If you're planning to become a Foreign Service Officer, then you must pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) to qualify for the position. The FSOT is a comprehensive exam that assesses the candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities in various areas, including English expression, job knowledge, and biographic information. The exam is challenging and requires a lot of preparation to pass. In this article, we will discuss the exam's objectives, details, and recommended books to help you prepare for the FSOT.
Exam Objectives:
The FSOT exam assesses the candidate's proficiency in the following areas:
- English Expression
- Job Knowledge
- Biographic Information
- Situational Judgment
- Personal Narrative
The exam is designed to test the candidate's ability to write and speak effectively in English, their knowledge of current events, politics, and history, as well as their ability to work in a team and handle complex situations. The test also assesses the candidate's suitability for a career as a Foreign Service Officer.
Exam Details:
The FSOT exam is administered by the US Department of State and is offered three times a year. The cost of the exam is $145, and it is delivered in an online format. The exam consists of four sections:
- Job Knowledge Test (JK)
- Biographic Questionnaire (BQ)
- English Expression Test (EE)
- Situational Judgment Test (SJ)
The passing mark for the exam is 154, and the time limit is six hours. The exam is divided into two parts: the first part is three hours long and includes the Job Knowledge and Biographic sections. The second part is three hours long and includes the English Expression and Situational Judgment sections.
The FSOT exam is a computer-based test, and the questions are in multiple-choice format. The exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 210, with a passing score of 154. The test is offered in testing centers across the US and internationally.
Who Should Take the Exam?
The FSOT exam is for individuals who want to pursue a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the US Department of State. To be eligible to take the exam, candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a US citizen
- Must be at least 20 years old and no older than 59 years old
- Must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college
- Must meet the Department of State's medical and security clearance requirements
Related Books:
There are many books available that can help you prepare for the FSOT exam. Here are some of the most popular and recommended books:
- "Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work" by Shawn Dorman
- "Pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT)" by Adar Review
- "The Complete FSOT Study Guide: Practice Tests and Test Preparation Guide for the Written Exam and Oral Assessment" by Robert Clark
- "American Diplomacy: Sixtieth-Anniversary Expanded Edition (Walgreen Foundation Lectures)" by
George F. Kennan
- "The Foreign Service Officer Test Study Guide: Complete Guide for the Written Exam and Oral Assessment" by Ernie Dillard
- "Barron's Foreign Service Officer Test, 2nd Edition" by Robert T. Jordan
- "Master the Foreign Service Officer Test" by Peterson's
These books provide comprehensive coverage of the exam content and offer practice questions and strategies to help you prepare for the FSOT. You can also access free study materials, such as sample questions and study guides, on the Department of State's website.
Preparing for the FSOT exam requires a lot of effort and dedication. It's important to start your preparation early and develop a study plan that works for you. By focusing on the exam objectives, using the recommended books and study materials, and practicing regularly, you can increase your chances of passing the FSOT and pursuing a fulfilling career as a Foreign Service Officer.