DS - Well my road ended quick

[ObtuseAngle]

Well last year took the DS Test, didn't pass the BEX (made 3 of the 4 steps) though

Now this go around I took the DS online test failed it.

Wow, I mean the questions seemed the same this go around.

Has this happend the others or is there a glitch in their system?

Good luck to the rest of you

I'll be waiting another year.

[Kimble]

Well last year took the DS Test, didn't pass the BEX (made 3 of the 4 steps)

Now this go around I took the DS online test failed it.

Wow, I mean the questions seemed the same this go around.

I am confused??

Has this happend the others or is their a glitch in the system?

Good luck to the rest of you:confused:

Guess I gotta wait another year.

I "failed" the online test last year, but still got a call inviting me to the BEX around August/Sept. I would have gone, but had already received an offer with NCIS. Not sure about the insides of DS' system and whether my fail was a goof or not, but I would simply apply again if you're interested but remain optimistic in the mean time.

[ObtuseAngle]

I "failed" the online test last year, but still got a call inviting me to the BEX around August/Sept. I would have gone, but had already received an offer with NCIS. Not sure about the insides of DS' system and whether my fail was a goof or not, but I would simply apply again if you're interested but remain optimistic in the mean time.

Really? That could be good news then, I guess we will see. I am going to 'forget' about it and go on with life. If they call they call, if not I will apply again next year.


Thanks

[maloneyc01]

The same thing happened to me. I applied the last time around and passed the online test. I got a call in September for further testing however, I didn't have my bachelors degree yet, so I was disqualified. Now that I actually have my degree, i applied again but didn't pass the online test, though it seems like the questions were the same as last time. So I don't know.

[ObtuseAngle]

The same thing happened to me. I applied the last time around and passed the online test. I got a call in September for further testing however, I didn't have my bachelors degree yet, so I was disqualified. Now that I actually have my degree, i applied again but didn't pass the online test, though it seems like the questions were the same as last time. So I don't know.

Well either (I hope) their is a glitch or our testing skills have dropped.

I guess it's going to be another year for us. Or we get surprised with a call.

Good luck.

[DSS-137]

I'm sorry to hear that folks... If there's any bug in the online test, then I'm sure the false-fails will get a call for the BEX.

Keep your head up though, you never know what will happen..

Either way, best of luck!

[RAMEDIRK]

I went through the process with DSS about 3 yrs ago. Made it to the BEX and passed 3 of the 4 steps. Really stumped on the last, I still kick myself today when I think about it. It was challenging and to be honest...fun! From what I remember, an ambassador and a Sr Agent conducted the 3rd and 4th interviews with me. I just couldn't get through that last one.

I'm considering applying to this open announcement but the travel is tough, but it can't be too much tougher than OSI regarding travel.

1. Do any of you know if DS Agents promote up the ranks similar to the GS scale (GS 5- 12 automatic)?

2. How often do they participate in CONUS investigations?

3. Off duty carry?

4. Opportunities to stay CONUS later in your career?

Thanks for any info.

[RAMEDIRK]

Passed the online exam. We'll see if that will generate an invite. I have a friend of a friend that is a DSS agent. I'm going to try to talk to the guy this week. Any info I find I'll supply to this thread. Have a great weekend!

[Diggy]

I just took the online test and failed too. The questions were'nt that tough and I thought I did well. We'll see, maybe there is a glitch.

[Ostro]

I just finished the online exam but I guess I passed. The online questions were a little harder than I expected but we will see what happens. How long did it take you guys/gals who passed the online exam to get scheduled for an interview?

[Maverick24]

It greatly varies. I know a few who got called just a month or two after taking the online test. As for myself, both times it took about a year to get called.

[RAMEDIRK]

I just finished the online exam but I guess I passed. The online questions were a little harder than I expected but we will see what happens. How long did it take you guys/gals who passed the online exam to get scheduled for an interview?

Last time when I took the test, I think in 2005, I got scheduled for an interview about 2 months later. I forgot if I received a letter or a call. It wasn't too long but I know some guys who it took 6 months to get called. The BEX was tough! You have to prepare for that thing or you will be shown the door after the first 10 minutes.

[DSS-137]

1. Do any of you know if DS Agents promote up the ranks similar to the GS scale (GS 5- 12 automatic)?

2. How often do they participate in CONUS investigations?

3. Off duty carry?

4. Opportunities to stay CONUS later in your career?

Thanks for any info.

1. DS Agents are on the Foreign Service pay-scale instead of General Service scale. Usually DS Agents are hired at Class 6 with other factors determining your Step. Agents receive the same training as their 1811 counterparts but are classified instead at 2501 instead because they are world-wide available.
www.afsa.org/2006pay.cfm (FYI, this is an '06 pay scale) **Moderators feel free to repair my link** (gotcha -Mods ;) )

2. DS Agents usually spend their first tour (3 years) at a field office carrying out investigations in the U.S.. After that, Agents can bid on spots world-wide and pursue their own career path. (There's much more to it and I will try to find a link to another post of mine that goes into further detail.)

3. Off-duty carry. Yes, DS Agents are authorized to carry off-duty.

4. Opportunities to stay state-side (CONUS) are always available, but due to DS Agents falling into the "Foreign" service, it is usually career suicide if you're willing to accept ANY spot in the U.S. just to stay in the U.S.. That being said, many agents find themselves spending 3-5 years in the U.S. between overseas assignments. In the end, it all depends. (There is a 5-year rule however, which forces Agents to take an assignment overseas following a 5 year stay in the U.S..)

Hope that helps.

[RAMEDIRK]

1. DS Agents are on the Foreign Service pay-scale instead of General Service scale. Usually DS Agents are hired at Class 6 with other factors determining your Step. Agents receive the same training as their 1811 counterparts but are classified instead at 2501 instead because they are world-wide available.
www.afsa.org/2006pay.cfm (FYI, this is an '06 pay scale) **Moderators feel free to repair my link** (gotcha -Mods ;) )

2. DS Agents usually spend their first tour (3 years) at a field office carrying out investigations in the U.S.. After that, Agents can bid on spots world-wide and pursue their own career path. (There's much more to it and I will try to find a link to another post of mine that goes into further detail.)

3. Off-duty carry. Yes, DS Agents are authorized to carry off-duty.

4. Opportunities to stay state-side (CONUS) are always available, but due to DS Agents falling into the "Foreign" service, it is usually career suicide if you're willing to accept ANY spot in the U.S. just to stay in the U.S.. That being said, many agents find themselves spending 3-5 years in the U.S. between overseas assignments. In the end, it all depends. (There is a 5-year rule however, which forces Agents to take an assignment overseas following a 5 year stay in the U.S..)

Hope that helps.

Helps out A LOT! I hope I get the opportunity to do the BEX again. We'll see. Thanks, I appreciate the information, people on this site are always helpful. I hope I can be just as informative when needed. ANY OSI QUESTIONS OUT THERE? :D

THANKS!!!

[CCI2B]

I took the online test on 31 Jan and passed as well. I'm looking forward to the next step.