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
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
CAST (Contract agent selection tool)
CAST, or Contract Agents Selection Tool, is an open-ended recruitment process without application deadlines. It aims to recruit Contract agents/contract staff.
See also: Contract agents related FAQs.
Competency framework
The Competency Framework defines the competencies that are considered essential to perform effectively in any given job, by the EU institutions and bodies that EPSO serves.
Some of those competencies are assessed by EPSO during the selection phase, others are assessed by the EU institutions and bodies themselves during the recruitment phase.
The competency framework contains the following general competencies:
Communication
Critical Thinking
Analysing & Creative Problem-Solving
Decision-Making and Getting Results
Information Management (Digital and Data Literacy)
Intrapreneurship
Learning as a Skill
Self-Management
Working with Others
Competition
The EPSO selection procedure to become a permanent official.
Contract agent/contract staff
Contract agents (or staff) carry out a number of manual or administrative tasks and may provide additional capacity in specialised fields where an insufficient number of permanent officials is available.
They are generally recruited for fixed-term contracts (maximum 6 years in any EU Institution), but in some cases they can be offered contracts for an indefinite duration (in Offices, Agencies, Delegations or Representations).
See also: Contract agents related FAQs and Cast permanent selection procedure.
EASI (Experience Assessment)
EASI is a tool aimed at providing optional feedback to interested candidates to help them understand better their likelihood of admission (eligibility) to a competition, based on their qualifications and professional experience, compared to the requirements laid down in the Notice of Competition.
EPSO Account
Before being able to apply for specific selection procedures, all candidates need to create an EPSO Account on the EPSO website, where they input personal information, qualifications, language proficiency, and other relevant data.
See also the EPSO Account related FAQs.
EU Official/Permanent official
Permanent officials are members of the EU civil service appointed for an indefinite time. They constitute the so-called core working force.
There are three categories for permanent EU officials: Administrators (AD), Assistants (AST) and Secretaries/Clerks (AST/SC).
See also: Staff categories.
FGI (Function group 1 CAST)
FGI is one of the 4 function groups for the contract staff position.
It includes grades 1-3 and the following categories of tasks: Manual and administrative support service tasks, performed under the supervision of officials or temporary staff.
See also the related FAQs and the salary table for contract agents (applicable from 1 January 2024).
FGII (Function group 2 CAST)
FGII is one of the 4 function groups for the contract staff position.
It includes grades from 4-7 and the following categories of tasks: Clerical and secretarial tasks, office management and other equivalent tasks, performed under the supervision of officials or temporary staff.
See also the related FAQs and the salary table for contract agents (applicable from 1 January 2024).
FGIII (Function group 3 CAST)
FGIII is one of the 4 function groups for the contract staff position.
It includes grades from 8 to 12 and the following categories of tasks: Executive , drafting, accountancy and other equivalent technical tasks, performed under the supervision of officials or temporary staff.
See also the related FAQs and the salary table for contract agents (applicable from 1 January 2024).
FGIV (Function group 2 CAST)
FGIV is one of the 4 function groups for the contract staff position.
It includes grades from 13-18 and the following categories of tasks: Administrative, advisory, linguistic and equivalent technical tasks, performed under the supervision of officials or temporary staff.
See also the related FAQs and the salary table for contract agents (applicable from 1 January 2024).
Field-related multiple-choice questionnaire (FRMCQ)
The field-related multiple choice questionnaire (FRMCQ) includes a series of questions, which are designed to test the skills and the knowledge related to the field of the competition. The questions are based on the duties required for the specific profile. Each question is linked to four different answer options, only one of which is correct.
Further information is indicated in the Notice of Competition and in the invitation letter.
Internal competition
Internal competitions are limited to current EU institution employees, promoting opportunities for growth and advancement within their existing workplace.
They are not managed under EPSO’s responsibility, but under the responsibility of the recruiting services themselves.
EPSO may be asked to provide support to the running of such competitions.
Laureate/successful candidate
In line with EPSO’s selection procedures, a “laureate” is a candidate who has passed all stages of EPSO testing procedures and has been placed on the reserve list published by EPSO at the end of each competition and used by EU institutions for their specific recruitment needs.
See the related FAQs.
MCQ (Multiple choice questionnaire)
Multiple-Choice Questionnaire is a common format used in EPSO exams. In this format, test-takers are presented with a question and a set of possible answer choices. They must select the correct or most appropriate answer from the given options. MCQs are designed to evaluate the test-taker's knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply concepts in a specific context.
One of the most used MCQs in EPSO selection procedures is the VNAR/reasoning test.
See also the related FAQs.
Notice of Competition (NoC)
The Notice of Competition is the official and authentic document containing a full description of the profile sought, the minimum educational and professional requirements, and the details and conditions of the tests to be held during the competition. It also contains information and instructions on how to apply for the competition.
The Notice of Competition is usually published in the Official Journal of the European Union and on the EPSO’s website on the first day of the application period.
Numerical reasoning test
The numerical reasoning test evaluates a candidate's logical thinking and proficiency in comprehending numerical data. Applicants must solve questions based on statistical information provided in tables.
This test is part of the three reasoning pre-selection tests (VNAR).
See also the related FAQs
Official Journal
The Official Journal of the European Union is the official publication for EU legal acts, other acts and official information from EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. In the context of EPSO selection procedures, the Notices of competitions are published in the Official Journal.