Job seekers interested in working for the US Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) must go through a lengthy and tedious hiring process. Passing the Foreign Service Exam is the first step. The test is notoriously difficult and covers a wide range of topics. Because of the test’s comprehensive nature, the amount of preparation required to pass is highly dependent on each person’s education, life experiences, and abilities. Before you can learn about the best way to prepare for the Foreign Service Test, you must first understand what topics will be covered on the exam.
Although there are no specific educational requirements for becoming an FSO, you must have a thorough understanding of communications, computers, world history, US government, culture and society, geography, mathematics, statistics, and management. Your English grammar and writing abilities must also be above average. To gain a broad understanding of the United States’ government, history, and geography, you should read current affairs publications such as Newsweek, Time, Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Policy, as well as a major daily newspaper such as the New York Times.
On its website, the State Department has compiled a list of suggested reading. This list is not exhaustive; rather, it is intended to serve as a guide to the types of books you should be reading in each of the subject areas covered. If you’re unsure where to begin, start with the subject you’re least familiar with. This will help you get up to speed. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, A Peace to End All Peace by David Fromkin, and Immigration Stories, edited by David A. Martin and Peter H. Schuck, are some of the books on the recommended reading list.
You can get a study guide from the State Department in addition to being well-read to prepare for the Foreign Service Test. They sell a downloadable and paper study guide with sample questions and more detailed information about the areas that will be tested. The State Department also has a list of recommended courses on its website if you are a student or want to take courses to help you gain additional knowledge to prepare for the Foreign Service Test. Aside from English composition and economics, political science courses such as US foreign policy, international relations, comparative politics, and US political systems are highly recommended.