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.
So, what is our feedback on these tests? No surprise really! Questions were really close to the ones we have in our courses, in our books and in our online tests.
- Verbal reasoning
Verbal reasoning was a good level. We sometimes hesitated between two statements that were very close to the text. The best one has to be chosen. This is where the functions ‘mark’ and ‘strikeout’ come in useful. Striking out options that seem incorrect and, if in doubt on the answer, marking the question. The options remain struck out when you go back to the question.
- Numerical reasoning
In numerical reasoning, some of us have noticed that the questions were growing more difficult towards the end. It is rather reassuring starting with easy questions when we know that only 5 correct answers are needed to pass this test. Be aware, however, because to make sure you reach 5 out of 10, it is better to aim 7 or 8 out of 10. Reasoning mistakes do happen.
Overall, the questions were quite standard. One of us came across an usual question. The screen shows clocks and the time difference has to be worked out between 2 of them. If you are not familiar with time calculations, we advise you to revise. We offer a selection of these types of questions in our book: Numerical Reasoning – a training guide.
After these two eliminatory tests, the break is timely. 20 minutes to relax and get ready to face the two other tests on which selection will be made: abstract reasoning and situational judgment.
- Abstract reasoning
20 minutes to answer 20 questions in abstract reasoning. The effort is intensive. No time to lose focus or to hesitate. A good rhythm has to be reached to obtain as many points as possible. Questions are standard at a level similar to the one in our books. We did not get any symmetry questions but many rotations, enumerations, modifications to properties and instructions (around 25% of questions). Some questions were mixed, with both instructions and modifications to properties.
- Situational judgment
Finally, the situational judgment test in language 2. Here again, very standard questions, very similar to the ones in our courses, in our books and in our online tests.
Scenarios are very short (2 or 3 sentences). Choosing the most effective and least effective action is not always easy. However, by applying the methodology present in our book, you will reduce significantly the degree of subjectivity.
All the best!