The Embassy of the Philippines in Canada is pleased to announce that the Board of Foreign Service Examinations will hold the Qualifying Test for the 2018 Foreign Service Officer (FSO) Examinations on 28 January 2018.

The duties of a Foreign Service Officer include: gathering information, analyzing and reporting political, economic, technological, cultural and other events and developments; drafting diplomatic notes and other forms of diplomatic correspondence; preparing briefing papers and other foreign policy papers for the Department and other offices of government as may be required; assisting in the preparation and conduct of international conferences; managing and supervising staff; disseminating information; working with other government agencies and private groups and individuals in promoting Philippine interests abroad; undertaking negotiations; assisting Filipinos abroad and protecting their rights; promoting Philippine culture and trade; bringing in foreign investments and promoting tourism to the Philippines; performing consular functions; and representing the Philippines in various international fora.

The FSO Examination is composed of five (5) parts:
(1) Qualifying Test;
(2) Preliminary Interview;
(3) Written Test;
(4) Psychological Test; and
(5) Oral Test.

All interested applicants/parties are requested to visit the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs (www.dfa.gov.ph) and download the prescribed application form as well as the detailed guidelines for the purpose.

Applicant’s attention is invited to the following general guidelines that serve as basis for the screening and accepting of completed application forms:

• Application forms should be printed in 8.5 x 13 inches bond paper;
• The applicant should be a Filipino citizen and a permanent resident of the Philippines;
• The applicant should be a holder of at least a four-year bachelor's degree or higher. (Please submit transcript of records, and either the diploma or certificate of graduation);
• The applicant should have · undergone employment or undertaken further studies for two years after graduating from college or university;
• If married to a foreigner, the applicant must secure from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, through the Board of Foreign Service Examinations, authority to take the FSO Examinations;
• If applicant has dual or multiple citizenships, he/she should submit a notarized affidavit stating that upon passing the examinations, he/she intends to renounce his/her allegiance to all of his/her other countries of citizenship; he/she must also submit a notarized affidavit stating that he/she is a permanent resident in the Philippines; and
• Payment of a non-refundable P500.00 fee.

The final determination of the applicant's eligibility to take the Qualifying Test rests on the BFSE.

The deadline for submission of completed application forms at the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada is on 01 December 2017. Incomplete requirements will not be accepted.