Becoming a Foreign Service officer in the US Department of State involves taking an exam, an oral assessment, medical and safety checks, and a final review panel. The exam tests knowledge of political science, history, economics, psychology, and world events. The State Department seeks applicants with higher education, professional experience, and fluency in foreign languages, and preference is given to US military veterans. Successful candidates will have excellent language skills and graduate degrees. The oral assessment takes place in several major US cities, and candidates must pass a background check and health screening before being placed on the hiring register.
A Foreign Service (FSO) officer is an important member of the US Department of State. FSOs work as analysts and liaisons with consular officials in US and foreign offices. The way to become a Foreign Service officer starts with taking the Foreign Service exam. A candidate’s exam score is evaluated along with their personal narrative to determine if they qualify for an oral assessment. If the candidate passes the exam and interview, they will undergo medical and safety checks and a final review panel.
The exam to become a Foreign Service officer is open to all US citizens and is administered at testing locations around the world. This online exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of political science, history, economics, psychology, and world events. The test consists of multiple choice questions and an essay. Expect the exam to last about three hours. The State Department offers the test three times a year over an eight-day period, and candidates can retake the test after 11 months.
In general, the Department of State seeks applicants with a higher level of education, professional experience, and fluency in foreign languages. Competition to become a Foreign Service officer is fierce, and many successful candidates will have graduate degrees and excellent language skills, in addition to a high exam score. Preference is given to US military veterans. Candidates claiming fluency in a critical or super-critical language will be tested over the phone after passing the primary exam.
Many applicants who want to become a Foreign Service officer pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees that will improve their chances. These degrees include political science, history, sociology and international affairs. Generally, the basic requirements for these degrees will also help the candidate to get a better score on the exam.
The oral assessment takes place in Washington, DC, and several other major US cities, including Chicago, Illinois; and Atlanta, Georgia. The oral assessment is a day-long process, with group and written exercises, plus an interview. The candidate must be prepared to answer questions about his or her background and desire to become a Foreign Service officer. State Department interviewers look for people who demonstrate the skills and qualities needed for a demanding diplomatic career.
Applicants who successfully complete the interview process will be required to pass a background check to receive top-secret security clearance and pass a health screening. A serious medical condition or suspicious background may disqualify any candidate at this point in the process. After obtaining these authorizations, the candidate will move on to the final review board and be placed on the hiring register. As positions become available, applicants undergo several months of orientation and training before receiving their first publication.
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