The FSOT is a very challenging exam with a low pass-rate (hovering
between just 30% and 50% of test takers
).
How do I prepare for the Foreign Service exam?
Tips for acing the written exam: Know
your current events
! You can be sure the written exam will ask you about geography, political structures, and modern world conflicts. Make a habit of reading The Economist, The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and other renowned current events periodicals.
How hard is it to pass 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
).
What is a passing score on the foreign service exam?
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 many times can you take the foreign service exam?
Is there a limit on the number of times a person can take the FSOT?
There is no limit on the number of times an individual may sit for the FSOT
. However, one must wait 12 months between each test.
What is a good 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 old are most foreign service officers?
Interestingly enough, the average age of foreign service officers is
40+ years old
, which represents 89% of the population.
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.
How long should you 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.
Is there math on the FSOT?
This exam consists of questions related to many subjects: geography, history, math, economics, culture, English, and even a biographical report section. In addition to passing the exam, applicants may need to take an Oral Assessment, obtain a medical or security clearance, and more.
How much do diplomats make a year?
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.
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 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).
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.
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.
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.
