An abstract reasoning test is a cognitive assessment that evaluates an individual's ability to identify patterns, logical relationships, and rules within non-verbal based visual information, typically presented as a series of shapes, symbols, or images.
It measures one's ability to think abstractly and conceptually, which is essential for problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
This test is part of the three reasoning pre-selection tests (VNAR).
Glossary of terms commonly used in EPSO selection procedures.
Abstract reasoning test
Administrator (AD)
European permanent officials are classified into three groups: Administrators (AD), Assistants (AST) and Secretaries/Clerks (ASC-SC).
Becoming an Administrator (AD) requires a college or university diploma and successful completion of an EPSO competition for an open-ended contract.
With grades ranging from AD 5 to AD 16, Administrators work in various sectors such as justice, law, finance, trade, environment, human resources, communication, translation, and more. Their duties include policy development, analysis, regulatory tasks, international negotiations, stakeholder engagement, and drafting and checking EU legal texts.
Selection and recruitment at higher AD grades require relevant experience and management skills.
See also Permanent officials related FAQs.
Anchors
Anchors are the elements taken into consideration by test markers (i.e. assessors) when assessing a given competency.
For competency 4 (Self-management), an anchor would for example be “Responds calmly to obstacles and is able to distance themselves from frustration and negativity”.
All anchors and competencies can be found here: EPSO’s Competency Framework
Assistant (AST)
European permanent officials, are classified into three groups: Administrators (AD), Assistants (AST) and Secretaries/Clerks (ASC-SC).
Assistants (AST) are required to have either a high school or vocational school diploma, with or without professional experience.
However, for AST3 positions, which involve areas like financial management, project management, communication, or related subjects, a higher level qualification or professional experience is necessary.
See also Permanent officials related FAQs.
