The Foreign Service Officer Test
The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) is an important part of the FSO selection process, covering the job knowledge, English expression and biographic information necessary to work as a Foreign Service Officer. The FSOT also includes an essay. View complete information on the FSOT and the selection process.
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
- Available for worldwide assignments, including Washington, D.C.
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 the next three Foreign Service Officer Tests. As a reminder you will be able to register – apply and select a seat – for approximately five weeks before each testing window.
| February 2019 | June 2019 | October 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testing Window Dates | February 02 - February 09 | June 01 - June 08 | September 28 - October 05 |
| Registration opens | January 02, 2019 | May 01, 2019 | September 04, 2019 |
| Registration closes | January 30, 2019 | May 29, 2019 | September 25, 2019 |
| List of embassies/consulates* offering the FSOT available at www.careers.state.gov | December 18 | April 12 | August 16 |
*The FSOT is offered at both domestic and overseas locations.
Pearson VUE On Base Test Centers (OBTC) to Offer the FSOT
Beginning with the February 2017 FSOT, the Foreign Service Officer Test will be 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.
Use of Overseas Pearson Professional Centers
The Board of Examiners will offer the FSOT at certain overseas Pearson Professional Centers (PPCs). PPCs are wholly owned by Pearson VUE and may not be in the capital. Embassies/Consulates located in other cities may continue to offer the test as their resources permit. Candidates testing in these locations must use their U.S. passports for identification verification.
The FSOT will be delivered at Pearson Professional Centers in the following cities: Melbourne and Sydney (Australia); Sao Paulo (Brazil); Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver (Canada); Paris (France); Frankfurt (Germany); Athens (Greece); Osaka and Tokyo (Japan); Seoul (Korea, South); Mexico City (Mexico); Manila (Philippines); Singapore City (Singapore); Johannesburg (South Africa); Madrid (Spain); Taipei (Taiwan); Bangkok (Thailand); Istanbul (Turkey); and London (United Kingdom).
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.
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