For each level of the FSOE, do remember the following:
- Have enough sleep the night before to be mentally alert on the day of the exams.
- Bring the required documents and pencils/pen. Please note that FSO aspirants are required to submit revised CVs to the DFA Board of Foreign Service Examination (BFSE), after passing each level. ...
- Be on time always.
- Follow the dress code (if there is one). ...
- Bring a snack (if allowed).
Full Answer
Can anyone take the Foreign Service exam?
The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) is required of anyone who is interested in working as a Foreign Service Officer of any kind. Whether you want to work in the consulate, diplomacy, politics, or any other department, taking this test will be a necessary step on your career path.
Can I take the FSOT online?
You may also take the FSOT online with OnVUE, Pearson VUE's online testing system. Taking the exam online is flexible, convenient, and easy.
How much does the Foreign Service exam cost?
a $5How often is the FSOT administered? The FSOT is offered three times each year in February, June, and October. Is there a charge/fee to take the FSOT? There is a $5 sitting fee for the FSOT.
How do you get into the FSOT?
Eight Steps to Becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO)Choose a Career Track.Register for the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT)Take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT)Submit Personal Narratives for the QEP Review.Take the Foreign Service Oral Assessment.Clearances: Medical and Security.Suitability Review Panel.More items...
Does the FSOT have math?
To become a Foreign Service Officer, you need to be able to use mental math and complete math calculations long-hand. Due to this requirement, the use of calculators is not allowed on the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). This process will truly test your in-depth knowledge of math and statistics.
How hard is it to pass the FSOT?
The FSOT pass rate is around 30-40%. This means that the majority of applicants do not pass the FSOT.
How many people fail the Foreign Service exam?
Advantages. The test has often been described as Jeopardy (specifically the job knowledge section) and the bane for many candidates. Online estimates hold that roughly 60% of candidates do not pass the FSOT, with many candidates and current officers taking the test multiple times before passing (myself included).
How many people pass the Foreign Service test?
All FSOT Candidates Calendar Year 2021Test ResultComputer-QEP onlyFSOT onlyFail2,9032,943Pass3,6113,571Grand Total6,5146,514
How many people pass the Foreign Service exam?
Roughly 3% of those who take for Foreign Service Officers Test (FSOT) pass all stages and are offered jobs. The job offer may not come immediately after pass all the stages; it can, in fact, take a few years. The Foreign Service is not "exlusive" in terms of social class or education.
Do you need a degree to take the FSOT?
To enter the Foreign Service, you must be an American citizen between the ages of 20 and 59 and, although there is no educational requirement to become a Foreign Service officer, the vast majority of applicants hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
What are the 5 types of foreign service officers?
The Foreign Service has five different career tracks: Consular Affairs, Economic Affairs, Management Affairs, Political Affairs, and Public Diplomacy.
How long does it take to become a Foreign Service Officer?
There will be moments during the selection process that require your full attention and other points of time where you won't do anything for weeks or months. A safe bet is to consider the whole process, from your decision to apply to when you are offered the job, to take an average of 1.5 years.
Can you become a FSO right out of college?
Can you become a diplomat right out of college? The short answer is yes. I know several diplomats who joined in their early or mid-twenties. Anyone who is 20-59 can apply and your age doesn't count against you during the selection process.
What is the highest score you can get on the FSOT?
A 154 is the minimum passing score on the multiple-choice portion, including Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situation Judgment. This means that scores from 160-179 are average, 180, and above are impressive. These are all out of a maximum score of 200.
What is a passing score on FSOT?
154A candidate must pass the FSOT with a combined score of at least 154. A candidate must pass the QEP, which is a package of the candidate's application, their FSOT essay, and the narratives. A candidate must pass the Oral Assessment (OA) with at least a score of 5.25.
How many applicants pass the FSOT?
All FSOT Candidates Calendar Year 2021Test ResultComputer-QEP onlyFSOT onlyFail2,9032,943Pass3,6113,571Grand Total6,5146,514
How to be successful in a foreign service interview?
In your structured interview, your assessors will be looking for your aptitude and potential to be successful as a foreign service officer . Study up on what your role as an FSO would be, and practice talking about why you think you’d make a great FSO.
What is the FSOT test?
It’s easy to take one look at the first step—the foreign service officer test (FSOT)—and run in the opposite direction. But fear not! Here’s an inside look at the FSOT and some tips on how you can ace it. The FSOT consists of four parts: a written exam, a personal narrative, an oral assessment, and finally, a security clearance.
What is a small group exercise?
A small group exercise, in which candidates work together as a hypothetical task force charged with solving a complex problem and presenting their findings.
What is the purpose of the written exam?
The written exam is a computer-based test on everything. Literally. From questions about the origin of bee-bop to the specifics of East Asian labor laws, the exam is designed to test general knowledge.
What is the Muse?
The Muse is the go-to destination for the next-gen workforce to research companies and careers—offering expert advice, job opportunities, a peek behind the scenes at companies hiring now, and career coaching services.
What companies offer case studies?
Prepare for case studies. Consulting firms like Bain, Boston Consulting Group, and McKinsey offer sample case studies on their websites, as it’s part of their interview process. There are also several books on case studies, like Marc Cosentino’s Case In Point, that can help you get more comfortable with case interviews.
How to get help in international relations?
They can likely provide you with helpful material and advice, or direct you to someone in the field who can.
How to cancel Pearson Vue exam?
Canceling an exam appointment can be done in your Pearson VUE account 24/7 or by calling Pearson VUE at (888) 572-2276 Mon-Fri, 7-7 Central. You can cancel your OnVue exam right up to the scheduled appointment time at no cost. If you do not cancel your appointment before the scheduled appointment time and do not take the exam, it will be considered a No Show and you will forfeit your entire exam fee.
