the world's top 20 universities). Foreign Service Administration Specialists (FSASes) FSASes, on the other hand, while still selected through some manner of written and observational assessments, are typically those bearing more conventional educational qualifications. While a number are still degree-holders, they are usually candidates from mainstream universities, or top university graduates who did so without "good" Honours. The FSAS class also include Polytechnic graduates (who possess Diplomas). Given the above, FSOs typically occupy the managerial positions, while FSASes generally perform more operational roles. [Note: FSOs are typically the diplomats, while FSASes serve as support staff.] Officials from both schemes occupy billets at both the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Singapore's Overseas Missions (Embassies/High Commissions/Consulates-General/Consulates) - which number over 50. FSOs are appointed to the rank of Second Secretary or higher, while FSASes are posted according to their substantive grades (typically ranging from Mission Support Officer to Attache - although in very rare cases some senior FSASes may be promoted up to the rank of Third/Second/First Secretary). [Note: FSOs and FSASes are on discrete career tracks. Hence, even the rare FSAS who holds a senior diplomatic rank on post, will not enjoy a similar substantive grade or pay to that of an FSO.] Regardless of rank, personnel are typically split across three tracks: (a) Political, (b) Administration and Consular, (c) Administration and Technical. Officers on the Political track take precedence over the rest, as all Heads of Mission (HOMs) or Deputy Chiefs of Mission (DCMs) are generally Political Officers. [Note: The Political track is solely for FSOs.] Other ministries and agencies Personnel seconded from other government agencies receive different protocol-based suffixes and titles from those in the Foreign Service, which differ from the wider public and military services' ranks/grades and titles. For instance, a First Secretary (Economic) would represent an officer/middle-manager from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. While such persons may hold diplomatic status temporarily, they are not considered to be part of the Foreign Service. Spain After the merger of the Consular and Diplomatic Corps, the current eight grades of Spanish career diplomats are (in ascending order): ("Trainee Diplomat"): title held during the one-year training program at the Diplomatic School. ("Embassy Secretary, Third Class") or Secretary. ("Embassy Secretary, Second Class") . ("Embassy Secretary, First Class") or , lowest grade to be appointed Consul-General. ("Minister Plenipotentiary, Third Class") commonly known as Minister, lowest grade to be appointed