EPSO CBT reasoning skills

My firsthand experience of preparing for and trying several times before passing the EPSO computer-based tests many (many, many) years ago, inspired me to help other candidates and led me to become a trainer and personal coach.

After the first post in our EU Career Compass Series with Malene Bresson about CVs and EU job tips, we jump to the beginning of the selection process with Thomas Williams, EPSO CBT guru and reasoning skills test expert. One of the first things a candidate generally must do when submitting their application for an EPSO competition or into the CAST database, is to choose a Language 1 and Language 2. But this is not as easy as it sounds. Thomas tackles this complex quandary below:

Recently we have been receiving many requests from EU Training’s users for some tips or methodology on how to approach the various test types, such as abstract, numerical or verbal reasoning. While the best way to learn about the methodology of succeeding at these tests is the live classroom training sessions offered by EU Training, we decided to help the EPSO candidate community with a quick tip on EU test methodology for abstract reasoning.

We are about to embark on some deep mental thinking. In PART I of this series we discussed how to approach Abstract Reasoning Test questions. In PART II we looked at simple rules that are relatively easy to spot and memorise. Having said that though, the rules revealed in PART II are often used in far more complex ways to make them less obvious to spot. Now let’s jump into the deep end and get right into the thick of abstract reasoning trickery. 

In PART I of this series we discussed how to approach Abstract Reasoning Test questions. In PART II we look at simple rules that are relatively easy to spot and won’t make you go cross-eyed staring at the screen. Clear your mind, focus and file away in your memory these common rules used by abstract reasoning question writers. Then when you attempt your next abstract reasoning practice test, try to apply these newly acquired insights.

Those who are EPSO veterans will know, that EPSO has increased the level of difficulty of its Abstract Reasoning Test for the Administrator competitions. When analysing certain Notice of Competitions, you’ll find that EPSO now places a higher emphasis on this test type when calculating a candidate’s final pre-selection score. So, it is very important to do extremely well in abstract reasoning.