- The reform for EU competitions was planned for 2023. Early February, EPSO announced the main changes that will happen in 2023.
The objective is to ‘introduce a faster, leaner and more accessible competition model ‘. Full announcement here.
The tests in the EU institution competitions
- Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning & Abstract Reasoning tests are still part of the selection process. To be successful to these tests, minimum score will be required. As opposed to previous competitions, including the one for Generalist Administrator, the scores to these tests are no longer ranked.
- A new MCQ test is introduced:
- for generalist competitions, the test will be on EU knowledge;
- for specialist competitions, the test will be field-related.
- A written test will also be present in the competitions, usually a case study. This test will assess candidates’ drafting skills.
- A digital skills test could also be part of the selection for some competitions.
Taking European competitions
With Covid-19 pandemic, EPSO has introduced online testing. This will now be generalised: all tests will now be remotely proctored and will no longer be taken in a Prometrics centre.
The end of the Assessment Centre
Assessment Centre, which used to be an important step in the selection process will no longer exist. Interviews will be run directly by the recruiting services of the EU institutions that are hiring and candidates will be selected from the reserve list.
How can ORSEU Competition help you ?
Our material for the 3 reasoning tests with our book, courses and online tests are available here.
Please watch this video for advice on how to optimise your preparation: Optimise your preparation to EU institutions competitions’ tests
Please read our blog article on EPSO remotely-proctored testing and prepare accordingly to maximise your chance of success.
To prepare for the case study, we recommend our book (available in English & French).
This book was written in 2015 when the test had a duration of 90 minutes and was taken in test centres. Now the test has a duration of 45 minutes but you have access to the documents a few weeks before the test. That is why the methodology in our books does not apply 100%. However, our book could help you:
- familiarise yourself with the various types of documents used in a case study,
- improve your communication skills by learning how to write a note in a clear and structured manner (3 sample questions with detailed answers are provided).
Case Study book
To prepare for the EU knowledge test, we created a pack with 150 questions (available in English & French) so you can assess your knowledge and improve with our detailed correction.
Once you have passed the competition tests, you are on the reserve list.
To be employed as an EU official, you will have to take an interview with the relevant department. To prepare for this interview, we recommend our book: How to succeed in a job interview that has been tailored to tackle any questions or oral tests you may have in EU recruitment.
All you need to know about all the types of interviews to succeed in being the one to get the job.
All the best with your preparation!