How to Become a Diplomatic Agent

Diplomatic special agents must be comfortable firing weapons.

Diplomatic special agents serve in the United States and abroad as federal law enforcement officers. They conduct investigations, serve on protection details and combat terrorism. The process to become a diplomatic special agent is arduous. Expect to pass many evaluations, written and oral, physical fitness tests, background checks and a seven-month training period. Not everyone is eligible; you must be a U.S. citizen with a valid driver's license and be at least 21 years old at the time of your appointment.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• Autobiographical essay
• College transcripts

Instructions

Applying to Become an Agent

1. Obtain an undergraduate degree. The major and whether it is a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science is unimportant; however, a degree in criminal justice may help prepare you for your career as a diplomatic special agent. Take courses in a foreign language to increase your chances of employment.

2. Pass an online screening test on the State Department's "Vacancy Announcement" Web page. Click on "List of all Specialist positions" and select "Diplomatic Security Special Agent." Answer the assessment questions. If you pass the test, a State Department representative will invite you to proceed with the application process.

3. Complete the employment application, form DS-1950, if you successfully pass the initial evaluations. Read the application carefully and follow all directions. In addition to providing your contact information and details about your education, list any physical or psychiatric disabilities you may have and whether you have any overseas experience.

4. Type a two-page autobiography that focuses on your motivation for becoming a diplomatic special agent, your personal interests, hobbies and background.

5. Pass a written and oral assessment test. This examination evaluates your suitability to become a diplomatic special agent. Bring your employment application, autobiography and official college transcripts. If you fail to provide any of these, you will not be allowed to take these tests.

6. Pass a background investigation if the State Department invites you to proceed with your application. You must obtain a Top Secret security clearance to become an agent.

7. Undergo a medical examination to obtain a Department of State class 01 medical clearance. This clearance means that you have no medical conditions that may limit your availability to serve in any location worldwide, including locations with limited medical services.

8. Undergo physical fitness tests in Washington, D.C., at the Diplomatic Security Training Center. Expect a 1.5-mile run, pushups and situps. Once you become a diplomatic special agent, expect to take these physical fitness tests three times yearly to retain your status.

Training to Become an Agent

1. Begin your training in Washington, D.C., with a brief orientation period.

2. Go to Brunswick, Georgia, to continue your seven-month training period at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

3. Pass written examinations and practical exercises that measure everything from driving skills to emergency medical procedures to criminal investigation techniques. Expect courses in firearms, personal defense tactics and protective security techniques. You must pass each course or you will fail the program.

4. Expect to work in a domestic field office for your first two years as a diplomatic special agent. You will conduct investigations, background checks and provide protection for visiting dignitaries. Following this assignment, the State Department will likely assign you to an overseas post where you will provide security, investigate terrorists and other criminals, and work with foreign intelligence agents.

Tips & Warnings

• The salary of a diplomatic special agent ranges between $37,413 to $51,788 at the time of publication, according to the U.S. Department of State. You become eligible for pay increases upon the successful completion of training, with satisfactory job performance and depending on the location of your assignment.

References

• U.S. Department of State: Special Agents
• U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual: Procedures for Medical Examination ...
• U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual: Physical Fitness Program for Special Agents ...
• U.S. Department of State: Foreign Service Specialist - Diplomatic Security Special Agent
• U.S. Department of State: Application for Employment

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center