U.S. Foreign Service Written Examination

The next U.S. Foreign Service Written Examination is scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 2001. On-line registration for the 2001 Foreign Service Written Examination is available at www.foreignservicecareers.gov. This is the best method for registration now, since registration must be received by August 10 for Seoul and other overseas test sites. Registration booklets are also available at ACAP (building 4038, Yongsan) and American Citizen Services in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Seoul.

Foreign Service Officers serve in Korea and over 165 other countries throughout the world, carrying out United States foreign policy and helping to maintain diplomatic relations. Their work involves administrative management, consular services, political and economic reporting and analysis, and public diplomacy.

The Foreign Service Written Exam is the first step toward a career in diplomacy. The exam measures a candidate's knowledge and understanding of a range of subjects determined by a job analysis to be important to perform the tasks required of a Foreign Service officer. There are three multiple choice sections: job-related knowledge; English expression and usage; and a non-cognitive component. There is also an essay writing exercise. There are no educational requirements to take the exam; however, most candidates are widely read or have taken a variety of college courses.

Exam takers must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 20 and 59, and be available for worldwide assignment. Applicants will be advised whether they passed the exam in December and all who pass will be invited to the oral assessment phase of the process. The State Department administers the oral exam to approximately 2,500 to 3,000 candidates each year and expects to hire approximately 431 officers in fiscal year 2002, a great increase from previous years.

The oral assessment is based on actual Foreign Service work and evaluates the abilities and personal characteristics considered necessary to perform that work. During the day-long assessment, candidates participate in a group negotiation exercise, participate in individual exercises, and write a report. The oral assessment will be conducted all year in Washington, D.C., and, for limited periods at selected other sites to accommodate candidates nationwide.