Careers Representing AmericaDate: 6/14/2011 2:24 pm
Rating: -6 Rate [ | ]
I took the FSOT last week and am sorry to say that I doubt that I passed because I rather choked on the essay question. It was on a very serious topic which I feel required a great deal of reflection if I were to write an effective and cogently argued essay. I really felt that the time allowed was insufficient for me to construct such an essay. I was also somewhat disappointed in the content of much of the test because there was a paucity of questions dealing with subjects such as geography, world history and current international affairs. It fell far short of allowing me to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge I am confident to have obtained through years of travel and self-education. I suppose I will do better if and when I re-take the exam. Should I expect a poor showing on my initial examination to negatively impact on the possibility of being considered for a position in the future?
Date: 6/14/2011 6:03 pm
Rating: 2 Rate [ | ]
Each FSO candidacy is independent of others. There are FSOs with successful careers who had to take the written exam more than once, whether because they did not pass it or because they did not advance at later stages in the selection process. How you score in the exam might possibly matter if you pass, though. That's because a passing FSO score is one element reviewed by the Qualifications Evaluation Panel when it determines which candidates will receive invitations to the Oral Assessment.
However, by discussing the content of the Job Knowledge portion of your test, your post might have violated the non-disclosure agreement to which you agreed prior to starting the exam. If so, that may have an effect on your chances.
Date: 6/15/2011 8:18 am
Rating: 1 Rate [ | ]
The FSOT is designed to seek out and select candidates with the greatest potential to successfully pass the selection and hiring process. It is reviewed regularly by BEX and outside experts who consider it a gold standard in identifying the right candidates for this career. As Visitor has pointed out, discussing the content of the FSOT is a violation of the NDA and may result in the termination of your candidacy.
