ACT Awarded Contract for Foreign Service Exam

January 29, 1999

IOWA CITY, Iowa—The U. S. Department of State has awarded ACT, Inc. the contract to develop and administer the annual Foreign Service Written Examination, the initial step for those wanting to become foreign service officers. The contract is for 1999, with options for renewal in subsequent years.

Under the terms of the agreement, the ACT-developed exam will be given for the first time in November. It will include tests of job knowledge, English expression and writing, and an assessment of job-related skills and abilities. ACT will also register applicants, administer and score the tests, and report the results.

"We're looking forward to working with ACT on this key component of our selection system," said a spokesperson for the State Department. "The examination is the first step in the process of qualifying to enter the diplomatic service, which is responsible for advancing U. S. interests abroad and fostering international relationships."

Between 10 and 15 thousand applicants take the Foreign Service Written Examination each year. Only a few hundred, however, eventually qualify for employment with the State Department or the U. S. Information Agency.

Foreign service officers typically analyze and report on economic and commercial trends, administer U. S. immigration and nationality laws, assist Americans overseas, explain American objectives and cultures to people of other countries, and implement U. S. foreign policy.

"We appreciate the confidence the State Department has shown in our organization," said ACT President Richard L. Ferguson. "One of our longstanding goals is to help individuals plan, prepare for and advance in their careers, and this new project targets that goal directly."

ACT is the nonprofit organization that sponsors the college-entrance program taken by 60 percent of America's freshmen and Work Keys, the nation's only comprehensive system for measuring and developing workplace skills. ACT annually provides services in licensing, certification and occupational analysis to more than half a million professionals and other adults.