How to reschedule an OnVue exam?
Rescheduling an exam appointment can be done in your Pearson VUE account 24/7 or by calling Pearson VUE at (888) 572-2276 Mon-Fri, 7-7 Central. You can reschedule your OnVue exam right up to the scheduled appointment time at no cost. If you do not reschedule your appointment before the scheduled appointment time and do not take the exam, it will be considered a No Show and you will forfeit your entire exam fee.
What should be reported to Pearson VUE?
Reporting Unusual Circumstances: Significant and unusual circumstances that occur during the testing process should be reported immediately to the Pearson VUE exam proctor so an incident report can be filed. If you are unable to communicate with the proctor you are required to notify Person VUE ASAP. Please see the following page for help contacting: https://home.pearsonvue.com/fsot/contact
How long does it take to check in for Pearson Vue?
You will be asked to take a photo on your phone of yourself, your ID, and 4 photos of your room. The check-in process takes approximately 15 minutes for candidates who have previously completed a system test. After you have completed the check-in process, you will be asked to place your phone out of reach, but close enough to be heard.
What is the Foreign Service Officer test?
The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) is an important part of the FSO selection process, covering the job knowledge, English expression and situational judgement necessary to work as a Foreign Service Officer. The FSOT also includes an essay.
Why is it important to complete the required system test on the same computer?
It is very important to complete the required System Test on the same computer, in the same location, and at the same time as your exam appointment so the System Test can accurately read the computer’s connectivity in that location and timeframe.
What are the six areas of FSOT?
Candidates will be asked to address the following six areas: Leadership Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Management Skills, Intellectual Skills, and Substantive Knowledge. Each of the six PNs will consist of no more than 1,300 characters.
What is the FSO Oral Assessment?
If you’re invited to the Oral Assessment, then congratulations! This is a massive success on its own. You are part of a small percentage of applicants who get to this round.
How long does it take to pass the FSOT?
With the October 2019 rule change, your essays are now scored as part of the QEP. This means that you will find out within 30 minutes to two days if you pass the FSOT.
When do you have to submit personal narratives for FSOT?
Beginning in February 2020, applicants must submit their personal narratives with their application. This is a BIG change from previous years when only applicants who passed the FSOT were required to provide personal narratives.
When is the FSOT test?
The FSOT is traditionally offered in February, June, and October.
How to become a foreign service officer?
Different routes include transitioning from the Civil Service to the Foreign Service via the Mustang Program or joining the career through the Pickering Fellowship. However, the most common approach for applicants is to complete the Foreign Service Officer selection process.
What is the role of a political officer in the foreign service?
The Political Officer’s role is to be in the know to provide advice. Learn more.
How many people are in the Embassy Task Force?
For the first exercise of the day, candidates are brought together in a group of three to six individuals to comprise an Embassy task force charged with allocating resources to competing projects in their host country.
When Can I Register for the FSOT?
The FSOT is offered three times a year and each testing window comes with its own registration window. These windows are as follows:
What Should I Expect on Test Day?
On the day of the test, you need to bring your admissions letter and a valid government-issued photo ID with you. If you are taking the exam at a consulate or embassy, you must use your US passport as your ID. Otherwise, a driver’s license, state ID, or military ID are also accepted.</p
When Will I Find Out if I Passed the Test?
You’ll be able to view your scores within three weeks of taking the test. The score required to pass the test can shift slightly from year to year due to the way that scores are calculated. However, you usually need a minimum cumulative score for the three multiple-choice sections of 154.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Passing the FSOT?
The FSOT is a very challenging exam with a low pass-rate (hovering between just 30% and 50% of test takers). So you should not underestimate the need to study for this test.
What is FSOT practice test?
FSOT Practice Test. The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) is required of anyone who is interested in working as a Foreign Service Officer of any kind. Whether you want to work in the consulate, diplomacy, politics, or any other department, taking this test will be a necessary step on your career path. FSOT Study Guide.
What is an English expression?
The English expression is a fairly straight-forward measure of your command of grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and other dimensions of the English language. The job knowledge and situational judgement sections will both cover a wide array of subjects including: US Government. Economics. US History, Society, Customs, and Culture.
Why do you need a study plan for Mometrix?
Because it covers such a wide span of information ranging from history to economics to math, you will need a carefully crafted study plan that includes a variety of different study methods. The Mometrix Study Guide includes exactly that. In addition to a great overview of all the subjects, it provides a straightforward and highly-effective plan for using your study time well.
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The Written Examination
The Personal Narrative
- Once you pass the written exam, you’ll be asked to submit a personal narrative to the Qualifications Evaluations Panel (QEP). Here, you’ll highlight what you’ve done, who you are, and what you’ve learned from your experiences in essay format. This is your chance to express why you’re qualified to be a foreign service officer. The scoring is not con...
The Oral Assessment
- If the QEP is sufficiently impressed by your qualifications, you’ll be invited to participate in an oral assessment, a day-long exam where you’ll be evaluated on the “13 dimensions”essential for work in the foreign service. The oral consists of three parts: Tips for acing the oral assessment:
Security and Medical Clearance & Final Review
- Once you’ve come this far, the rest is a piece of cake, relatively speaking. You’ll be investigated for a high-level security and medical clearance—lots of paperwork, but not an exam—and your file will be submitted to the panel for final review. A last word of advice:Don’t get discouraged if you don’t make it all the way through on your first try. It’s fairly normal to take and re-take the FSOT befor…