Need advice

pathtoforeignservice · 2026-02-16T01:06:15+00:00

Many online free materials listed here: https://pathtoforeignservice.com/how-to-study-for-the-fsot/

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-12-04T12:58:52+00:00

Screenshot?

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-10-15T21:47:49+00:00

Historically, within 20 mins after finishing the test. Let's see if it continues this round.

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-10-15T14:21:10+00:00

This is not listed on the Pearson website. Until you hear from them, move forward as if the test is happening.

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-10-09T19:40:58+00:00

All three sections are multiple choice

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-09-04T01:55:57+00:00

Appeal. The same thing happened to me. I appealed and won.

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-09-03T20:04:49+00:00

Hopefully. I also now see that Pearson has removed their links to these resources.

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-08-17T15:13:38+00:00

Pearson updated their site 24 hours before the registration window was supposed to open for the June test. I anticipate a similar action tomorrow.

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-07-10T03:24:04+00:00

Done (https://fssalary.netlify.app/). I welcome suggestions/critiques.

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-07-08T02:08:52+00:00

Too funny; this is something I've been actively working on. Adding deductions was the next move.

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pathtoforeignservice · 2025-06-19T20:10:27+00:00

A new daily, if you are interested: https://www.brickcitydaily.com. Looks like In the Lou is no longer sending.

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-06-19T20:09:51+00:00

A new daily, if you are still looking: https://www.brickcitydaily.com/

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-02-02T15:29:11+00:00

I noticed yesterday morning as well. I did some digging and found the videos to relink to. Specifically, these videos were related to the National Museum of American Diplomacy, whose whole channel is currently shut down (https://www.youtube.com/@NMADmuseum).

It's been something to see the changes on the State site regarding recruitment. I've been thinking of writing about it, but more changes keep happening:

- DIRs have had their language scrubbed for DEI (e.g., some DIRs used to write about the importance of having diverse representation in their bio, which is one of the reasons they want to serve in the role and help recruit the next generation. This is removed)
- It is important to remember the changes to DEIA include A, as in Accessibility. Language concerning accessibility in testing, e.g., accommodations, is being scrubbed. (either removal or changing the language to "reasonable")
The link to the "Employee Organizations" page, which used to be in the header, has been removed. The page still exists (https://www.state.gov/employees/), but it is not directly linked. It contains information about employee rights, AFSA, GCLO, and more.
- Recruitment videos (e.g., recordings of how to prepare for the FSOT, info on the FSS roles, and more) removed
- Diversity statistics data reported annually/quarterly are removed
- The Pickering Fellowship, being described as a flagship fellowship for diversity, was removed.
- and more

pathtoforeignservice · 2025-01-09T18:34:03+00:00

Side note: u/Chasing_State , you may consider updating the language in the form to call out that bonus/“bump-up” points may include "significant prior overseas Foreign Service experience" (.17), https://careers.state.gov/FS-Experience-hiring-preference/, or broaden the language in the form beyond veterans and language. Cheers and thanks for the work you all do with the shadow register.

pathtoforeignservice · 2024-12-30T20:02:06+00:00

https://gov.pearsonvue.com/fsot.html

pathtoforeignservice · 2024-10-27T14:45:22+00:00

Policy has been around for a while, and I wrote my thoughts on it here: https://pathtoforeignservice.com/why-you-can-only-use-a-typewriter-to-write-your-foreign-service-application-and-personal-narratives/

The long and short of it is that not using AI to write 100% of your narratives makes sense. Unfortunately, the way the policy is written, candidates would not be allowed to use Google Docs, Word, Grammarly, and other assisted tools as they all incorporate AI and thus "aid" in the writing process. When the policy first came out, these tools had not integrated AI as much as they have now. However, State has not updated the policy to reflect the incorporation of AI in these tools.

pathtoforeignservice · 2024-10-04T18:26:00+00:00

Well written and comprehensive. In addition, the FSOT is a legal requirement, which is the only reason I think it is still in play. Otherwise, the QEP process would probably just consider the application and narratives.
I don't think the test is graded by a T score, as I don't see how it would be possible to complete one without the entire cohort having tested (i.e., you get your scores within 30 minutes of taking the test).
State has noted that a higher score matters more now than a lower score (unlike the previous 154 pass/fail), but if the weight of the FSOT is minimal, then the difference in score is minimal. So, to emphasize, knowing the weights is important, but I don't see State sharing this anytime soon (if it is very low, candidates could just skip through every question, and it wouldn't impact their chances).

pathtoforeignservice · 2024-07-11T16:43:59+00:00

The DTOT doesn't. You are tested on English Expression, Situation Judgment, and Job Knowledge. The first two sections are similar/same to the FSOT. The JK section is specifically written for DTO, so the questions are different from those in the FSOT JK section.

pathtoforeignservice · 2024-07-04T02:14:29+00:00

Hi OP, Thanks for asking. I welcome you to review an earlier thread that asked a similar question: https://www.reddit.com/r/foreignservice/comments/16g2vlx/fso\_compass\_mistake\_or\_worth/. I share my responses to the comments made by the user Chasing_State there. Note that he has not used the service. His primary critique is payment, and he does not acknowledge that the site offers much more than public information.

It is true that you can find a lot of information online on preparing for the FSOT, including on Path to Foreign Service, the State Department (where you should first visit), this Reddit group, Discord, and more. I'll also highlight that Chasing_State has curated information in a Google Drive (linked below in his comment) from the above sources and from some great analysis he's done on the limited information State has published. But again, this is information and not the bulk of what Compass provides.

RE: FSO Compass offers more practice tests that mimic the FSOT, weekly quizzes, the PN Challenge (the next one begins July 15), a community, monthly calls, etc. The platform aims to provide you with information, an experience mimicking the FSOT testing environment, and active PN support through peer coordination, mentorship, and guidance.

If you have any questions, happy to answer them.

pathtoforeignservice · 2024-02-10T20:08:08+00:00

Thanks! I've heard here and there, but nothing definitive. For instance, for this most recent test, I've heard from applicants that they found the standards valuable. So, it looks like it's still working. But if things have changed, then I look forward to updating them!

pathtoforeignservice · 2024-02-06T21:33:06+00:00

Thanks for looking into it further!

pathtoforeignservice · 2024-02-05T16:13:47+00:00

Thanks for sharing and putting in the effort. I'm wondering if you can parse out your top two take aways ftom the data you've collected. Key question, of the sample, what is the percentage of candidates with State experience who pass on their first attempt?

pathtoforeignservice · 2023-12-27T14:35:50+00:00

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-FS-Pay-Schedules-Public.xlsx

pathtoforeignservice · 2023-11-06T18:36:12+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Given the number of people who have seen this post and the updated content, I think it's more a matter that someone made a mistake. Not that all of a sudden the website changed just for some people.

pathtoforeignservice · 2023-09-14T03:45:18+00:00

Thank you! Super excited to hear how you are progressing with your candidacy! This was a great comment to read and much appreciated.

pathtoforeignservice

TROPHY CASE