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
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria refer to the specific requirements and conditions that candidates must meet in order to participate in EPSO selection procedures.
These criteria ensure that only qualified and suitable candidates are considered for the positions and that they meet the necessary standards for working within the EU institutions.
The eligibility criteria typically include aspects such as nationality, character, education, work experience, language proficiency, and any additional requirements specified in the Notice of Competition for a specific EPSO competition. Meeting these criteria is a prerequisite for being considered in the selection procedure.
See also: Eligibility and our FAQs section on Eligibility criteria.
Selection Board
Selection Boards decide on the difficulty of the competition tests and approve their content, assess the candidates’ compliance with the specific eligibility criteria, compare candidates’ merits, and select the best candidates in the light of the requirements set out in the notice of competition.
The proceedings of the Selection Boards are secret, and their work is facilitated by EPSO.
Each competition for permanent officials has its own Selection Board, composed of officials from the EU institutions and bodies served by EPSO.
Officials join the Selection Board on a voluntary basis, following a dedicated call for interest. Selection Board members are nominated formally by their organisation of origin. They must have no conflict of interest as regards their competition in order to be confirmed as members of the selection board.
Since 1 January 2023, selection boards no longer include permanent members systematically. Gradually, all Selection Boards will be composed of non-permanent members only.
Nominated Selection Board members are trained on selection and assessment methodologies before they take up their duties and continue to receive specific training and guidance from EPSO’s team of psychologists during the different stages of their competition.
Subject matter expert (SME)
In the context of EPSO’s selection procedures a subject matter expert, or SME for short, is someone whose job is to participate in the process of creating certain types of written tests, such as field-related questionnaires.
SMEs are officials from the EU institutions and bodies served by EPSO. They take on this task for a limited period of time, in parallel with their usual work.
Permanent officials become SMEs on a voluntary basis, following a dedicated call for interest. They are nominated formally by their organisation of origin and must have a relevant profile in terms of knowledge or expertise in order to participate in the process of test development. They must have no conflict of interest as regards their competition in order to be confirmed as SMEs.
Nominated SMEs are trained by EPSO on test development methodologies before they take up their duties and continue to receive specific support from EPSO throughout their assignment.
Every test development process is analysed by EPSO’s team of psychologists in order to detect any possible bias. EPSO ensures that the process follows the agreed standards for large-scale selection procedures such as the ones organised by EPSO.
See also the related FAQs.
Verbal Reasoning test
The Verbal Reasoning test consists of several short texts, usually one or two paragraphs, accompanied by a question with 4 to 5 answer options. Candidates must choose the answer that best reflects the information given in the text. This test is part of the three reasoning pre-selection tests (VNAR).
See also the related FAQs.