Glossary of terms commonly used in EPSO selection procedures.

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 

See also: Contract agents related FAQs.

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 

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.

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.

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 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 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 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). 

See also the related FAQs and the salary table for contract agents (applicable from 1 January 2024). 

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. 

The EUFTE is a free-text essay on EU matters aimed at assessing a candidate's written communication skills.

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. 

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.

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.