The Board of Foreign Service Examinations conducts competitive examinations for the recruitment of FSOs, FSSEs, FSSOs, and Career Ministers.cralaw

It is mandated to:

• prescribe the academic training and practical experience requirement of candidates and determine the subjects for the written and oral examinations;
• receive and screen applications for the examinations; and
• prepare the examination questions, conduct and grade both the written and oral examinations, for which it may request the assistance of competent persons in and outside of the government service.