U.S. Department of State Consular Fellows Program Test (CFPT)

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

• Be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain authorization to work in country or countries of assignment. (note: Candidates with dual nationality are ineligible for assignment within their country of dual nationality. Recruitment for Portuguese and Chinese languages is targeted for service in Brazil and China and dual national candidates are unable to meet this qualification).
• Be able to obtain 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.
• Must speak and read an eligible foreign language at the required proficiency level (eligible languages are  Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish). 

The Department of State will require that candidates provide credit/debit card information to Pearson 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.

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. Candidates may test only once in a 12-month period.

Eligibility Questions

I certify that I will be at least 20 years of age on the date I submit my application and 21 years of age prior to employment as a Consular Fellow.*

I certify that I am a United States citizen.*

I speak and read an eligible foreign language (Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, or Chinese) at the required proficiency level and am available for service outside the U.S. U.S. Citizen candidates with dual nationality are ineligible for assignment within their country of dual nationality. I certify I am not a dual national of Brazil if applying for the Portuguese-language program and not a dual national of the Peoples Republic of China if applying for the Chinese-language program.*

I have not been previously separated from the Foreign Service under sections 607, 608, or 610 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, nor have I resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, I have not been previously separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, nor have I resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions.*                                                                       

I have not been found unqualified for employment by a Department of State Suitability Review Panel within the previous two years. Exception(s) include: A candidate for a Special Agent position with the Diplomatic Security Service and the decision to deny eligibility was based on the candidate's inability to fulfill the unique duties of that position.*                                    

I am a bona fide applicant taking this test to become a Consular Fellow and I understand, acknowledge and agree to the requirements outlined below:*

Non-Disclosure/Conduct Policy Statement

That disclosure of content of the Consular Fellows Program Test (CFPT) could result in cancellation of test results, or denial of employment. That I will maintain the confidentiality of the test content and not disclose, publish, distribute, reproduce and/or transmit any test material, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means (verbal, written, electronic, or mechanical, or otherwise) at any time or for any reason. That I will not participate in any attempt to recreate test material by memory following the test. That I will not obtain CFPT content (including questions and answers) from unauthorized sources. That the Department of State reserves the right to cancel or withhold test results and/or disqualify my application when, in its judgment, a testing irregularity occurs, including but not limited to candidate misconduct, plagiarism, and/or misrepresentation of material fact.

These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing statute or Executive order relating to (1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to an Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.               

Application Questions

If applicable, provide a list of any other names you have used:

When did you first hear about the Foreign Service?*

Select the method by which you first heard about the Foreign Service:*

Have you ever taken the Consular Fellows Program Test?*

Do you have Veterans Preference?*

Please designate the language(s) in which you have the requisite language skills for eligibility into the program.*                                                

How would you like to be addressed in correspondence?*

By checking this box, I certify that all of the information provided on this application is true, correct, complete and made in good faith.*