The search for extraordinary U.S. citizens to serve as Foreign Service Officers is intense and the qualifying process is rigorous, demanding and highly competitive. If you are interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), you must first register for and take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT).
Contents
- 1 How long does it take to become a foreign service officer?
- 2 How hard is the Foreign Service Officer Test?
- 3 What does it take to be a foreign service officer?
- 4 Is foreign service officer a good job?
- 5 Do diplomats get paid well?
- 6 How old are most foreign service officers?
- 7 What happens if you fail the FSOT?
- 8 How many foreign service officers are hired each year?
- 9 How much do foreign service officers make?
- 10 Can diplomats have tattoos?
- 11 Is a foreign service officer a spy?
- 12 How is FSOT scored?
- 13 How long are foreign service assignments?
- 14 How do I study for the Foreign Service Officer Test?
- 15 How much do Ambassadors earn?
How long does it take to become a foreign service officer?
A safe bet is to consider the whole process, from your decision to apply to when you are offered the job, to take an average of 1.5 years. What do you do during this time? The FSO selection process consists of the: Application.
How hard is the Foreign Service Officer Test?
The FSOT is a very challenging exam with a low pass-rate ( hovering between just 30% and 50% of test takers ). So you should not underestimate the need to study for this test. In addition to a great overview of all the subjects, it provides a straightforward and highly-effective plan for using your study time well.
What does it take to be a foreign service officer?
To enter the Foreign Service, you must be an American citizen between the ages of 20 and 59 and, although there is no educational requirement to become a Foreign Service officer, the vast majority of applicants hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Is foreign service officer a good job?
It is the type of job that is incredibly rewarding and allows you to serve your country and gain a lot of fabulous and interesting experiences at the same time. Just remember, there is no one specific path into the Foreign Service and diplomatic work.
Do diplomats get paid well?
Salary Ranges for Foreign Diplomats The salaries of Foreign Diplomats in the US range from $68,600 to $187,200, with a median salary of $175,110. The middle 50% of Foreign Diplomats makes $111,040, with the top 75% making $187,200.
How old are most foreign service officers?
Foreign Service Officer Age Breakdown Interestingly enough, the average age of Foreign Service Officers is 40+ years old, which represents 89% of the population.
What happens if you fail the FSOT?
However, should a candidate fail to appear for the FSOT and/or not cancel a previously-scheduled appointment 48 hours prior to the appointment, the candidate will be assessed a $72 no-show fee.
How many foreign service officers are hired each year?
In recent years, up to 17,000 candidates have taken the Foreign Service Officer Test annually. A much smaller number advance to the QEP review, and approximately 1,000 per year are invited to the Oral Assessment. It should be kept in mind that FSO hiring targets are adjusted regularly.
How much do foreign service officers make?
The average salary for a Foreign Service Officer is $109,330 per year in United States, which is 1% lower than the average U.S. Department of State salary of $111,244 per year for this job.
Can diplomats have tattoos?
There’s no regulation banning tattoos for US diplomats. Famously (notoriously) Secretary of State George Schultz had a tattoo on his butt. I’ve known both male and female American diplomats with more visible tats.
Is a foreign service officer a spy?
So, let’s be clear: Foreign service officers are NOT spies. They do not work for the CIA, FBI, DIA, or anyone else in the IC (Intelligence Community). It is very likely that you’ll have some security clearance and deal with classified information as an FSO, but you are not a spy. You’re a diplomat.
How is FSOT scored?
What’s a good score on the FSOT? A passing score is a good score. Passing is 154 and above on the multiple choice and 6 or above on the essay. You’ll get your results about 3 weeks after taking the test.
How long are foreign service assignments?
Foreign Service careers are global and require candidates to be worldwide available, ready to meet the needs of the Service. Typically, each assignment is for two to three years in a designated country.
How do I study for the Foreign Service Officer Test?
Tips for acing the written exam: Know your current events! You can be sure the written exam will ask you about geography, political structures, and modern world conflicts. Make a habit of reading The Economist, The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and other renowned current events periodicals.
How much do Ambassadors earn?
Basic Salary Range Ambassadors are classified as senior foreign service employees. The 2017 minimum pay for ambassadors is $124,406 a year. The maximum is $187,000. The State Department is one of many governmental agencies that have adopted a certified performance appraisal system.