EPSO says : Written test in the field: The test is designed to evaluate some of the competences inherent to the duties required for a particular profile. A specific situation is provided in the form of a short written briefing, and candidates are asked to write about the ways to address this situation. As case study is also related in some way to the field, it seems that both case study and written test are quite similar. It even could be that there will be juste one single test. I Hope we'll get some aditional info in the invitation (if it happens...finger crossed).

Hi! I wanted to ask you about your experience in the written test in the field for the Agriculture competition. Like it happened to you, I cannot find any information and your experience in this test would be highly appreciated. Many thanks

Hello, I am also interested in hearing anyone's experience about the written test in the field.

How specialised is the knowledge that you are expected to have? How much in depth do you need to go with your studying? How can one practice for this test?

Thanks a lot to anyone who can share some information or tips.

Hello, In my understanding the test can be based on the specific duties listed in the Annex of the competition. So they might ask to writte something that is mentioned as possible duties that the candidate is likely to undertake on the job. In my case, I am preparing the Chemicals Policy competition and I am focusing my reading on the main policy and legislation in the field.

Contrary to the Case study (which is of a more general nature), the written test is "in the field", so my guess is that the documentation and task(s) given is(are) related to the call itself. 

Good luck to all!

Hello all,

Based on my experience with a specialist competition, the format of the written test in the field is that of a case study, with more time for the actual writing. So preparation of the same competences applies, like analysis of a text, critical assessment of options and make sure to have natural flow of the information presented. Plus spell check.

In my case, the written test in the field was a fictitious situation related to a specific policy topic in the field. Knowing the policies is indeed helpful, but there is no expectation for you to provide information or analysis on the historical development of that particular policy or other knowledge about it. What they expect is your critical assessment of the situation vis-a-vis the specific context and policy that they will assign you. So preparation on how to assess and recommend new options, based on your own judgement, may help producing a high quality exercise.

I hope this helps!

Silvia

Hello jr and all,

my written test in the field (two years ago) was a very general essay regarding basic rules in the subject-matter.  No difficulty at all if you know it, except for time pressure.  I passed it and went through to the Assessment Centre phase, which unfortunately that time I did not pass that time - but for sure I got lot of experience for the following one.

Hello, Just did mine, and wanted to share my experience.

Definetly, the time factor is the most difficult thing. Time goes so fast, that when you realize you are half way through.

My suggestion would be to fix yourself before hand a tentative structure (e.g. Introduction, Problem definition, etc...) and then adjust if needed. This will allow you to start writing up as soon as the countdown starts. I would also suggest to fix some allocated time before hand (e.g. 15 min. Intro tops) otherwise you risk not to have sufficient time for the more important parts. Finally,  do not get yourself stuck reading all the details at the begining, go quickly through the whole set of documents (in my case were only 5 pages in total). In my example, at the end of the documents was the more relavant piece of info, and the begining was full of generic explanations.

good luck with yours!