Browsing all articles tagged with FSOT
Language Skill Levels Explained
Interagency Language Roundtable Language Skill Level Descriptions
The following proficiency level descriptions characterize spoken language use. Each of the six “base levels” (coded 00, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50) implies control of any previous “base level’s” functions and accuracy. The ”plus level” designation (coded 06, 16, 26, etc.) will be assigned when proficiency substantially exceeds one base skill [...]
T-Scores Explained
While it may be true that we compete against ourselves, especially in the oral exams, on the written exam, the score is based on our relative position on a standardized curve (T-scores), meaning that the mean number of questions answered correctly may have less or more correlation with final mean T-scores based on how representative the population of test [...]
FPA U Course: Landing a Job in the Foreign Service
Located in New York, the Foreign Policy Association has since 1918 served as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding of, and providing informed opinions on global issues. Recently launched, the Foreign Policy Association University provides insight and guidance to individuals interested in careers in intelligence, diplomacy and development. They will be holding a [...]
Key Considerations
While you are not required to know a foreign language to become a Foreign Service Officer, proficiency in one or more languages will enhance your competitiveness for selection.
If you claim a working knowledge of a language(s) that is identified as a Super Critical Needs Language (Arabic (Modern Standard, Egyptian, and Iraqi), Chinese (Mandarin), Dari, Farsi, Hindi, [...]
STEP 5: Oral Assessments
Candidates who are selected by the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) are invited to participate in the Oral Assessment, a series of exercises that constitute the next stage of their candidacy. The Oral Assessment is conducted in Washington, D.C. and in various other cities around the United States. Candidates must report to their assigned Assessment Center [...]
STEP 4: QEP
The Qualifications Evaluation Panel
The QEP, the name given to a panel of three Senior Foreign Service examiners, will review the work and education portions of the application form, their personal narratives and the FSOT/essay results to select those candidates who will be invited to the Oral Assessment.
The test administrator will forward your FSOT scores, along [...]
STEP 3: PNQ
If you pass the FSOT multiple choice and essay sections, you will receive an email asking you to submit a Personal Narrative (PN) in which you answer questions describing the knowledge, skills, and abilities you would bring to the Foreign Service. The firm deadline for submission will be three weeks after the request is sent to [...]
STEP 2: Foreign Service Officer Test
The Foreign Service Officer Test is administered online at hundreds of test centers across the United States and abroad. The test will measure your knowledge, skills and abilities, including writing skills that are necessary to the work of a Foreign Service Officer. The test lasts approximately 3 hours and and draws upon a candidate’s writing [...]
STEP 1: Register for the Test
The first step in the State Department’s selection process is the actual registration and application process. All registrations for the Foreign Service Officer Test are completed online. The registration package consists of an application form that gathers factual information about your academic background, work history, and other relevant data. You must submit your application before [...]
