Getting ready for the foreign service exam is an important part of getting a job with the US State Department. There is no way to join the State Department in any official capacity unless you pass this exam. Getting ready for the foreign service exam is usually not a problem with a little preparation and understanding.
The first step in foreign service exam preparation is to figure out when the exam will be given in your area. This will give you a good idea of how much research needs to be done and how quickly it needs to be done. Meeting certain deadlines, which are outlined on the state department’s website, is also part of the preparation process. Those who fail to meet these deadlines will have their entry into this field of civil service delayed.
Not only candidates from the United States, but also those from other countries, must meet deadlines for the foreign service exam. It should be noted that the written exam deadlines for those inside and outside the United States are different. The deadline for testing sites outside the United States is usually a week before the deadline for testing sites within the country.
Following the completion of the application process, the applicant will receive an e-mail indicating when they will be able to take the test. Several times a year, the test is given. Seats for the test can then be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who miss the deadline may have to wait several months for the next test date. Commercial testing centers can be found throughout the United States and in some other countries.
The United States State Department does provide a study guide, which can be very useful for those who have never taken the foreign service exam before and want to make sure they understand everything. American history, economic policy, human behavior, and political science are among the other subjects worth studying or reviewing. It’s also a good idea to keep up with current events. These topics, taken together, will provide a solid foundation for the foreign service exam.
Following the written test, the applicant will be required to fill out additional paperwork, and if everything passes and the applicant appears to be qualified, he or she will most likely be called in for an oral interview. Beginning at 7 a.m. and ending as late as 6 p.m., this may be one of the most extensive oral interviews a candidate will ever have. This evaluation looks at things like calmness, knowledge depth, judgment, experience, and leadership qualities. It’s critical to concentrate on these issues and mentally prepare for a long day.