Track-Specific Knowledge Areas on the FSWE

According to the Registration Guide, "In addition to the general knowledge areas, which are equally important throughout the Foreign Service, the job analysis identified other broad knowledge areas that are more specific to each of the five career tracks. They vary in importance among the career tracks, corresponding to differences in the types of job knowledge required in each of the five tracks." (pg. 40)

"U.S. and International Political and Economic Principles, Issues, and History. This knowledge area encompasses types of knowledge that are typically acquired through reading and formal study. It includes topics such as a basic understanding of political science, knowledge of comparative politics, a general understanding of international political and economic issues, and a basic understanding of U.S. labor history."

Correlation to cone (higher numbers indicate increasing relevence): Con-1; Econ-2; Mgmt-2; Pol-3; PD-1.

"U.S. Government and Non-Governmental Agencies and Organizations and Interactions with the State Department. This knowledge area encompasses a general knowledge of the general scope and functioning of governmental and non-governmental agencies and other organizations having particular relevance to the operations of the State Department. Examples include the U.S. military and intelligence community, the White House, and multilateral organizations such as the United Nations."

Correlation to cone: Con-2; Econ-1; Mgmt-1; Pol-3; PD-3.

"U.S. Diplomacy, Democratic Philosophy, and Educational Practices. This knowledge area encompasses an understanding of the purposes and practice of U.S. diplomacy, an understanding of the goals and implementation of democratic systems, and knowledge of the function and structure of the educational system in the United States and issues relevant to civic education."

Correlation to cone: Con-1; Econ-1; Mgmt-1; Pol-1; PD-3.

"U.S. Policy Issues and Formulation of Public and Foreign Policy. This knowledge area encompasses a general understanding of policy issues in areas such as economics and commerce, security and defense, and human rights; a general knowledge of U.S. laws related to foreign policy; and a general understanding of policy development and implementation procedures and processes."

Correlation to cone: Con-1; Econ-2; Mgmt-1; Pol-2; PD-3.

"Legislation and Laws Related to Foreign Service Issues. This knowledge area encompasses a general understanding of significant legislative acts affecting government practices and foreign relations, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act, Freedom of Information Act and others; and knowledge of laws and customs reflecting U.S. culture, such as U.S. family law."

Correlation to cone: Con-3; Econ-1; Mgmt-1; Pol-1; PD-1.

"International Economics, Finance, and Commerce. This knowledge area encompasses a broad understanding of issues, laws, procedures and operations related to international economics, finance, and commerce. It includes topics such as developmental, transitional, and sectoral economics; international finance; U.S. trade, trade theory, and foreign investment; and the impact of significant factors such as environmental, science, and technology issues."

Correlation to cone: Con-1; Econ-3; Mgmt-1; Pol-1; PD-1.

"Administrative Methods and Procedures. This knowledge area encompasses a broad knowledge of procedures and methods in areas such as accounting and budgeting, inventory and property management, routine facilities construction and maintenance, administrative control procedures, procurement practices, and procedures and methods for time management and project planning."

Correlation to cone: Con-1; Econ-1; Mgmt-3; Pol-1; PD-1.

"Interpersonal Communication and Interpersonal Behavior. This knowledge area encompasses a general knowledge of dealing effectively with others in both individual and group settings. It includes topics such as techniques for effective interpersonal communication, group dynamics, an understanding of cross-cultural issues, negotiation and conflict resolution methods, and recognition of motivations for dishonest or fraudulent behavior."

Correlation to cone: Con-3; Econ-1; Mgmt-2; Pol-1; PD-2.

"Information and Media Resources. This knowledge area encompasses general knowledge of the U.S. media and its influence on culture and politics, as well as knowledge of other information resources, such as the Internet."

Correlation to cone: Con-1; Econ-1; Mgmt-1; Pol-1; PD-2.


Since I am applying for the CON track, I will focus mainly on that. If anyone has has relevant links for the other tracks (cones), please post them in the comments.

Significant Legislative Acts: Immigration & Naturalization Act (INA), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and various aspects of U.S. Family Law, among other related legislation.

Interpersonal Communication & Behaviour: "interpersonal communication, group dynamics, cross-cultural issues, negotiation & conflict resolution methods, and recognition of motivations for dishonest or fraudulent behavior." These are tougher to prepare for. The theories can be learned, but much relies on experience and common sense.

Best of Luck,

Editfish