How to Prepare For the Foreign Service Officer Exam

A Foreign Service Officer is a representative of the United States. This person represents America’s interests in other parts of the world. Diplomacy can be a very rewarding and exciting career. The process to prepare for the Foreign Service Officer exam, or FSOT, is outlined on the federal government’s career website.

1. Make sure that you meet the following requirements to take the test: be a U.S. citizen; be at least 20 years old, and no more than 59 years old, on the day you submit your registration; and be available for an assignment anywhere in the world.


2. Download the study guide, or order a hardbound copy from the State Department’s website.


3. Register for the FSOT by filling out an online application form. Make sure to be truthful for all the information will be verified. Misrepresenting yourself may result in the termination of your candidacy, you may be dismissed after starting work, or you may be punished with a fine or imprisonment.


4. Submit your registration package at least 48 hours before the opening of the test window. Test dates are available online. Seats for taking the test are limited to 5,000, and are available on a first-come first-serve basis.


5. Wait for the confirmation email a day after submitting your registration. This email will give you instructions on how to schedule your test appointment. You will have one week to schedule the test.


6. Wait for an email confirming your scheduled exam.


7. Come to the test center. Bring the confirmation email and a valid picture ID. The test covers knowledge of the job duties, including U.S. government, U.S. and world history, psychology, finance and economics, and world affairs.


8. Check for an email notifying you of your test results.


9. Wait for an email that instructs you to log in to your account and fill out a personal narrative questionnaire.


10. Wait for an email in which you are notified whether you are invited to the Foreign Service oral assessment. This notification comes after an evaluation panel has considered your entire file.