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Does anyone know anything about this test? Difficult? Does bad credit affect whether you are hired or not should you pass the test? How long before you are notified? Anyone here has experience being a FSO?
I'm taking the test soon. I've heard it is hard, other might say its easy. The point of it is to weed a bunch of people out. I read that out of 100k who applied in a time period only between 3k-4k got a job. Bad Credit will affect your ability to get a job, since its a government one and you also hold a security clearance. They're worried that since you've had money problems, you might have it again or if you currently have money problems then you'll be more likely to take a bribe.
I'm taking the test soon. I've heard it is hard, other might say its easy. The point of it is to weed a bunch of people out. I read that out of 100k who applied in a time period only between 3k-4k got a job. Bad Credit will affect your ability to get a job, since its a government one and you also hold a security clearance. They're worried that since you've had money problems, you might have it again or if you currently have money problems then you'll be more likely to take a bribe.
Thank you! I know someone who is going to take it real soon and they are sweating bullets. One of the questions they asked me was about bad credit as they have had a few minor problems with that here and there. They are just seeking a break, as they want to "get away" and thought this would be a great opportunity. I told her I would post the questions here and see what happens.
The test is easier now than it used to be. When I first took it, you wrote your essays in the 'little blue books' from school days.
Now it's computerized, and the questions depend on which cone you pick. When you pass, (score comes out a few months afte the test) now you have to answer a few essay questions (called the QEP)
After that comes the FSOA, medical and clearance, and A100
Credit is one aspect of the clearance and suitability phases.
JI603- the questions are not based on what cone you pick.
I passed the written exam on my first try in the beginning of March (and got my results at the end of March). I thought it was rather easy, but I also am finishing up my last year as an international studies and politics double major (which are economics heavy majors) and read several national and international newspapers daily, so my brain is in the right place for it. If you are considering taking the exam, I would suggest reading at least the NYT daily and making sure you understand the constitution, the way in which government is organized, economics 101, basic math, history, major Supreme Court cases, and some business practices. Also, practice writing concise, clear essays in half an hour. I did not prep at all while others I tested with had studied for months. A lot depends on your background and the questions you get.
I turned in my QEP essay questions at the beginning of April and am still waiting to hear my results. The QEP is perhaps the most frustrating part because you have no idea what about your application gets you cut. It's also fairly difficult because you need to answer 5 essay questions and have a reference for each experience. For someone later in their career, this might not be difficult, but for me it took a bit of creative thought.
The process is long. If I pass the QEP, it will be a few months before I go to DC to interview, and by the time everything is said and done, if I was hired it would not be until about next May at the earliest.
It can't hurt to take the written test. It's free and you can take it yearly until you pass.
I spent several years overseas working at the US Embassies in the 80s. Loved every minute of it. It's not for everyone. Too many people didn't understand what a hardship posting is and were surprised that some of the luxuries we take for granted in the US were not available. I have no idea how they got in.
I'm sure the standards for the test have changed since then so I'll let those that have recent experience elaborate about it.
Does anyone know anything about this test? Difficult? Does bad credit affect whether you are hired or not should you pass the test? How long before you are notified? Anyone here has experience being a FSO?
[FONT=Verdana]Can you please tell me what the first step is in this process and also what kind of study material should I buy or get? I would like to work in the Consular Affairs. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]This is my dream job. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Thank you so much for your help.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
Yikes so only 3 to 4% make the final cut? I'm guessing if you do not know a second language you are pretty much not going to make it.......Hmmm, probably a lot easier to get a job working for a multinational corporation outside the country, but of course that does not provide the same satisfaction and motivation.
So where are the US testing sites?
I was looking for specialties like GIS but did not see anything.
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