Foreign Service Officer Test

The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) is given to those who are interested in working as a United States diplomat in the Foreign Service. A Foreign Service Officer protects American citizens while promoting peace and prosperity in countries around the world. Working as a Foreign Service Officer excites many people, since they get to travel the world and meet new people for the job. However, it can also be dangerous and lonely, as some posts are in remote locations without everyday amenities. In addition, family members are sometimes not allowed to accompany you on your missions. These are things you will need to consider before taking the FSOT test.

A Foreign Service Officer works for the United States Department of State. The Department of State hires motivated individuals who exercise good judgment and leaderships skills and who can remain calm in stressful situations. To become eligible for the FSOT test, you must be a healthy U.S. citizen between 20-59 years of age when you submit your registration and between 21-59 years of age on the day you are appointed to your post. You must be available and willing to travel to anywhere around the world. Although not required, proficiency in a foreign language is recommended and makes you a more competitive candidate.

• The first step in the FSOT testing process is to choose a career track. There are five types of officers:
  • public diplomacy,
  • political, management,
  • economic,
  • and consular.
  • Each of these works with foreign governments and communicates foreign policy, but has a different focus.
• The next step is to register for the FSOT test. This test measures your knowledge of foreign policy as well as your writing ability. To register, you must complete an application online. Once you receive a confirmation e-mail, you must schedule your FSOT test within one year. It is available only three times each year, for eight-day windows each time.

On the day of the FSOT test, you are required to bring your admissions letter and a valid photo ID. If you pass, you will then also need to submit a Personal Narrative in which you answer questions about the knowledge and skills you will bring to the Foreign Service. You will want to focus on your leadership, communication, management, interpersonal, and intellectual skills, as well as your knowledge of U.S. culture, history, and government. If you do well on this portion of the FSOT test, you will be asked to take part in an oral interview. This day-long process normally occurs in Washington, D.C. and assesses 13 personal qualities, such as composure, cultural adaptability, communication skills, leadership, motivation, information analysis, judgment, integrity, organization, and teamwork.

After you pass the oral portion of the FSOT test, the next step is to pass the medical and security clearances. Upon completion, a panel will review your file and assess your suitability for the Foreign Service. The panel will review your conduct, prior use of alcohol and drugs, criminal background, and any type of irresponsibility in which you may have engaged. If you pass this portion of the FSOT test, you will be placed on the Register, which is a list ordered by rank. Those who perform better on the test are placed higher on the Register. You will be placed on the Register for 18 months. After that time, you will be removed from the list, or if you decline more than one offer of employment, whichever happens first. If your name is taken off the Register, or if you fail the FSOT test, you will need to resubmit the registration package and retake the FSOT test within 11 months.