Related FAQs

I can't log-on or consult my EPSO Account, what should I do?

Check that you are using the right login and password (see 'Forgot your username/login? Forgot your password?').Reminder: you are not allowed to create more then on EPSO Account, but in case your EPSO Account was deleted, you can create a new one for your future applications. Your EPSO Account might have been deleted in line with our privacy statement on personal data protection. In summary, we regularly delete the following accounts:EPSO Accounts with no applications and which were created more than one year agoEPSO Accounts with at least one application, and where all your...

What is an EPSO Account?

The EPSO Account is the electronic record of your personal details and all applications for EPSO selection procedures. A direct link to create or log in to your EPSO Account is available on all pages of the EPSO website.It is also used by EPSO to send messages to candidates. You should therefore consult your EPSO Account at least twice a week. Before applying, you will be prompted to create an EPSO Account, if you do not already have one.You can only have one EPSO Account, which you should use for all selection procedures. It is strictly forbidden to have...

I'm not a citizen of one of the EU Member States. Can I apply?

No, in order to be eligible you must be a citizen of one of the Member States of the European Union on the date of validation of your application form. A valid residence permit is not considered proof of citizenship.

I'm encountering issues with my application form. What should I do?

EPSO’s systems support the most commonly used Internet browsers. If you encounter issues, please consider changing the browser first before contacting us. The use of mobile devices to fill in the application form is not recommended. Avoid using the ‘forward’ or ‘back’ browser buttons to move through the application form and when moving between different application forms in your EPSO account (for example to access data from your previous applications) but use the on-screen buttons instead (Back to account).You should only copy/paste from a pure text file (.txt), using a simple word processor...

Is there an age limit on applying?

There is no age limit, however officials are automatically retired at 66. For more details, read the Staff Regulations of EU Officials.

I am pregnant or breastfeeding and I have questions concerning my participation in the selection tests. Whom should I contact?

If you are pregnant during the competition registration period, you can submit your questions, problems or requests for adjustments in your application form, together with a medical certificate confirming your pregnancy and your due delivery date.If you find out that you are pregnant or you give birth during the competition period, please contact us as soon as possible providing the same information and sending a medical certificate confirming the expected or actual delivery date.We will inform you of the possible options after examining your request.

What are the competencies candidates must demonstrate during the competition tests?

The institutions are looking for candidates who are talented, motivated, and who can demonstrate the following general competencies:Analysis and Problem Solving: Identify the critical facts in complex issues and develop creative and practical solutionsCommunicating: Communicate clearly and precisely both orally and in writingDelivering Quality and Results: Take personal responsibility and initiative for delivering work to a high standard of quality within set proceduresLearning and Development: Develop and improve personal skills and knowledge of the organisation and its...

I have a disability or medical condition that requires adjustments to the selection tests. What do I have to do?

If you require adjustments to the selection tests as a result of a disability or medical condition, all you need to do is follow the procedure set out on our equal opportunities page in order to submit your request for adjustments. You will also find the different types of possible adjustments.Please note that in order to benefit from reasonable adjustments to the selection tests, you will have to produce a certificate confirming your disability or medical condition issued by a competent national organisation and/or a specialist.

Can I still participate if I don't meet all the eligibility conditions?

There is no point in applying if you do not meet all the general and all the specific eligibility conditions.

Can I apply if I am over-qualified for the position?

The Notice of Competition or Call for expressions of interest describes the minimum requirements in terms of qualifications and professional experience. It also describes the nature of the duties you may be required to perform.Anyone who meets at least these minimum requirements and whose qualifications/experience are relevant to the duties in question may apply.Please note that if you have additional qualifications and/or professional experience, you can only be recruited at the grade/function group and for the profile indicated in the Notice or Call.For example, if you have a bachelor's...

What are the duties of Assistant-Secretaries in the EU Institutions?

Secretaries/Clerks are generally employed in an office management and administrative support role. They can take on a broad range of tasks such as preparing files, supporting the organisation and coordination of the department's activities, managing documents, as well as many others involved in supporting teams, managers, or other services within the EU institutions.

Should I send my diplomas and other documents related to my professional experience?

You do not need to send any supporting documents when submitting your application.You will be asked to provide copies of your supporting documents, diplomas and certificates to confirm your eligibility at a later stage of the selection procedure.

I am a UK citizen. Can I still apply?

All candidates for EPSO selection procedures must be citizens of at least one EU Member State.If you are a UK citizen and you have a second citizenship of an EU Member State you may still apply.If you only have UK citizenship, you will not be able to validate your application after Brexit.If in future you obtain the citizenship of an EU Member State, you can add this new citizenship to your personal details in your EPSO account, allowing you to apply for our selection procedures once again.

What types of MCQ tests will I have to sit?

If you validate your application form within the deadline, you will be invited to sit a series of preliminary computer-based Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) tests in one of EPSO's accredited test centres. The computer-based MCQ tests will be organised as follows:Verbal, Numerical and Abstract reasoning MCQ tests (in your Language 1) andProfessional skills (Accuracy & Precision and Prioritising & organising) MCQ tests (in your Language 2)If you have reached the pass marks in all the preliminary MCQ tests and one of the highest combined marks for the two professional skills tests, you...

In which language do I take the tests for the competition for Secretaries?

You must choose the languages for your tests when filling your application. The tests will take place in two different languages:Language 1 for the numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning multiple-choice questions test (MCQ) : you can choose your language 1 from the 24 official languages of the European Union.Language 2 forProfessional skills tests: Accuracy & Precision and Prioritising & organising multiple-choice questions testsMicrosoft Office Word skills multiple-choice questions testAssessment centre tests (two role-plays and a field-related interview)You must choose your...

What do the different Assistant-Secretaries (AST/SC) grades mean for Secretaries competition 2020 ?

An assistant career covers grades AST/SC1 to AST/SC6.New staff usually enter at grades AST/SC 1.AST/SC1 candidates must have completed secondary education, or have a relevant professional training (equivalent to European Qualification Framework Level 4. AST/SC1 candidates must have previous relevant experience of at least 3 years directly related to the nature of the duties.AST/SC2 for more experienced candidates (minimum 7 years).

Can I apply to both grades AST/SC 1 and AST/SC 2?

No, you can apply only to one grade. You must make your choice when you apply online and you will not be able to change after you have validated your online application form.However, the Selection board may reassign Grade AST/SC 2 candidates to Grade AST/SC 1. This reassignment can be done exclusively during the check for eligibility and under certain strict conditions detailed under point 4 of the Notice of competition.

In which language/s do I have to fill in the application form?

You can fill your application in any of the 24 EU official languages.When completing your application form, you will have to select a language 1 and a language 2 for the tests.Language 1 can be any of the 24 official EU languagesLanguage 2 must be either English or French.