Over the years, both portions have been changed from time to time, presumably to employ what were thought to be more modern and relevant selection methods and to make the system as fair as possible in keeping with equal employment opportunity concerns. The written examination has been the target of litigation. Examinations given between 1985 and 1987 were successfully challenged in the courts on grounds of gender discrimination, exams given in the early 1990s are still under active litigation, and the 1996 and 1998 exams may also be challenged. Although the oral assessment has not been subjected to legal action, it is evident to us that concern over possible litigation has been an important element in the way formats and individual questions have been devised in both portions of the examination process. The Foreign Service written examination is given once a year, currently in early November.
Applicants can apply by mail or on-line.
No specific educational level or proficiency in a foreign language is required. The exam is given throughout the United States and at embassies and consulates abroad. The written examination is currently a four-part test which lasts about six hours. It is prepared by ACT, Inc., a professional testing organization. It comprises a test of job-related knowledge, a biographic information questionnaire, an English expression and usage test, and a written essay.