Verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests

The verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests remain part of the selection procedures. Usually, results will not be ranked, one will only need a pass mark. The weight given to each of the three skills may vary depending on the profile being selected. 

An EU Knowledge test for generalist competitions
A Field-related Multiple-choice Questionnaire for specialist competitions

The focus of the EU knowledge test, for instance, will be on meaningful substance questions related to the functioning of the EU, its policies and procedures.

Candidates will have the opportunity to check online the sources used to create this test, making it accessible even to those who have never studied EU affairs at university or worked previously in this field. The source materials used for the creation of this test will be published at the same time of publication of the Notice of Competition.

No source materials will be published by EPSO for the field-related multiple-choice questionnaire for specialist competitions.

Case Study

Some competitions will include a case study to assess candidates’ written communication skills (i.e. drafting skills).

Written test

With EPSO’s move towards a full 24-language regime a new type of test will be introduced by EPSO in its selection procedures, as of 2024: the written test, a test aimed at assessing candidates’ written communication skills. The written test will replace the case study*.

Under the term written test, there are three different types of tests that EPSO will use according to the needs expressed by the recruiting services for each competition:

1.        Written test (WT) related to the field(s) of the competition, assessing only written communication skills. 
2.        Field-related written test (FRWT), assessing written communication skills and  knowledge in the relevant field of the competition.
3.        Free-text Essay on EU matters (EUFTE), assessing only written communication skills. 

Candidates will be required to respond to the test assignment(s) based on the documentation provided by EPSO and related to the field(s) of the competition, as specified in the notice of competition.

The written test is not a language test. Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the specific ‘anchors’ listed below (‘anchors’ are the elements taken into consideration by test markers (i.e. assessors) when assessing a given competency).

‘Anchors’ for written communication skills:

The candidate:

• Writes concisely without use of unnecessary words and sentences.​
• Presents subject-matter in an understandable way.​
• Adapts/tailors their writing to match the intended audience and purpose.​
• Uses the information provided to deal with the assignment.
• Written communication is structured with a logical flow of ideas.​

*Case studies will continue to be used for some ongoing competitions.

A digital skills test

A digital skills test will be introduced for some competitions, in line with the needs of the EU institutions and bodies that EPSO serves.