The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) is the first step to becoming a U.S. diplomat with the Department of State. Starting in October 2025, the FSOT was redesigned: it now has job knowledge, English expression and logical reasoning multiple-choice sections. The situational judgment section and essays were removed.
Try the free Foreign Service exam practice test.
Key takeaways
- Three multiple-choice sections: job knowledge, English expression, logical reasoning.
- Offered quarterly in 2026, and no longer a pass/fail gateway.
- No essays or situational judgment test since October 2025.
- Candidates choose one of five career tracks when registering.
USA Foreign Service Officer Test: Quick Facts
- Employer
- U.S. Department of State
- Sections
- Job knowledge, English, logical reasoning
- Offered
- Quarterly (2026)
- Tracks
- Consular, Economic, Management, Political, Public Diplomacy
Foreign Service Hiring Steps
- Register and choose a career track
- Take the FSOT
- Qualifications Evaluation Panel review
- Oral assessment
- Medical and security clearances, then suitability review
- Register placement and offer
Other federal hiring routes are covered in our civil service exam guide.
More on Foreign Service Hiring Steps →Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA Foreign Service Officer Test practice test →USA Foreign Service Officer Test FAQs
What is on the Foreign Service exam now?
Since October 2025: job knowledge, English expression and logical reasoning, all multiple-choice.
Full answer →Does the FSOT still have essays?
No. Essays and the situational judgment section were removed.
Full answer →Who can take the FSOT?
U.S. citizens aged 20 or older (at least 21 to be appointed and no older than 59).
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Rules, fees and procedures can change. Confirm the current requirements with the official agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.