Foreign Service Construction Engineer Application

Foreign Service Construction Engineer Application – Referred for Additional Consideration

Today was a good day. I received a letter that I have passed the Qualifications Evaluation Panel for the Foreign Service Construction Engineer Specialist position and have been “Referred for Additional Consideration”.  My oral assessment is scheduled for August 18th in Washington DC.  It feels great to have the opportunity to prove myself again after over three years of dwelling on my previous squelched opportunity.   There are few things I need to do:

• Submit “Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service Assessment Confirmation”
• Update my SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions (My previous information is still in the system from Spring 2011, so I only need to add countries I have traveled to since 2011 and my new address)
• Complete DS-7601 Authorization to Conduct Criminal History Inquiry For Spouse
• Book Hotel at the Holiday Inn Washington-Capital (I tried to save a few bucks three years ago and the added stress of navigating the public transportation was not worth the savings.)
• Book Flight (Driving 10 hours one way last time was too much.)
• Study!!!

Its probably going to cost around $600 for the weekend (plus a vacation day), but I need to go all in this time.  If I don’t pass the test, I don’t want it to be because I’m not rested, relaxed, and prepared.  On my last attempt at the Foreign Service Construction Engineer application, I did have to sign some non-disclosure agreements (NDA), so I will not go into detail on what I plan to study.  However, I did find an updated US Department of State Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment Study Guide in addition to the regular study guides available online…