Professional Documents
Culture Documents
(FSOE)
What is an FSO IV?
As Third Secretary, the FSO IV may assume either the role of Economic or
Political Officer or both. As Vice Consul, the FSO IV supervises entry level and
second level consular staff in carrying out the functions of the Consular Section,
serves as the Principal Officer tasked to handle assistance-to-nationals cases, and
supervises the Administrative Section.
It has been said that the FSO exam is one of the most difficult exams in the
country. Those who are familiar with the exam know that one of the reasons why
the exam is difficult is because it is hard to prepare for. Applicants will be asked
about anything under the sun and should be able to collect themselves, respond,
and defend their position.
The DFA offers a profession of service. As public servants we are sworn to protect
the interest of our country and the Filipino people. The Department asks a lot
from FSOs and much will be expected. FSOs are expected to exude the highest
standards of professionalism and excellence while remaining courteous,
respectful, and humble. FSOs are expected to be on call 24/7 to respond to the
exigencies of the service. The foreign service is not just a career but a vocation.
If you are a citizen and permanent resident of the Philippines, and a graduate of
any four-year Bachelor’s degree course with two years’ work experience or
further studies (or a combination of both), you are eligible to take the FSOE.
You may submit your application and documentary requirements to the Board of
Foreign Service Examinations (BFSE) Secretariat until 26 November 2019 or to
DFA Regional Consular Offices, and Philippine Embassies and Consulates abroad
until 21 November 2019.
Is there an age limit?
How often is the FSOE conducted? What is the schedule of the exams?
The FSOE is conducted at least once a year. The Qualifying Test for the 2020 FSOE
is set to be administered on 02 February 2020 (Sunday). The schedule for the
subsequent tests will be announced accordingly.
The Qualifying Test is conducted in a number of testing centers all over the
country, while the rest of the exams are administered at the DFA Main Office
along Roxas Boulevard. The Formal Dinner is normally held in Metro Manila.
The FSO Exam has five distinct phases, namely the (1) Qualifying Test, (2) the
Preliminary Interview, (3) the Written Test, (4) the Psychological Test, and (5)
the Oral Test.
Choose only one among the following: Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese
(Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, or Spanish.
You need an average of 80% in the Written and Oral Tests to pass the FSO Exam.
You will be recommended to the President for possible appointment as FSO IV.
Following appointment, you will undergo a six-month training program
mandated by the Foreign Service Act (RA 7157) of 1991 to prepare you for your
various responsibilities as a junior diplomat in the Home Office or at Posts.
Foreign Service Officers are in charge of promoting and protecting the interests
of the Philippines and the Filipino people, at home and at our 88 posts overseas.
The duties of an FSO IV include: drafting reports, correspondences, position
papers, talking points, legal opinions or agreements; attending local and
international meetings and conferences; coordinating with government agencies
and diplomatic missions on matters pertaining to the mandate of his/her
Division; handling assistance-to-nationals cases; and supervision of staff at the
Home Office and at Posts.
An FSO IV has a salary grade of 24. As per Executive Order No. 201, s. 2016, an
FSO IV’s basic salary will amount to PHP 83,406, effective January 01, 2019. As
for benefits, Section 63 of RA 7157 allows for provision of allowances and
medical insurance to foreign service personnel.
I was not able to pass the Preliminary Interview. Do I need to re-take the
Qualifying Test?
No. If you were not able to pass the Preliminary Interview, you do not need to
re-take the Qualifying Test if you decide to take the FSO Exam in the following
year. This is because the CSE Foreign Service Officer Eligibility is valid for two
years.
I was not able to pass the Psychological Test. Can I re-take the FSO Exam?
Yes, after two years.