Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) :: Pearson VUE (2024)

    Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) :: Pearson VUE (1)

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    The U.S. Department of State strongly encourages candidates to use a personal email address to which they will have regular, long-term access throughout the hiring process. Please consider this carefully before using a .edu or other email that may be attached to any current student or employee roles. Please also note the Department of State will communicate with candidates via the email address they provide at the time of original application and failure to respond by established deadlines may result in the Department of State discontinuing a candidate’s application. Candidates who are current U.S. government employees may not use their U.S. government email addresses for the Foreign Service application, testing, and assessment process.

    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. View complete information on the FSOT and the selection process.

    Please note: New candidates must create a web account before they can submit an application.

    FSOT At-Home Online Proctored Testing (OnVUE) Available!

    Before the exam

    On exam day

    Facial Comparison Policy

    Eligibility Requirements

    To be eligible, the U.S. Department of State requires that each candidate be:

    • A U.S. citizen on the date the candidate submits the registration package
    • At least 20 years old and no older than 59 years of age on the day the candidate submits the registration
    • At least 21 years old and not yet 60 on the day the candidate is appointed as a Foreign Service Officer
    • Open to acceptance of assignments based on the needs of the service

    Registering for the FSOT

    Candidates complete both registration steps - submitting an application and selecting a seat - during the same five-week period immediately prior to a specific testing window. Applications are valid only for that test and will expire when that testing window closes. The registration period closes three days prior to the opening of the testing window.

    If you have a documented need for an accommodation, you must request and receive approval for your accommodation before scheduling your test.

    Once an application for a test window is submitted it cannot be changed, and candidates may test only once in a 12-month period. Click here for answers to General FSOT FAQs.

    Upcoming Foreign Service Officer Testing Windows

    This chart contains relevant dates for upcoming Foreign Service Officer Test. As a reminder you will be able to register – apply and select a seat – for approximately five weeks before each testing window (dates subject to change).

    June 2024

    Testing Window DatesJune 1 – June 8, 2024
    Registration opensApril 15, 2024
    Registration closesMay 30, 2024

    October 2024

    Testing Window DatesSeptember 28 – October 5, 2024
    Registration opensAugust 12, 2024
    Registration closesSeptember 26, 2024

    February 2025

    Testing Window DatesFebruary 1 – February 8, 2025
    Registration opensDecember 17, 2024
    Registration closesJanuary 30, 2025

    *The FSOT is offered at both domestic and overseas locations.

    As a part of the registration process, all candidates will be asked to complete their Personal Narratives (PNs). 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. Beginning with the June 2022 FSOT, all candidates who complete the FSOT will proceed to the qualifications and evaluation panel for review.

    Pearson VUE On Base Test Centers (OBTC) to Offer the FSOT

    The Foreign Service Officer Test is offered at approximately 130 OBTC locations on U.S. military installations in U.S states and territories, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The OBTCs will add additional appointment options during each testing window for those candidates with access to the included military bases.

    Click here to learn more about on base testing at Pearson VUE »

    Use of Overseas Pearson VUE Testing sites

    The Board of Examiners has expanded the number of Pearson VUE testing sites for the FSOT both domestically and overseas. Embassies/Consulates located in other cities may continue to offer the test as their resources permit. Candidates testing in locations outside the U.S. must use their U.S. passports for identification verification.

    Please click on find a testing center to find the closest site available.

    Plagiarism & AI Policy

    • The Department of State prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application materials to include responses to questions in which candidates must provide a narrative response. Candidates must create their own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources. The Department analyzes candidate submissions for plagiarism and will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this plagiarism policy.
    • While the Department of State encourages candidates to create their narratives with great care, including correct use of grammar and style, candidates are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) tool, to include but not limited to ChatGPT, to aid in their written responses. The Department will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this prohibition on use of AI tools in the application process.

    Other

    Find more information on a rewarding career in the Foreign Service. If you have specific questions about the Foreign Service Officer Test you may send them to FSOTQuestions@state.gov.

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 120 minutes per response, including time required for searching existing data sources, gathering the necessary documentation, providing the information and/or documents required, and reviewing the final collection. You do not have to supply this information unless this collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. If you have comments on the accuracy of this burden estimate and/or recommendations for reducing it, please send them to: HR/REE, SA-1, H-518. 2401 E Street NW, Washington, DC, 20522.

    OMB Approval Number: 1405-0008 Expiration Date: 3/31/2021

    AUTHORITIES: The information is sought pursuant to 301(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended (22 U.S.C. § 3941(b)).

