
• Be at least 20 years old at the time of application; at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
• E-Verify:  Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
• Meets the criteria to be considered an appointment eligible family member (AEFM) for employment purposes per 3 FAM 7121 of the Foreign Affairs Manual.
• Note: This program is not open to the general public.

Collection of No-Show Fees

The Department of State will require that candidates provide credit/debit card information to Pearson VUE in order 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.  If you have questions about this fee, you may direct them to CFPInfo@state.gov.

CA-AEFMs Registering for the CFPT

CA-AEFM candidates must complete two registration steps in order to register for the CFPT: complete and submit an application and select an appointment date/time to take the CFPT. Applicants have six months from the date they submit their application to schedule an appointment for the CFPT. However, due to required administrative processes, candidates must make the appointment 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. Candidates may test only once in a 12-month period. Find answers to CFPT FAQs. 

Where can I find more information about the CA-AEFM Program?  Candidates seeking additional information about the CA-AEFM Program may visit the Consular Affairs-Appointment Eligible Family Member Program page.  

Other

If you have questions about the Consular Fellows Program Test (CFPT) you may send them to CFPInfo@state.gov.

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 Consular Fellows Program Test, to register for the Consular Fellows Program Test, to assess qualifications for selection as a CA-AEFM, and to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

ROUTINE USES: The information solicited on this form may be made available to prepare statistical reports and analyses at the Department of State. Such reports and analyses, which are prepared in such a way that they are not individually identifiable, may be shared outside the Department. This information may also be shared with other federal agencies in response to request for information about hiring or retention of an employee or to Members of Congress in response to an inquiry on behalf of the applicant. More information on the Routine Uses for the system can be found in the System of Records Notice State-31, Human Resource Records.

DISCLOSURE: Providing this information is voluntary. Failure to provide the information requested on this form may result in the user’s inability to submit appropriate responses to the CA-AEFM application and/or the CFPT and FSCPA.