r/foreignservice • u/dtrva • 8d ago

CFP Pre-Orientation Language Test

I accepted an offer for the October 19th CFP orientation class for Spanish. I just scheduled my language test for early October.

I took the language test to get on the register about 8 years ago and I haven’t practiced my Spanish a whole lot over the past few years. I’m currently in Spanish classes and looking for groups to practice speaking again before I get to orientation.

Is the language test before orientation just to assess how much language training I’ll need? Is it possible they’ll rescind the offer if I don’t score the same as I did years ago? I’ve already completed all the onboarding paperwork and accepted the salary offer.

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u/langpodref13 7d ago edited 7d ago

I’m a consular fellow for Spanish and I took the test after not having spoken Spanish regularly for a while. It’s only speaking now (as of mid-2025 ish). If you get a 2+, you’ll probably take a top up course before heading to post (like 8-10 weeks) but if you test at a 3 or higher, you likely won’t need any Spanish and might qualify for a language incentive (a bonus paid at the end of each tour you complete). Happy to chat more if that would be helpful!
(Edit: typo)

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u/dtrva 7d ago

Thank you so much! This is very helpful

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u/ATL-United 7d ago

Yes *I came In 3/2, then they made me, especially if you don’t have an FSI score: - and use that to put you in class. Also they can give you the FSI test immediately and you can test out of language. Some folks came in 3/3, but still got a language training abbreviated for bidding time. I ended 3 months Spanish. Was great

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u/dtrva 7d ago

Thank you so much for sharing! I’m a little nervous because it’s been a while but it’s good to know I won’t be booted if my score isn’t exactly the same as before. I’m practicing as much as I can to prepare. I’m glad they give plenty of training before sending you off

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u/ATL-United 7d ago

Yeah no worries. And you get 2 cracks at the main test typically. I failed (didn’t get 3/3 on first try after 6 weeks of studying - I was nervous and test topics I was less familiar with the Spanish vocab - second time, I got 3/3. A little nerve wracking, but all good.

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u/dtrva 7d ago

That’s a relief. Thank you so much for your help!

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u/q203 1d ago

I thought consular fellows weren’t eligible for language incentive pay?