Foreign Service Written Exam 2006

1.  Examination Date:
 
We are pleased to announce that the FSWE will be
administered on April 8, 2006.  This will be the only
administration of the exam in 2006.
 
2. Eligibility Requirements:
 
To take the examination and to enter the Foreign Service
applicants must:
-- be a US citizen,
-- be at least 20 years of age and no older than 59 on the
date of the exam (the age limit is based on date of birth;
applicants are not eligible one day after their 59th
birthday); be at least 21 to be appointed and must be
appointed to the Foreign Service prior to date on which a
candidate reaches age 60.
-- be available for worldwide assignment,
-- not have been previously separated from the Foreign
Service for retirement, expiration of time in class, retirement based on relative performance or separation for cause.
 
3.  Test Locations and Registration Materials:
 
The FSWE will be offered in approximately 200 locations nationwide and at most of the 260 Foreign Service posts. Registration materials will be available on the Department's website: WWW.CAREERS.STATE.GOV.  This year all applicants must register online.  The registration guide and the website provide information for those who need assistance registering online.
 
4.  Deadlines:
 
Applications for the April 8 exam must be received by March 1, 2006 for foreign test sites, and March 8, 2006 for domestic test sites.
 
5.  Test Center Staff:
 
Anyone who is a potential future exam candidate may not administer the test in any capacity.  Ideally, a Foreign Service Officer administers the exam.
 
6.  Study Guide Order Forms:
 
Order forms for the 2006 study guide are located at the end of the registration booklet, or can be downloaded from the Department of State website.  The guide may be ordered by
telephone from ACT, Inc., (319) 337-1429 or FAX (319) 337- 1578.  The guide is not available through the Department of State.
 
7.  Registration Guide Delivery
 
Posts can expect to receive their supply of registration booklets by mid- to late January.  Posts should advise the Department immediately if they require additional registration guides.  Information on how to get more books will be included with the initial package of registration materials.
 
8.  Examination Coordinator:
 
Any additional concerns from post should be addressed to:
    Jennifer Clark, FS Exam Coordinator
    HR/REE
    TELEPHONE (202) 261-8904
    FAX:      (202) 261-8843
    E-mail    clarkja@state.gov
 
Fax or e-mail is preferred.  Please remember when using e-mail to identify your post.
 
9.  Posts with Designated Test Sites:
 
The Department will use FEDEX, DHL or post designated overnight courier service delivery for supplemental shipments, if necessary, to ensure timely receipt by requesting posts.  Specific instructions will be provided with the exam material regarding the return of the
completed examinations.
 
 
Potential exam takers should not write to the Department for registration information.  All inquirers should be provided registration materials directly by posts or advised to visit State Department website at http://www.careers.state.gov/.