Foreign Service Officer Test

Foreign service officers work for the United States government in a variety of roles and occupations. They represent the United States in almost all of the countries in the world. Foreign service officers work diplomatically in consulates and by performing public diplomacy, which is like public relations. There are economic and development officers working to help developing countries and to open foreign markets to American business. The work is difficult, and many of the most important assignments are in so-called hardship posts where there is imminent danger. Because of these difficulties, the government is very careful about who it selects to occupy these posts and represent it internationally. The requirements are stringent. The FSOT (Foreign Service Officer Test) is preliminary and determines a candidate's suitability for foreign service.

The FSOT is a computer-administered test. Candidates must take the approximately three-hour test at a testing center to see if they have what it takes to work in the Foreign Service. There are three sections of the test, and all of them come in a multiple-choice format. There is a general knowledge section, which focuses on areas that are most important to diplomacy abroad. Questions test a candidate's knowledge of the United States government and its political institutions. History is another important content area. The general knowledge portion also covers finance, economics, management, and human psychology and behavior. The second area focuses on English language expression.

Much of the work of a foreign service officer is communicating in an official capacity. Reports must be written, so written expression is an important qualification. The English language section, which is also multiple choice, has questions on grammar and usage as well as stylistic questions. There is also a biographic section. Candidates answer questions about themselves and their experiences abroad. The final step is a written essay on an impromptu topic. The FSOT is just the first step in achieving a position abroad working for the United States government.

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