8 Steps to Ace the EPSO Written Test

EU Training

Learn how to ace your EPSO Written Test in 8 useful steps with EU Training.

Written Test | EPSO or Non-EPSO

EPSO introduced the Written Test in February 2024 to replace the Case Study exam formerly used in the selection process. There will be 3 types of Written Tests:

  • Written test (WT) related to the field(s) of the competition, assessing only written communication skills.
  • Field-related written test (FRWT), assessing written communication skills and knowledge in the relevant field of the competition.
  • Free-text Essay on EU matters (EUFTE), assessing only written communication skills. 

Many ongoing internal competitions, namely the European Commission ones, and some open competitions released by other EU institutions, also require a Written Test as part of the selection process.

We have split the Written Tests available on our site into two categories: EPSO-Style and Non-EPSO (a.k.a 'Other').

For many candidates this is the scariest part of the whole selection process, but fear not: the EU Training team has created this step-by-step guide to help you plan and schedule your preparation to become a Written Test pro by the time your exam day rolls around.

Here's how to ace your Written Test in 8 steps:

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  1. Re-read the Notice of Competition

Along with any communication you receive directly, the Notice of Competition is your number one official source of information. Read it again, and again! It tells you all the basic information you need to know about which tests you will have to sit under what conditions and how they will be scored.

EPSO-Style: The EPSO Written Test is designed to assess one competency only - Written Communication Skills, unless otherwise mentioned in the Notice of Competition.

  • The subject of the written test document is related to your field (Written Test) or general EU matters (EUFTE).
    • This will always be clarified in the Notice of Competition
  • Written test documents are released 2-3 weeks before the exam date. 
  • You receive the assignment based on that document on the day of the exam
  • You have 40 minutes to write a response

Non-EPSO: The European Commission Written Test is different from EPSO:

  • It is always an EU-related subject
  • Candidates receive the documents and the assignment at the same time on exam day
  • Generally, 90 minutes is the time limit given to analyse the documents and write a response to the assignment - but this is always detailed in the NoC.
  • The competencies assessed are not explicitly mentioned, but may closely align with these old EPSO competencies: Communication (drafting skills), Delivering Quality & Results, Prioritising and Organising, and Analysis and Problem-Solving
  • The competencies assessed may also align with the duties required and listed in the NoC, and will vary a bit from grade to grade.

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  1. Consult a more comprehensive summary material

This is going to be repeated a couple of more times: the notice of competition is a good starting point: this is where the important details are listed and scoring is detailed. However, not much more info is given in this initial document.

EPSO has not added any sample written tests to their website yet, but they still have an old mock case study available, although at this point that is not much help. This is the most current information on their website regarding the written test.

EPSO Written Test Methodology Webinar

  • NEW 2024 webinar
  • Provides practical methodology to prepare the EPSO Written Test.
  • Relevant for the current EPSO Written Test which only assesses written communication skills
  • Additional documents and resources included with purchase

The information provided in this webinar will help you improve your skills to create a written response that appeals to assessors.

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  1. Catch up with EU affairs and know the EU institutions

Written tests simulate real life in the EU institutions and EU-related scenarios. Although you will have the key background materials provided, to quickly grasp the context of the assignment it is important to be familiar with current EU affairs and to know how EU institutions work.

More precisely, you should be well-acquainted with what is happening in your specific field.

You might be asking yourself: what could the possible subjects be? It is hard to guess. It can be a hot EU topic such as Migration reform or Big Tech legislation. Or it can always be an EU evergreen, such as unemployment, climate change or diversity policies. The best thing you can do is refresh your knowledge and be up to date with EU-related news. Here are a few websites you can start with:

For EU institutions and legislation:

For latest European Union news:

Pick your favourite from these news sites, or find the sites related to your field in the EU specifically, bookmark 1 or 2 of them.

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  1. Do a mock test 

No amount of reading can replace practice. You should practice by simulation as much as you can. Trying a written test simulation at the beginning of your preparation process can help you in more ways than one:

  • You will get to know the test situation and the test interface.
    • You can experience how difficult it is for you personally to get through all the materials and write your essay within the strict time limit.
  • You will become familiar with the test software and its functionalities won’t surprise you.
  • You can get detailed feedback on your written response from experts who have assessed many written tests and know what assessors look for.
    • You can purchase a Written Test evaluation service separately or in a package.
    • With an evaluation, you will find out where you are in your preparation process and what you should focus on to improve.
      • Create a list of your strengths and weaknesses, this will help in creating your prep plan

IMPORTANT:

  • Evaluation of a completed Written Test simulation is available in ENGLISH ONLY
  • Turnaround is 5 business days, EXCEPT in peak exam periods, then it may take longer.

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  1. Create a preparation roadmap

Once you know where you stand in your preparation journey and know where you want to be by exam time, it’s time to think about how you are going to get there. Consider the areas you need to improve and plan how you are going to do it.

Do you rely too heavily on copy-pasting the source text?

Read this article on plagiarism, which is one of the biggest no-nos when it comes to writing a response on the Written Tests.

Do you get lost in long, wordy sentences?

Do you run out of time because you cannot read through the background documents fast enough?

  • Practice speed-reading.
  • Watch one of the webinars mentioned above to master time management

These are just a few basic examples, but the point is, if you see what needs to be done:  

  • you will know what material to look for, how to analyse the documents
  • you will know how much time and effort the tasks will need.

Taking into account the time you will have, you can structure and schedule your steps to make the most of your EPSO exam preparation. It’s good to write all this down, so it becomes clearer for yourself as well.

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  1. Practice, practice, practice

Keep in mind what your ultimate goal is: it is to master EPSO-Style Written Test drafting skills, and the best way to do this is by practising under realistic exam conditions.

Currently, EU Training has the following Written Test prep services available, (English only):

  • EPSO-Style written tests not related to a specific field, general EU subjects, document is provided separately
  • EPSO-Style written tests related to the field of the competition, documents are separate
  • "Other" Written Tests for COM internal competitions (90 minutes in exam mode, documents are embedded)
  • Exam-specific Simulation + Evaluation service (only available when EPSO has published the document for a specific Written Test 

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  1. Personal coaching and workshops

EU Training's coaches are the best around. They have many years of experience with written tests for EPSO and internal competitions. You will receive focused, personalised guidance. Get in touch with one of our experts here: Written Test Coaching

The Clear Writing workshops, although not explicitly for any specific Written Test, will help anyone - not just EPSO candidates - improve the clarity and effectiveness of their writing. Ultimately, it will help you learn how to draft a stand-out response to any assignment on a written test.

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  1. Rest and relax

Take it easy the day before the exam.

DON'T:

  • Start some last-minute studying frenzy.
  • Panic
  • Binge-watch Netflix all night long

DO:

  • Scroll through some EU news, but keep it to a minimum.
  • Scan through your list of focus points one more time.
  • Exercise or go for a walk.
  • Eat light and healthy 'brain food', and drink plenty of water.
  • Relax your mind and do some self-care
  • Go to bed early, get enough sleep

If you put in the comprehensive preparation work leading up to exam day, rest assured it will show in your score.

Read more about how to deal with EU exams stress in this free eBook.

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