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
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.
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.
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.
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).
Junior Professionals Programme (JPP)
The Junior Professionals Programme (JPP) is a talent development and recruitment initiative of the European Commission, aimed at attracting and integrating young professionals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets into the EU institutions.
This programme provides participants with valuable on-the-job experience, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to the Commission's work in various policy areas.
JPP offers recent graduates and young professionals a 3-year temporary agent contract, including a 12-month traineeship programme, during which they gain hands-on experience in different departments and Directorates-General of the European Commission.
This immersive experience allows participants to build their professional networks, enhance their skills, and contribute to the EU's mission of promoting sustainable development, democracy, and values.
Throughout the JPP, participants are provided with mentorship from experienced staff members, opportunities to attend training sessions, and access to professional development resources. The JPP offers a limited number of temporary agent positions (up to 70 per year), giving the successful candidates an opportunity take part in internal competitions (open to all other eligible staff) to become permanent officials at the end of the programme.
More information about the Junior Professionals Programme, including eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits, can be found on the European Commission's website.
Multilingualism
Multilingualism is one of the European Union’s founding principles. Selection procedures published by EPSO as of 2024 provide candidates with the possibility of doing all their tests in any one of the EU’s 24 official languages. The requirement to use two different languages for taking the selection tests in any given competition continues to apply.
Specific conditions apply to competitions for linguistic profiles. For details, always refer to the respective Notice of Competition.
You can learn more about the EU’s 24 official languages on the Europa website: Languages, multilingualism, language rules | European Union (europa.eu)
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
Ranking
The Selection Board then selects the top-ranking candidates whose applications that can be invited to the next stage will be proceeding to the next step of the competition. The threshold is the score of the last candidate on this list.
Staff Regulations
The term Staff Regulations refers to a comprehensive set of rules and principles that govern the employment conditions, rights, and obligations of personnel working within the EU institutions and bodies. They cover a wide range of aspects, including recruitment, career development, working conditions, salary scales, social security, and pensions. The staff regulations help to establish a uniform and transparent framework for the employment of EU personnel, promoting efficiency, consistency, and fairness across the different institutions...
See also EU staff regulations.
Temporary agent/staff
Temporary staff is recruited to fill vacant positions within the EU institutions and agencies for a set amount of time; this may range from a few months to a few years.
They may be asked to perform regulatory, legal, scientific or financial support tasks; conduct policy and data analysis; carry out IT, administrative, research, communication and programming duties, to name but a few.
Temporary staff cover posts requiring different types of qualifications and specialisations, varying from assistant to higher administrator positions.
For administrator positions, temporary staff can be recruited at grades ranging from entry-level grade AD 5 to AD 6 or higher. Similarly, assistant grades start at AST 1 - AST 3 and can be higher for more specialised profiles.
See also EU staff categories and available job opportunities for temporary staff.
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.
VNAR /reasoning test
VNAR stands for Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning, which are three types of aptitude tests that candidates are required to take. These tests assess a candidate's abilities in the following areas:
1. Verbal Reasoning: This test evaluates a candidate's ability to understand, analyse, and interpret written information.
2. Numerical Reasoning: This test assesses a candidate's ability to understand and interpret numerical data presented in various forms, such as tables, graphs, and charts.
3. Abstract Reasoning: This test evaluates a candidate's ability to identify patterns, relationships, and logical connections in non-verbal and non-numerical information, such as sequences of shapes and symbols.
These tests are designed to assess a candidate's cognitive abilities and their potential to learn and adapt in a fast-paced, multicultural, and intellectually challenging work environment, such as the European institutions.
See also the related FAQs.