On Tuesday 5th June, we went to Rue du Commerce in Brussels to take the EPSO tests for the 2018 AD5 competition. The test centre was almost empty! This is quite normal when the test period just started the day before.
Many candidates wait for the last days before taking the tests. A few additional days or weeks of revision can clearly be useful, especially when it is the first time you take the test.
Author Archives: Caroline
The computer-based testing day
Today, you take the MCQ computer-based tests organised by EPSO.
This is how your day should unfold.
Abstract reasoning: is the test getting harder and harder?
Until 2015, you may have reached high marks in the abstract reasoning test of EPSO competitions. However, since then, it’s been a nightmare: you no longer see anything and you can hardly reach 50% of correct answers. What has happened since 2015? Have test creators invented new logical sequences? Do elements go through new transformations?
The EPSO E-tray test: a question of organisation
The e-tray test was first introduced in 2011 in the AST Generalist competitions. It was then gradually extended to the AD competitions. The candidates for the AD Generalist competition first faced it in 2015. For them, it represents the intermediate phase between the admission tests and the assessment centre.
Generalist AD5 competition in Spring 2017
This is EPSO’s announcement mid-February at the 2017 EU Studies Fair. For this competition, no previous experience will be required. So why not take your chance? To be successful, you will have to face three series of tests.
Numbers do not scare me anymore
You’ve decided to register for a competition or exam and you have to sit a numerical reasoning test. Don’t panic. We can help you!
You’ve decided to register for a competition or exam. You start looking at the content of the tests. No chance! You have to take a numerical reasoning test! You feel gripped by panic. You can’t remember how to set out a division or work out an average. Words like fraction and percentage leave you unable to think straight. You start remembering the poor marks you got at school…
But you’re good in the other areas and have all the skills required to fill the post or get into your chosen school. All you need are a few more marks in numerical reasoning to pass the competition or exam. So why give up?
First of all, ask yourself why you have problems with maths. Maybe it’s because you find the language of maths a bit like double Dutch (and you don’t speak any Dutch at all!). And yet you use this language every day – when you withdraw money from your bank account, when you get a discount in a shop, when you’re following a recipe … and so on.
All you need is a method. If you’re not a mathematician at heart, you may find learning and applying a formula hard going. But, if it’s explained to you in a simple and fun way it will suddenly seem much more obvious and you’ll end up using it quite naturally.
ORSEU’s latest publication: ‘http://www.orseu-concours.com/en/epso-eu-training-books/375-book-numerical-reasoning-a-training-guide.html’, is specially designed for those who have (or believe they have) a poor level of maths. This book explains in detail the basic concepts of numerical reasoning: performing mathematical operations, calculating percentages, completing number sequences logically…and so on. It is the ideal way to prepare for EPSO, Selor, GMAT and GRE tests.
12/06/15 Newsletter
There are two specialist competitions that are currently open for CBT (computer-based tests) booking:
– Parliamentary Ushers (EPSO/AST-SC/04/15),
– Heads of Administration in EU Delegations (EPSO/AST/135/15).
For those of you who registered to either of these competitions, it is now time to book a date to sit your CBT in one of the test centres in Europe.
You can do so until June 19th.
– The CBT will take place between 22/06 and 17/07/15.
– The CBT are the 3 reasoning tests: verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning.
Another competition for Lawyer Linguists – Court of Justice Channel (EPSO/AD/304-307/15) is now open for registration until 24/06/2015.
– The requested languages are Bulgarian, French, Italian and Spanish.
– You will face the 3 reasoning tests in the assessment phase.
– You can find the notice of competition here.
The linguists’ competitions for interpreters (EPSO/AD/311-314/15) and for translators (EPSO/AD/315-320/15) will also include the 3 reasoning tests in the admission phase. Registration for both will start in July.
Start preparing now for the 3 reasoning tests with our packs of books, of online tests and of online courses and face-to-face courses.
Our intensive training courses are one-day classes to prepare for the admission tests.
For each test, our trainer will explain the methodology, that you will have the opportunity to practise with a test which will then be corrected with detailed explanations.
We have just added one date to prepare for the 3 reasoning tests present in the current specialist competitions.
It will take place in Brussels on Friday 26th June, in French and in English.
If you cannot attend this training, you can purchase our online training courses with our 3-reasoning-test online course pack.
The case study: An approach-based exam above all else
The case study is aimed at all candidates who are invited to take exams in the assessment centre in the AD cycle, AST cycle and specialist competitions.
7 tips to prepare successfully for European competitions
- Check regularly the EPSO competitions’ calendar
The competition calendar is updated regularly on the EPSO website (open for application, upcoming opportunities & in progress).
You can also subscribe to our newsletter so that you do not miss important updates on upcoming competitions.
11/02/15 Newsletter
Upcoming computer-based tests in March-April 2015 
The 3 reasoning tests (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning) for: – Assistants in the field of Parliamentary work,
– Administrators in the field of Data Protection,
– Assistants in the field of Information and Communication Technology,
– Lawyer linguists (‘Parliamentary/Council’ channel).
Secretaries and clerks will have to try and obtain one of the best scores at the 5 admission tests comprising the 3 reasoning tests and the 2 professional skills (Prioritising & Organising and Accuracy & Precision).
To be sucessful, we offer you tools that help you prepare: our book packs, our online course packs and our online test packs.
Our intensive training is a one-day course to prepare for the admission tests.
For each test, our trainer will explain the methodology, that you will have the opportunity to practise with a test which will then be corrected with detailed explanations.
For secretaries and clerks:
Register now for our SC training:
– in Luxembourg, on February 28th, in English and in French;
– in Brussels, on March 6th, in English and in French.
– in Brussels, on March 7th, in English and in French.
Please note that this training is also suitable for all candidates preparing for the 3 reasoning tests.
If you cannot attend these trainings, you could choose our online training courses with our 3-reasoning-test online course pack and our SC online course pack.
Preparing for SC’s specific tests 
Can you answer 40 questions in 6 minutes?
Can’t you? Yet, this is the challenge you will have to face in the next AST/SC competition.
The Accuracy and Precision test is one of the scariest tests for candidates. The rules are simple though: compare the information in two tables and spot the possible errors (spelling mistakes, digit inversions, inadequate symbols…). The difficulty lies in the time constraint – you have on average 9 seconds per question! And failing this test is not an option: the Accuracy and Precision test represents more than a third of the global score.
The Prioritising and Organising test also counts for another third of the global score. In this test, do not get confused with schedules, train timetables or hotel bookings. You’d better be prepared for it!
Do you want to be successful in these tests? Our book covers both tests. It will teach you to spot quickly the information, to make the best choices and to manage your stress efficiently.
Benefit from our preferential rate on this book! Reduced from €39 to €30 until March 15th only!
The first European Careers Forum in Paris 
The first European Careers Forum will be organised in Paris on March 28th, 2015. Institutions, universities and institutes preparing for European competitions will be present in this Forum to give information on EU competitions, traineeships and opportunities related to EU institutions. The Forum is aimed at both students and young professionnals. For more information and to register for the information sessions and attend the discussion panels, please visit the CIDJ website.
ORSEU Competitions will be there too. Come and say hello!