Online testing for Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT)

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Test with confidence and convenience.

Take your exam online, on your schedule, from your own home.

Navigate your online testing experience with ease

Taking an exam with OnVUE, Pearson VUE’s online testing system, is flexible, convenient, and easy. However, it also has unique rules and requirements. For the best experience possible, you should get familiar with these before selecting to test in-person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online with OnVUE. For example, taking your exam online means you’ll need to:

  • Run a system test to ensure your computer is compatible and your internet service is sufficient
  • Find a quiet and private space where you can take your exam without interruptions
  • Consent to monitoring throughout your test via webcam and microphone
  • Be prepared to observe all the online exam requirements, including testing behaviors (please thoroughly review the Pearson VUE online testing guide and the information under the "Additional Policies for FSOT" section below).

Please note that once started, the online FSOT lasts approximately 3 hours and is conducted without breaks. Remember, if you move outside of the view of your webcam at any point, your testing session will be terminated and your test results will be invalidated.

Before test day

Run a system test

Complete a system test and exam simulation before exam day.*

Run system test

*Issues? Check out the technical requirements.

Choose your testing space

Find a private, distraction-free area to take your exam.

Get your space ready (Opens in new window)

Get your ID ready

Make sure your personal identification meets requirements.

Once you’ve completed these preparatory steps, get familiar with the unique requirements for testing online.

For even more in-depth information, download our helpful guide to taking your exam online PDF (Opens in new window).

Schedule, reschedule or cancel your exam.

On test day

STEP 1. Do any last-minute prep

Be sure your computer and internet pass the pre-exam system test. Clear your desk/workspace of prohibited items and prep your equipment. Get your ID ready to present. Review our Exam rules / testing advice for specifics.

STEP 2. Check in

You can begin the check-in process up to 30 minutes before to 15 minutes after your appointment time.  

STEP 3. Start your exam

While testing, it’s best to focus on the questions and not get distracted. Observe all the environmental and behavioral rules. If you need help during your exam, use the chat icon to request assistance.

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Testing policies, FAQs and more

Last updated 2022-08-16