How to Prepare for the Foreign Service Officer Exam

Foreign service officers work around the world carrying out diplomatic duties of the United States by interacting with local governments, assisting Americans traveling abroad and working with US consulates and emissaries. To become a foreign service officer, you must pass the Foreign Service Officer's Exam.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Study materials
• Exam registration
• Personal narrative

1. Complete the registration. This process includes completing an application form and preparing a personal narrative. Your personal narrative must include the following to be considered a candidate for the Foreign Service Officer's Exam: a description of your knowledge of foreign service and what skills and abilities you will bring to the job.

2. Stay abreast of current affairs. You will be asked question regarding current US affairs. The US State Department suggests you read a few of the following periodicals regularly: US News and World Report, Time, The Economist, Newsweek and one major daily newspaper such as The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times.

3. Know proper English language usage. Pick up the following recommended books: "Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors and Publishers" and the most recent edition of "The Elements of Style."

4. Study US culture, history, foreign policy, politics, world history and world geography. Read books such as "A Narrative History of an American Republic" by J.W. Davidson and "The Politics of United States Foreign Policy" by J. Rosati.

5. Identify US Consular and Immigration duties and policies. The US State Department recommends the following for these subjects: "Immigration Law Stories" by D. Martin and P. Schuck and "Laws Harsh as Tigers" by L. Saylor.

6. Learn about US economics and public policy. Study both micro and macroeconomics as well as books about US public policy.

7. Comprehend management and human behavior theories. This includes the basic fundamentals of management and organizational behavior.

8. Prepare for the oral interview. During the selection process, you will be given an oral interview by the selection panel to assess your knowledge, skills and abilities as they apply to foreign service officer duties.

Tips & Warnings

• Knowing a foreign language is looked upon positively during the selection process.

• Consider taking a class or two in your weaker subjects.

• Brush up on your basic computer skills, which also will be assessed during the selection process.

• Be honest. All of the information you give during the application and selection process will be verified, so don't lie or embellish.

• Register to take the test at least two days in advance. Seats for the test are limited and given on a first come, first served basis. Register early to ensure that you will have a seat on test day.

Resources

• Purchase study materials for the Foreign Service Officer's Exam.
• Learn more about foreign service officer duties.