The Board of Foreign Service Examinations (BFSE) announces the conduct of the 2025 FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER (FSO) EXAMINATION.
If you are interested in being a Diplomat, this is your chance. For the requirements, schedule, and other details, please read on.
The Foreign Service Officer Exam or FSO is a test to recruit qualified candidates for appointment to the Foreign Service Officer, Class IV position.
What is an FSO?
FSO stands for Foreign Service Officer IV. They serve as Principal Assistant/Assistant Director in the Department of Foreign Affairs – Home Office, as Third Secretary in Philippine Embassies/Missions, or as Vice Consul in Philippine Consulates.
As Principal Assistant/Assistant Director, the FSO IV supervises entry-level and second-level staff involved in research, analytical, and clerical work.
The FSO IV also drafts reports, correspondences, position papers, talking points, legal opinions or agreements, attends local and international meetings and conferences, and coordinates with government agencies and diplomatic missions on matters pertaining to the mandate of his/her Division.
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.
FSO Exam Schedule 2025
The FSOE is held annually. The examination date for the 2025 Foreign Service Officer Exam is set for January 28, 2024. The application period is from September 18, 2023- October 20, 2023 (until 5 pm Only). For the complete details refer to the table below:
| Date of Exam | Name of Exam | Application Period |
| 26 Jan 2025 | CSE-FSO | 23 Sep 2024-30 Oct 2024 (DFA Satellite and Consular Offices; DFA Foreign Service Posts) |
The CSE Foreign Service Officer Eligibility is valid for two years.
2025 Foreign Service Officer Examinations (FSOE):
- Purpose and Announcement: The 2025 Foreign Service Officer (FSO) Examinations, conducted by the Board of Foreign Service Examinations (BFSE), are designed to recruit new officers for the position of Foreign Service Officer, Class IV.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Filipino Citizenship.
- Must have a four-year bachelor’s degree or higher.
- At least two years of work experience or additional studies after graduation.
- Must secure necessary academic and documentary requirements, including a valid birth certificate and valid government-issued IDs.
- Application Requirements:
- Complete application forms (available on DFA and CSC websites).
- Valid IDs, original and certified true copies of academic records.
- PSA-issued birth certificate; marriage certificate for married women.
- Employment certificate (if applicable).
- Eight passport-sized colored photographs with specific format requirements.
- A non-refundable application fee of ₱500.00.
- Application Process:
- Submit the completed application forms (downloadable from DFA and CSC websites) and required documents to designated DFA offices or Philippine Embassies/Consulates by the specified deadlines.
- An admission fee of PHP 500 is required upon submission.
- Examination Phases: The FSOE consists of four stages:
- Qualifying Test (26 January 2025): Covers verbal, analytical, numerical, and managerial abilities. Passing grade: 80%.
- Written Test (Date to be announced): Six subjects including English, Filipino, Philippine conditions, International Affairs, World History, and a Foreign Language. Passing grade: 75%.
- Psychological Test (Date to be announced): Conducted after the Written Test in Metro Manila.
- Oral Test (Date to be announced): Evaluates oral skills, logical thinking, values, and attitude. Passing grade: 85%.
- Overall Passing Criteria:
- Candidates must obtain a composite score of 80% or higher from the Written and Oral Tests to pass the FSOE.
- Important Note:
- No deferrals are allowed at any stage of the examination. Missing any phase will result in automatic disqualification.
- Duties of a Foreign Service Officer: Responsibilities include diplomatic work, reporting on political and economic developments, promoting Philippine interests, assisting Filipinos abroad, and representing the country in international fora.
For more information and application forms, visit the DFA website
How much is the Salary of an FSO IV/ Diplomat?
How much is the salary of an FSO IV?
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 the provision of allowances and medical insurance to foreign service personnel.
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