Physical Readiness Test: Requirement to Become a DSS Special Agent
Before you apply for the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, be sure to read the information about the Physical Readiness Test (PRT). It’s important that you understand not only what the PRT entails, but also the reason the PRT is important.
DSS Special Agents must perform duties in the field that are physically and mentally demanding. They must be willing and able to meet these physical demands in high-stress, high threat environments.
If you are selected as a Clarke DS Fellow or an Alternate, you will take the baseline PRT. While you are not required to pass it, your PRT score will give you a baseline of your current physical readiness – knowledge that you can use to be better prepared to pass the pre-employment PRT.
Because Clarke DS Fellows must be prepared to enter the Foreign Service as DSS Special Agents at the end of their fellowship program, physical readiness is crucial. Passing the PRT is a requirement for all individuals before onboarding as DSS Special Agents. Before you graduate, you will be required to pass the pre-employment PRT. If you do not pass the PRT before you graduate, you will be disqualified from the program.
Please note that the PRT standards may change in the future, and you will be required to pass the PRT that is current at the time that you are tested.
Click the links below for help information about the PRT: