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. This fee is fully refunded to the candidate one to three weeks after the testing event.
Can I retake the FSOT?
Candidates may request a re-score of their FSOT essay
, for a fee. The fee to re-evaluate the written essay section of the FSOT is $30. Please note that the re-score may or may not result in a change to the original score.
How long is FSOT?
What is the FSOT? The Foreign Service Officer Test measures your knowledge, skills and abilities, including writing skills that are necessary to the work of a Foreign Service Officer. The FSOT is administered online at designated test centers in the U.S. and abroad and takes
about three hours
to complete.
What is a passing score on the FSOT?
What's a good score on the FSOT? A passing score is a good score. Passing is
154 and above on the multiple choice
and 6 or above on the essay. You'll get your results about 3 weeks after taking the test.
How difficult is 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. … In addition to a great overview of all the subjects, it provides a straightforward and highly-effective plan for using your study time well.
How many foreign service officers are hired each year?
FSOT. Over the past year, much attention has been paid to the number of test takers for the Foreign Service Officer Test, which is usually seen as a proxy for interest in a Foreign Service career. In calendar year 2019,
9,294 people
took the FSOT—not unusual if we look at the past 20 years or so.
Is there an age limit for Foreign Service Officer?
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.
How many people fail the FSOT?
FSOT – Foreign Service Exam
Let that sink in for a bit. 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.
How much does FSOT cost?
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
.
Do foreign service officers choose where they go?
For example, some foreign service officers choose
to focus the remainder of their time in the field working with a specific country or region
. Others declare an affinity for a type of placement at this time.
Is it difficult to become a Foreign Service Officer?
The search for extraordinary U.S. citizens to serve as Foreign Service Officers is intense and the qualifying process is rigorous,
demanding and highly competitive
. If you are interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), you must first register for and take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT).
Is Foreign Service Officer a good job?
A career with the Foreign Service may appear glamorous: worldwide 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. During this career you can expect to be assigned to hardship posts.
What is the salary of Foreign Service Officers?
The overall IFS salary is
around 60,000 per month
including all the benefits and allowances. But this salary differs based on the candidates posting, that is if the selected candidate got his/her posting in foreign countries then he/she may receive a salary of 2.40 lakhs under the special foreign allowance.
How much do US diplomats get paid?
Salary Ranges for Foreign Diplomats
The salaries of Foreign Diplomats in the US range from
$68,600 to $187,200
, with a median salary of $175,110 . The middle 50% of Foreign Diplomats makes $111,040, with the top 75% making $187,200.
What do you need to pass the FSOT?
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. Then, you need
at least a 6 out of a possible 12 points on the written essay
.
How long does it take to study for the FSOT?
If you do achieve a 154 minimum on the first three sections, your essay won't be graded. If you do not pass the exam, you have to wait a full 12 months before retaking it. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time (
at least six months
) to study and prepare for this test.
