EPSO is resuming testing sessions with a new test provider. You will find below a list of important IT and technical requirements to ensure the best possible testing experience with the new provider.

The information included in this page aims to inform the general public and all those interested in applying to selection procedures run by EPSO. More detailed information and instructions are shared with candidates to EPSO competitions and CAST selection procedures via their EPSO Account and through targeted e-mail messages.

EPSO is not in a position to change these requirements which are directly linked to the intrinsic features of the testing application made available by the test provider.

Operating systems

• Microsoft Windows 10 (minimum)
• Apple OS X 10.13 (minimum)
• Linux Ubuntu 20.04

Some configurations (for example Windows 10 S, Windows under ARM architecture or Virtual Machines) are incompatible with the testing application. Candidates will be able to consult the dedicated webpage of the test provider for more detailed information when invited to sit their tests. 

Other technical requirements

• 1 GB of free space on the hard disk
• Internet connection (Wi-Fi or wired)
• 4 GB of RAM (minimum) – 8 GB of RAM is recommended by the test provider
• A single screen is required. Dual-screen configurations are not allowed (i.e. a desktop with two screens or a laptop with a separate screen). Make sure that you have the adapted screen resolution as indicated in the user guide of EPSO’s test provider.

However, you are allowed to use a single external screen connected to your laptop via a cable. In this case, you must deactivate the laptop screen and keep the laptop closed. If you choose this solution you will not be able to use your laptop’s integrated camera, keyboard or trackpad.

• You cannot use a mobile phone or a tablet to sit your test.
• You cannot use a docking-station.
• Wired mouse, wired keyboard and numerical keypad (‘numpad’) are allowed.
• Bluetooth peripherals are not allowed (e.g. Bluetooth mouse, Bluetooth keyboard and Bluetooth ‘numpad’).

Important technical recommendations

• It is highly recommended to check in advance the functioning and the audio and video settings of your microphone and camera.
• Your audio and video configuration must allow you to complete the so-called ‘environmental check’, therefore external webcams are recommended for all-in-one workstations and/or heavy, difficult to move equipment.

Ensuring the integrity of your testing experience and the reliability of your test results

• ‘Environmental check’: all candidates will be invited to complete a so-called ‘environmental check’ before starting their testing session. This is needed to ensure the integrity of the testing session and the reliability of the test results.

The ‘environmental check’ will ensure, for instance, that candidates are alone and that they do not have any documents/objects not allowed during their testing session. More details about this kind of check are provided to candidates when invited to sit their tests.

• Wired or built-in webcams and microphones are mandatory and must be kept on/activated throughout the testing session.
• Earphones, earbuds and headsets are not allowed.

Important information to keep in mind

• Some candidates may have been tested by EPSO’s new provider in other contexts. Candidates who previously installed their application for other tests must uninstall the application completely (including all ‘hidden files’) and reinstall it in their computers to sit EPSO-related tests. Candidates will receive specific instructions on how to do this, when invited by EPSO to sit their tests.
• Candidates must conduct a technical prerequisite check to ensure that their device is ready to support the test day experience. Candidates who fail to complete the technical prerequisite check by the deadline and experience technical issues during their testing session may not be provided with an opportunity to retest. In view of the importance of this technical prerequisite test, candidates will receive a specific e-mail from the test provider about this and will also be reminded by EPSO of its importance before the testing session.
• You must have so-called ‘administrator rights’ on your computer. In practice, this means that the use of corporate computers is not allowed. Please read EPSO’s note Why can't I use my corporate computer for EPSO's online selection tests? | EU Careers (europa.eu) for further information on this requirement.
• You can also read on our website the Privacy statement for online testing.