bureau of diplomatic security-opening

[Tayan235]

Received word I passed suitability and am currently pending PRT.
Seems like a super quick turn around given I received my security clearance just last month, but I’ll take it!

Updated timeline:
Initial application- Oct 2018
Notified moved to QEP- January 2019
Notified moved to OA- April 2019
Passed OA- September 2019
Medical granted- December 2019
Security granted- March 2020
Passed Suitability Review- April 2020

[cpusername]

FYSA (if anyone else is as curious as I am) I received an email earlier this week following up on medical clearance submissions. So it seems like the med office is operating.

[bobbyknightkrz]

DS is scheduling PRTs.

[Tayan235]

I just got the email as well! I’m taking it as a good sign that things are moving.

[r0802l]

Any idea how are they practicing social distancing with the pushups and situps?

[Tayan235]

No idea. Might suck to not have your feet held but oh well lol

[lookingforward]

I just got the email for my 2 possible date options for the test.

[36thID]

State will start up onboarding of generalists and specialists in a few weeks. Originally posted on the foreign service reddit page. Figured we could use a little good news.
https://thehill.com/opinion/national...m_n2QmhuVkout0

36thID

[36thID]

Also, State's facebook account is going to host a virtual interview with some DS agents on the 14th.

36thID

[TD007]

Has anyone from the April class heard any news about when you guys will be starting class? Or anyone else on the register heard any news?

[PHM2019]

I'm not sure if I am asking HR the wrong questions, but they won't tell me anything. I'm still wondering if the April class was able to do their orientation online or if they just postponed it all together.

[lookingforward]

I passed my PRT yesterday and am now waiting for an email regarding the registry. Does anyone know if there is another group for those on the registry? If so, who should I contact about it? Thanks.

[sjg]

Same here

[worldtravler]

How did they handle the pushups and situps with distancing requirements?

[lookingforward]

For pushups they will put a block roughly 3 inches high under your chest for you to hit. Then for sit ups they put dumbbells on your feet and then stand on them (so instead of your feet being together, they are waist width. I found this participant guide prior to my test which outlines the new COVID steps: https://careers.state.gov/wp-content...pant-Guide.pdf

[Harty_G]

I received the "Your application packet has passed the initial review and will be sent to the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP)." back in February. The email says "we do not anticipate you will receive an additional update for up to 8 weeks."

I'm pretty familiar with the process in general so I just have a couple specific questions:

-Will I be notified if I don't make it to OA? Or is my delay in hearing anything because of Covid-19, and I will hear if I do or don't make it?

-Anyone have a gauge on how many make it to QEP but don't make it to OA? Everyone who applied with me at work didn't even make it to QEP, I was hoping to at least make it to the interviews this time round.

(Applied back in October '19)

Thanks, stay safe folks.

[bobbyknightkrz]

*******************

[FlashTACP]

I think everything slowed down due to Covid. Someone posted that HR were at home. I am in the same boat as you. I just check my inbox several times a day, and hope for the email.

[bobbyknightkrz]

**************

[Harty_G]

Yeah reading through here (as well as years of government experience....) has taught me to be patient. I was just wondering what to look for, and if anything was different with Covid. Thanks!

[DSguy]

Anybody out there who passed BEX from the September 2018 announcement still treading water? Where do you all stand in the process?

I'm pending suitability at present and happily twiddling my thumbs in anticipation of a socially distanced BSAC.

[10Vet]

It was actually October 2018 announcement but yeah, I’m standing by on clearance as well. The COVID situation has set the process back for many aspiring DSS SA’s who received conditional and official offers.

[StarkWood88]

Anybody out there who passed BEX from the September 2018 announcement still treading water? Where do you all stand in the process?

I'm pending suitability at present and happily twiddling my thumbs in anticipation of a socially distanced BSAC.

Sup DSguy

2018 announcement pending clearance as well...how’s the register liking these days?

[lookingforward]

I passed the fitness test a couple of weeks ago, and am waiting for some news on when classes might start up. I am in the middle third on the list, but I am not sure what the size of the register is.

[PHM2019]

Does anyone know if the July class is even still happening? Judging by reddit the FSO classes are still planned to take place in some capacity. I have no clue if this means the same for us.

[cpusername]

May I ask where on reddit do you check for new information?

[JimBean072]

Wanted to give a heads up for those waiting to hear from QEP. I just received an email saying I passed, and that when OA assessment does begin, it will commence potentially over 9 months (or start in 9 months, the email is strangely worded). Also said it may be a few months until they reach out to us. Goodluck to everyone out there.

[FlashTACP]

Congrats! Hopefully my email is positive as well.

[RJflyer]

I received the same email today. The wording, in my opinion, had the tone of “You’re moving on to the next step in the process, but that step won’t be taking place for a very long time. So please don’t call or email us.”

[Lawndart32]

Just received the email saying I passed. You’re right seems like they want us to be patient with the process.

[cpusername]

Please help if you have knowledge:

Do your parent's credit/background information impact security clearances?

Long story short: I've held security clearances in the past with the military and they never interviewed/investigated my parents. Now for DS, I've been asked to initiate a background check for one of my parents (I live with one and they are green card holder). I don't really meddle in my parent's affairs but I know their financial standing is horrible - Should I also try to help them resolve their financial issues in order to help facilitate my own security process?

[FlashTACP]

I assume it’s because they’re legal residents. They did it to me as well back in the day. I got my citizenship first and had a clearance, and they checked my folks. I don’t think their credit rating has anything to do with you. But I could be wrong.

[TacticalRookie]

Accidental Post

[mdcudt]

My best advice would be to continue with your current life as if your DS application doesn’t exist. Don’t make life plans around a job you don’t have; make them around the one you do.

[CUBroncs10]

I don’t have any indication on the timeline but I’d highly encourage you to take the investigations offer. A) That is a valuable skill and you never know when that will be beneficial down the road. B) You have to do what is best for you. You have no way of knowing what will happen with DSS. You may not get a training slot for 6 months to a year. That’s valuable time your department will have you in that new capacity. Plus, I can’t speak to your Department’s character but in my experience most agencies/businesses will think of themselves instead of the people so you should do the same and put your needs first.