Tenure Policy and Process for Foreign Service Career Candidates
A Mandatory Reference for ADS Chapter 414
Partial Revision Date: 10/16/2024
Responsible Office: HCTM/FSC
File Name: 414mad_101624
Overview
This mandatory reference provides the policy and procedures for Foreign Service (FS) career candidates to be evaluated against standardized criteria to determine whether they are qualified for career service. To be tenured as a career FS Officer (FSO), a candidate must possess demonstrated potential, assuming normal growth and career development, to serve effectively as a career FSO over a normal career span that extends to and includes class FS-01. This reference applies to employees at the class level of FS-01 or below serving under a limited appointment as a career candidate for a trial period in accordance with Section 306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended.