    PURPOSE: The information solicited on this form will be used to determine eligibility to take the Foreign Service Officer Test, to register for the Foreign Service Officer Test, to assess qualifications for selection as a Foreign Service Officer, and to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

    ROUTINE USES: The information solicited on this form may be made available to prepare statistical reports and analyses at the Department of State. Such reports and analyses, which are prepared in such a way that they are not individually identifiable, may be shared outside the Department. This information may also be shared with other federal agencies in response to request for information about hiring or retention of an employee or to Members of Congress in response to an inquiry on behalf of the applicant. More information on the Routine Uses for the system can be found in the System of Records Notice State-31, Human Resource Records.

    DISCLOSURE: Providing this information is voluntary. Failure to provide the information requested on this form may result in the user’s inability to submit appropriate responses to the FSOT questionnaire and/or the FSOT and oral exam.

    Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) :: Pearson VUE (2024)

    FAQs

    Is the foreign service officer test hard? ›

    The test is challenging for a reason, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take it within six months. Remember, the test is your first graded assessment. You must cross more barriers in this application process, and each takes time. The sooner you take the test, the sooner you become a diplomat.

    What is the passing score for FSOt? ›

    Scores typically range from 30 to 70. On the total score, a score of 154 and higher is passing and below 154 is failing.

    How much does the Fsot cost? ›

    *The FSOT is offered at both domestic and overseas locations. Find a test center. It is free to take the FSOT, but if you need to cancel your test, you must do so at least 48 hours (two business days) before your scheduled appointment or you will be charged a $72 “no show” fee.

    What is the acceptance rate for the Fsot? ›

    It is extremely competitive — of the approximately 20,000 people who take the FSOT each year, only about 500-700 are actually offered positions in the Foreign Service, about 2-3%.

    How many people fail the Foreign Service exam? ›

    “We're a Foreign Service, we need to be able to staff positions overseas,” he said. The officer assessment currently has about a 50% pass rate. The department also loses candidates elsewhere in the process, such as those who can't get a security clearance or suitability clearance.

    How long should I study for FSOT? ›

    Make sure you give yourself plenty of time (at least six months) to study and prepare for this test.

    How many times can you take the Foreign Service exam? ›

    There is no limit on the number of times an applicant may take the FSOT, but the test can be taken only once in a 12-month period. The test is offered throughout the United States, at some overseas Pearson Professional Centers, and at some U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

    How long does it take to get hired as a Foreign Service officer? ›

    There will be moments during the selection process that require your full attention and other times when you won't do anything for weeks or months. A safe bet is to consider the whole process, from your decision to apply to day one on the job, to take an average of 1.5 years.

    What if you fail the FSOt? ›

    The candidate would have to re-take the FSOT 12 months later to start the process over again.

    Do you need a degree for 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 is the age limit for the Fsot? ›

    At least 20 years old and no older than 59 years of age on the day the candidate submits the registration. At least 21 years old and not yet 60 on the day the candidate is appointed as a Foreign Service Officer.

    Do foreign service officers make a lot of money? ›

    The average Foreign Service Officer base salary at U.S. Department of State is $128K per year. The average additional pay is $0 per year, which could include cash bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

    Is it worth it to become a Foreign Service Officer? ›

    A career with the Foreign Service may appear glamorous with travel, government-paid housing, generous pay and benefits. In some instances, though, working as a Foreign Service Officer can be very challenging and sometimes dangerous. In any posting, you may face an irregular schedule or extended work schedule.

    What is the best major for a Foreign Service Officer? ›

    A diplomat must be versed in foreign relations; therefore, the most recognizable route to a career in diplomacy is a bachelor's and then master's degree in a major like international relations, political science, cultural anthropology, sociology, or foreign policy.

    What happens after you pass the FSOt? ›

    If you successfully pass the Foreign Service Officer Test; Qualifications Evaluation Panel; Officer Assessment; security and medical clearances; and a suitability review, you are placed on a hiring register.

    How hard is it to become an FSO? ›

    The FSO selection process is a “marathon, not a sprint” that nearly 15,000-20,000 aspiring FSOs attempt each year for only a handful of open slots. There will be moments during the selection process that require your full attention and other times when you won't do anything for weeks or months.

    How to pass the Foreign Service Officer test? ›

    Success on the FSOT involves much more than studying for a test. The FSOT assesses knowledge and skills that the candidate has acquired from reading widely from many different sources, study or course work in a number of related fields, and other career or life experiences.

    How hard is the FSOA? ›

    The FSOA is a daylong assessment. It's intense. Of course, some people are apathetic about their candidacy, and some others are perhaps too familiar with the process to be intimidated anymore - few people like to admit it, but lots of Foreign Service candidates take the tests multiple times.

    How many times can you take the FSO exam? ›

    There is no limit on the number of times an applicant may take the FSOT, but the test can be taken only once in a 12-month period. The test is offered throughout the United States, at some overseas Pearson Professional Centers, and at some U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

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