Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) Updates

The U.S. Department of State is proud to announce exciting updates to the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) as part of our ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen the merit-based selection process for America’s diplomats. These changes reflect our commitment to hiring the best candidates and ensuring that the Foreign Service continues to attract and hire the best and brightest talent to represent the United States abroad.

The revamped FSOT will be administered for the first time October 18-25, 2025. It features a new logic and reasoning section; the situational judgement section is discontinued; and job knowledge and English expression questions are more closely aligned with job requirements. Additionally, we removed the requirement for personal narrative essays, streamlining the application process. These updates better align the FSOT with the skills and expertise needed to successfully represent the interests of the American people.

We are excited about this modernization and encourage all patriotic Americans who are passionate about serving their country to apply. For more information and updates, visit the Pearson VUE website.

Join us in shaping the future of American diplomacy!