Foreign Service Officer Testing

[Teacher Mark 53]

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh

City are offering the Foreign Service Officer Test in June 2010.

Interested applicants can register online by going to

www.careers.state.gov <http://www.careers.state.gov/> and clicking on

'Register for the Test'. Follow the instructions for completing the

registration process to schedule the test.

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi will administer the test on Saturday June 5

from 09:00 - 12:00. Seating limited to 11 testers. The U.S. Consulate

in Ho Chi Minh will administer the test on two dates, Monday, June 7 and

Friday, June 11 from 09:00-12:00. Seating is limited with maximum of 4

testers per day. The registration deadline is May 24.

Since the work of the U.S. Department of State affects the world and is

carried out in every country around the globe, Foreign Service Officers

(FSOs) are posted at any one of over 265 embassies, consulates and other

diplomatic missions in The Americas, Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East

Asia and Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia.

While diplomatic careers are rewarding, they can require extremely

difficult work, hardship and even working under dangerous conditions. To

be eligible, the U.S. Department of State requires that all applicants

be:

* U.S. citizens on the date they submit their registration package

* At least 20 years old and no older than 59 years of age on the day

you submit your registration

* At least 21 years old and not yet 60 on the day you are appointed as

a Foreign Service Officer

* Available for worldwide assignments, including Washington, D.C.

Even though you are not required to know a foreign language to become a

FSO, proficiency in one or more languages will enhance your

competitiveness for selection.

[Ban Hammer 13,429]

you gonna apply?

[Teacher Mark 53]

I don't have a #2 pencil.

[Ban Hammer 13,429]

I don't have a #2 pencil.

want me to send you one?

[Teacher Mark 53]

want me to send you one?

Yes, wrap it in an I Pad.

[lindal24 1]

LOL...you guys are goofy!

I applied but didn't do well (last minute application/scheduling). Just a tip: study the handbook they have available for ~$23 bucks. Goodluck!

[Huong and Phung 0]

So, we have to go there to take the test right? Can we take it online? Lindal, how did u do yours? Here in the States or you actually went there to take it?

[lindal24 1]

I took it right here in San Antonio. The had a big hire push back in October right before my husband was approved and came over. I figured if he didn't get his approval I'd get a job with the DOS and approve him myself! j/k! But it was an alternative just in case he didn't get approved, I would have requested the VN post to live there with him (well, that was the plan...).

[ScottThuy 140]

Given all that we have been through so far, I would find it very difficult to be in the same room with them for any length of time... let alone having to work with them day in and day out....

[Ban Hammer 13,429]

Yes, wrap it in an I Pad.

how about i duct tape it to an abacus instead, is that close enough?

Edited May 6, 2010 by charles!

[hniHnitsuJ 8]

I took it right here in San Antonio. The had a big hire push back in October right before my husband was approved and came over. I figured if he didn't get his approval I'd get a job with the DOS and approve him myself! j/k! But it was an alternative just in case he didn't get approved, I would have requested the VN post to live there with him (well, that was the plan...).

Linda

Do we have to pay for the test?

I wonder how is the salary go? A. Mr Saigon?

[lindal24 1]

I did not have to pay any fees for the application or testing.

For an additional fee (OPTIONAL), there are a number of recommended reading items as well as a study guide (which I would recommend because of the topics covered on the test).

[Teacher Mark 53]

Linda

Do we have to pay for the test?

I wonder how is the salary go? A. Mr Saigon?

http://careers.state.gov/officer/compensation.html

http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/pay/

Edited May 6, 2010 by Mr. Saigon

[hniHnitsuJ 8]

http://careers.state.gov/officer/compensation.html

http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/pay/

Cam on Anh Saigon va Chi Linda.

[BinhJerome 14]

The length of assignment is up to 3 consecutive 6 month periods on overseas deployment, meaning that the most you would be stationed here would be 18 months, after the 18 months then you would have to return stateside for 18 months. I am not sure if you can request permanent overseas deployment. I would think that this would not be allowed. Maybe it could be permanent but everywhere I look it shows 18 months as the normal deployment for overseas positions. The fees for the test should not cost you a penny, but as Linda said the additional information might be helpful if you are serious about such a position. If any of you are also thinking of really trying to get the job in Hanoi or HCMC remember that if you have a loved one or a family member that might go through the consulate where you work they would have to go to a different one because of a conflict of interests. Jerome