Foreign Service Exam

Eligibility Requirements

To take the examination and to enter the Foreign Service you must:

be a US citizen,
20 years of age to take the exam and 21 years of age to be appointed,
available for worldwide assignment,
not previously separated from the Foreign Service for retirement, expiration of time in class, retirement based on relative performance or separation for cause.

Test Locations and Registration Materials

The FSWE will be offered in approximately 200 locations nationwide and at most of the 260 Foreign Service posts. Registration materials will be available on the Department's website: www.careers.state.gov. Applicants will again be able to register electronically directly on the internet. Registration booklets will also be available for those without internet access.

Study Guide Order Forms

Order forms for the study guide are located at the end of the regisration booklet, or can be downloaded from the Department of State website. The guide may be ordered by phone from ACT, Inc.(319) 337-1429 or FAX (319) 337-1578. The guide is not available through the Department Of State.

Registration Booklets Delivery

Posts can expect to receive their supply of registration booklets by mid to late January. Posts should advise the Department immediately if they require additional registration books. Information on how to get more books will be in the initial package of registration materials.

Test Materials

The designated proctor at post should follow the instructions on the outside of the box, open immediately and fax the Materials and Site Arrangement Response Form to ACT, Inc. at 319-337-1122.

Examination Coordinator

Any additional concerns from post should be addressed to:

Beatrice E. Smotherman, FS Exam Coordinator
HR/REE
TELEPHONE (202) 261-8883
FAX: (202) 261-8841
E-mail: SmothermanBE@state.gov

Fax or e-mail is preferred. Please remember when using e-mail to properly identify your post.

Posts with Designated Test Sites

The Department will use FEDEX, DHL or post designated overnight courier service delivery for supplemental shipments, if necessary, in order to ensure timely receipt by requesting posts. Specific instructions will be provided with the exam material regarding the return of the completed examinations.

Posts can put the basic information about the date of the next exam, when and how registration materials will be available on their websites at a time they deem appropriate. Also, candidates should be encouraged to go to the State Department website to download a suggested Bibliography that can be used to prepare for the exam.

Potential exam takers should not write to the Department for registration information. All inquirers should be provided registration materials directly by posts or advised to visit State Department website at www.careers.state.gov.