How difficult is the Foreign Service Officers Test to pass?
Since tenth grade I've wanted to be a diplomat. I know it's not exactly a "common" choice but it's not too easy to find information about becoming a diplomat and I'm very curious. #government #politics #international-relations #diplomacy
2 answers
Randy’s Answer
You didn't mention where you are now -- are you finishing college? My advice is sign up and take the exam. There is no downside if you don't pass and you'll learn a lot about how to prepare for the exam the next time if you don't pass on the first try. I know many, many Foreign Service officers who had to take the exam more than once.
As far as preparing, Its an odd exam that's hard to prep for. Best advice is to go through 2-3 major newspapers a day, every day, every section of the paper, for several months. Perhaps the New York times, the Financial Times and one more. Read the international sections for sure, but also ready the arts, politics etc. BBC also has a good news website where you can read through the regional pages every day (e.g. Asia, Africa, etc).
Darrell’s Answer
https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/test-process#ccc1