What percentage of people pass the Foreign Service exam?

The Foreign Service exam pass rate is a dismal 20%. That means that 4 out of every 5 are destined to fail in their first step to becoming an FSO.

How competitive is foreign service officer?

The entry/examination process to joining the US Foreign Service is a cumulative one. Around 45%-50% of those who take the Foreign Service Officers Test (FSOT). Of those who pass, about 25% pass the next step, the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (What is the Qualification Evaluation Panel?) .

Do foreign service officers become ambassadors?

The Career FSO Ambassador: A Very Brief Introduction The majority of career FSOs have moved up the FS ranks, have earned the rank of senior FSO, and are then nominated to the position of the ambassador by the US president.

How much does a Foreign Service specialist make?

Foreign Service Specialist Salaries

Job Title	Salary
U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Specialist salaries – 2 salaries reported	$119,906/yr
U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officer salaries – 449 salaries reported	$113,457/yr

Is the Foreign Service exam difficult?

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 happens if I 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 hard is FSOT 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.

Is a diplomat the same thing as a foreign service officer?

There are two diplomat tracks within the U.S. foreign service. Someone can become either a foreign service officer, which involves advocating for the U.S. and its citizens, or a foreign service specialist, who provides critical logistical support for diplomatic operations.