What to Bring
- Your e-mail confirmation with the test date & location
- Valid, not-expired US Government Issued Photo ID
Including but not limited to A Driver's License, Passport or Military ID
- Leave all your valuables at home as you can't bring anything into the testing center
- Wear comfortable clothes. You're going to be in a computer testing center so you can dress in whatever is most comfortable for you
Examination Content
This information is pulled from The State Department's 2007/8 Registration Guide
"Examination Content: The FSO Test consists of the following components:
Job Knowledge Test
The job-related knowledge test measures the candidate’s depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of a range of subjects identified in the 1997 job analysis as important for performing the tasks required of Foreign Service Officers. Topics covered appear later in this guide.
English Expression and Usage Test
This test measures knowledge of correct grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation and organization required for written reports and for editing the written work of others. The test includes questions in each of these areas. Sample questions appear later in this guide.
Biographic Information
The biographic information section provides an assessment of
candidates’ prior work, education, and job-relevant life experiences, highlighting attributes such as the way they resolve conflicts, interact with others, adapt to other cultures, and set priorities. The questionnaire does not penalize candidates who have not gone to college, who have no previous work experience, or who have varied patterns of education and experience. Rather, it credits candidates for what they have achieved relative to the opportunities they have had.
Essay
Candidates will have 30 minutes to draft an essay on a computer on an assigned topic. The essay will be evaluated on the quality of writing, including development of
ideas, structure, clear language and the standard use of conventions—not on opinions expressed."
See http://careers.state.gov/docs/3.0_FSO_RegGuide.pdf#page=37 for sample questions. In the February 2009 test, candidates had to complete two essays.
Results
If you meet a designated cut-off score, your application and registration materials will be submitted to the Qualification Evaluation Panel. You will be notified if you've passed the QEP via email. For more information on scores, see here.
