How difficult is the foreign service exam?
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.
How much does it cost to take the Foreign Service exam?
a $5
How 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.
What is the difference between Foreign Service Officer and specialist?
Officers hold Article II commissions from the President and are the diplomats of the United States while Specialists perform the essential functions that enable the conduct of diplomacy.
What is the Foreign Service oral exam?
The Foreign Service Oral Assessment is a day-long series of exercises that tests for the skills, abilities, and personal qualities deemed essential to the performance of Foreign Service work.
What is a good FSOT score?
To pass the FSOT, before October 2019, you needed a combined score of at least a 154 on the first three sections of the test, and then a passing score of six on the essay. After taking the test, it’s about three weeks before your scores are published. If you don’t receive at least a 154, your essay is not scored.
How many Foreign Service Officers are hired each year?
In calendar year 2019, 9,294 people took the FSOT—not unusual if we look at the past 20 years or so. The test is given in February, June and October.
What happens after you pass the Foreign Service exam?
If you successfully complete the Foreign Service Officer Test; Qualifications Evaluation Panel; Oral Assessment; security and medical clearances; and a suitability review, you are placed on a hiring register.
How many people pass the Foreign Service Oral assessment?
The Foreign Service exam pass rate is a dismal 20%. That means that 4 out of every 5 are destined to fail in their first step to becoming an FSO.
What is a good score on the FSOT?
How many questions can you miss on FSOT?
If you only miss 5 questions and most of the others in your testing group miss 10, you’ll receive a high score.
Can you quit the Foreign Service?
Although there is nominally an objective system in place, Foreign Service officers seeking to secure a desirable post can do an end run around the official process by leveraging their networks to obtain an informal “handshake” offer.
What is the wife of an ambassador called?
In direct conversation, address an ambassador as Mr. /Madam Ambassador or Ambassador Jones. His/her spouse should be referred to as Mr. /Mrs. Jones or Ms. Smith, if the spouse is a woman who kept her maiden name after marriage.
How many new Foreign Service Officers are hired each year?
By “normal” I mean that every year around 300 Generalist Foreign Service Officers are hired, typically in batches of 70, as well as approximately the same number of Specialists. This has been more or less the average since 2013.