Typically, each assignment is for two to three years in a designated country. Careers in the Foreign Service offer challenging and interesting work and the satisfaction of serving the United States of America.
How often do you move in the Foreign Service?
Every 1-3 years Relocation Every 1-3 years. With the Foreign Service, you have the opportunity to live in many different parts of the world.
What degree is needed for Foreign Service?
To enter the Foreign Service, you must be an American citizen between the ages of 20 and 59 and, although there is no educational requirement to become a Foreign Service officer, the vast majority of applicants hold a bachelors degree or higher.
What does a career in Foreign Service look like?
A career with the Foreign Service may appear glamorous: worldwide travel, government-paid housing, generous pay and benefits. In some instances, though, working as a Foreign Service Officer can be very challenging and sometimes dangerous. During this career you can expect to be assigned to hardship posts.
How long is a foreign service officer Tour?
A standard overseas tour of duty is normally three or four years in length. Certain hardship tours are one or two years in length. The maximum amount of continuous time a member may serve in a given overseas country is normally five years.
How hard is it to get into foreign service?
The search for extraordinary U.S. citizens to serve as Foreign Service Officers is intense and the qualifying process is rigorous, demanding and highly competitive. If you are interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), you must first register for and take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT).
Do foreign service officers choose where they go?
For example, some foreign service officers choose to focus the remainder of their time in the field working with a specific country or region. Others declare an affinity for a type of placement at this time.
Is it hard to get into the foreign service?
The search for extraordinary U.S. citizens to serve as Foreign Service Officers is intense and the qualifying process is rigorous, demanding and highly competitive. If you are interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), you must first register for and take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT).
How much does an entry level Foreign Service officer make?
THE base salary for entry-level Foreign Service officers ranges from about $40,000 to $72,000 annually, but compensation can increase depending on the danger level of the posting and on a regions cost of living.
How hard is it to pass the Foreign Service exam?
The FSOT is a very challenging exam with a low pass-rate (hovering between just 30% and 50% of test takers).
Do Foreign Service Officers choose where they go?
For example, some foreign service officers choose to focus the remainder of their time in the field working with a specific country or region. Others declare an affinity for a type of placement at this time.
Do Foreign Service Officers pick where they go?
All officers are considered worldwide available and must be prepared to go where needed; you must be ready, at any time, to meet the needs of the Service. You should be aware that an increasing number of posts are considered “hardship,” that is, in isolated, unhealthful and/or perhaps dangerous environments.
How old are most foreign service officers?
Interestingly enough, the average age of foreign service officers is 40+ years old, which represents 89% of the population.
What are the 5 types of foreign service officers?
FSO career tracks. FSOs of the State Department are split among five career tracks, called cones: Consular Officers, Economic Officers, Management Officers, Political Officers, and Public Diplomacy Officers.
What is a passing score on the FSOT?
The score required to pass the test can shift slightly from year to year due to the way that scores are calculated. However, you usually need a minimum cumulative score for the three multiple-choice sections of 154. Then, you need at least a 6 out of a possible 12 points on the written essay.