Candidates to the Scientific Researchers competition are advised to keep the following in mind when responding to the field-related short-text questionnaire (FRSTQ test):

• Your answers will be assessed on the basis of your knowledge and skills (i.e., the competencies necessary for performing activities in the respective areas referenced in the Notice of Competition), as demonstrated through your described experience.
• Candidates will not be asked to prove the experiences referred to, but should keep in mind that the markers are also experts in the given field.
• The focus is on the depth of your experience, on the evidence of how you have applied your knowledge and skills in practice, and on the outcome.
• Simply listing experience is NOT sufficient. You must clearly demonstrate your proficiency as regards the relevant knowledge and skills.
• Other competencies, such as written communication (spelling, grammar, etc.) or teamwork, will NOT be assessed in this context.
• Candidates can use technical language, project names, names of techniques and abbreviations related to the field. Again, keep in mind that the markers are also experts in the given field. 

Important: Candidates should use examples that clearly demonstrate their knowledge and skills, e.g. concrete projects, processes and timelines, etc. However, under no circumstances should the names of individuals (e.g. your own name, supervisors and/or colleagues) be mentioned here, unless related to the inventor of a concept or a technique. 

EPSO invites you to read the general description on the FRSTQ test, provided in October 2024, for a comprehensive overview of this topic.