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EPSO tests

EPSO competitions or selection procedures include a series of tests aimed at assessing general and specific competencies. Please read EPSO’s general competency framework for more information.

The Notice of Competition is the only official document that contains detailed information about the actual tests used by EPSO for a given competition.

This page contains sample tests aimed solely at illustrating the type of tests that may be used by EPSO in its competitions. This page is not aimed at training candidates to pass our selection tests. This is outside of EPSO’s mandate.

If you would like to find out more about EPSO’s selection procedures, we suggest that you also check the EPSO Tests: Myths and Facts page.

 

EPSO TESTS - FORMER COMPETITION MODEL (UNTIL 2022)

Main steps

  • Eligibility - evaluation of eligibility criteria and minimum requirements is done by the Selection Board.
  • Talent screener- only used for specialist competitions. In their application form, candidates are asked to list all their professional skills, experience and qualifications, which will then be assessed by the Selection Board.
  • Computer based multiple-choice tests - verbal, numerical, abstract reasoning tests and, for certain specialist competitions, tests on field-related competencies. All tests are remotely proctored. Please read carefully our notes on the IT Requirements for passing EPSO’s remotely proctored tests | EU Careers (europa.eu) and on Corporate computers and online tests | EU Careers (europa.eu).
  • Assessment centre phase - the final stage for the testing of general and field-related competencies under EPSO’s former competition model (i.e. before 31 January 2023). Through various tests, Selection Board members evaluate skills such as analysis and problem-solving, communicating, prioritising and organising, delivering quality and results, and others. The Assessment Centre tests are organised in an online format (remote) and the tests usually take place on different dates.

phases​

Types of tests

Below for each profile you can find the list of possible tests and some samples of questions that candidates may encounter.

Administrators (AD-Generalists)

Administrators (AD–Specialists)

Assistants (AST)

Assistants (AST-SC)

Contract Agents / CAST Permanent

Interpreters (AD)

Lawyer-linguists (AD)

Translators (AD)

EPSO TESTS – NEW COMPETITION MODEL (AS OF 2023)

Types of tests

Before candidates are tested their eligibility  is evaluated by the competition’s Selection Board.

The image below illustrates in a nutshell the main types of tests that may be used by EPSO in its selection procedures, both for generalist and specialist profiles. All tests are remotely proctored. Please read carefully our notes on the IT Requirements for passing EPSO’s remotely proctored tests | EU Careers (europa.eu) and on Corporate computers and online tests | EU Careers (europa.eu).

new competition model​

More information will be added soon to this page about the type of tests used under the new competition model.

IMPORTANT

EPSO does not offer preparatory courses or material apart from the sample tests provided here, nor does it endorse publications or training courses made available by other entities.

Please check the Member States training and support contact list to find out the training and support provided by some of them.

Please check also the EU Careers info – Member States page to connect to the social media accounts where some Member States share information on EU Careers.