FSOT test dates

The deadline comes before the window

The FSOT runs in three to four windows a year. Registration generally lasts roughly five weeks.

Registration closes 2–3 days before testing opens.

Is the FSOT quarterly?

The State Department careers site describes the FSOT as quarterly in 2026. Pearson's FAQ still says it is offered three times each year in February, June and October, even though Pearson posted a July window and no June window. Four 2026 windows are supported by the posted dates and candidate accounts; the May window remains candidate-reported only. Pearson's FSOT page remains the authoritative source for upcoming schedules.

No 2027 dates have been published anywhere. We do not estimate future windows.

Scores and the advancement decision run on different clocks

Scores post to your Pearson VUE account within 2–3 days. Separately, candidates who sat the current exam report that the pass-or-fail decision arrives roughly 6–8 weeks after the testing window closes—not from your own sitting date.

An older State page said decisions would arrive no later than three weeks after the window closed. That timing is historical and does not describe current candidate reports.

The retake clock starts when you sit

Pearson’s FAQ says the 12-month wait applies to candidates who sat any portion of the test. Under that FAQ, candidates who cancelled or missed an appointment may apply again in the next window. Current Pearson pages are silent on that trigger, so this is attributed to the FAQ rather than stated as a new policy.