Careers Representing AmericaOral Assessment
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- Can I have more than one active candidacy?
Yes, it is possible to have more than one active candidacy. However, if a candidate accepts a job offer from the Department in one career track while he or she is on an additional register or registers, effective the date that the candidate signs the Letter of Offer, the written acceptance will close any other candidacies still active or pending with the Foreign Service. - I am not sure when I'll be available for the Assessment. Can I make several appointments to ensure I have a saved spot?
No. Each exam passer is allowed to make 1 appointment. - I cannot make it to my scheduled FSOA. What should I do?
We strongly encourage candidates to think carefully before scheduling a date for the Oral Assessment, since it will be changed only in genuine emergencies, such as a serious illness or military deployment. If after scheduling you cannot, for emergency reasons only, keep your scheduled assessment date, please contact reschedule@state.gov before the appointment. They will work with you to find an alternate date, but we cannot guarantee an Oral Assessment seat. - I have a disability that requires that I have special accommodations. What should I do?
Please e-mail ReasonableAccommodations@state.gov at least three weeks before your scheduled oral assessment and provide us with your contact information, a brief description of your disability, and the accommodation requested. We will contact you within the following week. - I have been invited to the FSO Oral Assessment. Where do I take it?
The Oral Assessment will be offered in Washington, D.C. and selected major U.S. cities. Other cities will be posted on the website later. We do not conduct oral assessments outside the United States. - I have been invited to the Oral Assessment, but I’m currently overseas and my situation has changed. Can I defer scheduling my assessment?
You may request an extension for taking the oral assessment if there is a compelling reason for doing so. Active or reserve military personnel, U.S. government civilian employees, Peace Corps Volunteers, and candidates on Fulbright grants serving abroad plus spouses of Foreign Service employees currently assigned abroad may request deferrals for the period of their overseas service, up to a maximum of two years. - I live overseas, can I be assessed at the American Embassy where I took the Foreign Service Officer Test?
No. Oral assessments are only conducted in the Continental United States at the locations listed on the Officer Test Information and Selection Process page. - I missed the deadline for scheduling an assessment. What do I do?
Your invitation is good for 12 months. You should contact reschedule@state.gov immediately to request an appointment in your assessment window. If there are no appointments available, they will work with you to schedule an assessment for a subsequent oral assessment window but we cannot, however, guarantee an alternate date. - Is there a limit to the number of oral assessments I may take?
All candidates who qualify for the Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA) through the Foreign Service Officer Selection Process are entitled to one assessment per Foreign Service Officer Test; those candidates who qualify to take the Oral Assessment through other processes may take the FSOA a second time, but not within six months of the prior assessment. - My friend and I passed the Foreign Service Officer Test and want to take the Oral Assessment together. Can I make the appointment for him/her and myself?
No. Each candidate must make his/her own appointment. Assessing on the same day and location as a friend or relative is strongly discouraged. - What are the Foreign Service Officer Test Dates? What about Oral Assessment Dates?
For information about FSOT (Foreign Service Officer Test) dates and deadlines, please visit the Officer Selection Process page, and choose Step #3: Take the Foreign Service Officer Test. - Why wasn't I invited to the Oral Assessment (FSO generalist)?
As a standard practice, we do not provide specific feedback to individuals because many people may go through this process more than once and detailed guidance would constitute unfair advantage. Nonetheless, below you will find generic guidance that you might find useful; please note that these comments are general and some of them may not apply to you. - Will I be reimbursed for the expenses I incur to go to the Assessment?
No.
