EPSO Competitions: Exam Update

Awaiting an EPSO exam? EPSO has released details about exam testing periods for a number of competitions. 

In this overview, we look at what's coming up and how to get ready for it.

Scheduled EPSO Exams

CAST Exams:

The testing periods are published on the web pages of the different EPSO CAST profiles.

If you get invited to take part in the computer-based test you will need to complete a Verbal Reasoning Test, Numerical Reasoning Test, Abstract Reasoning Test, and a Competency Test or Language Comprehension Test depending on the CAST profile.

To get you comfortable with these tests and increase your test-taking speed we recommend that you complete some practice tests under exam conditions. We have special practice packages for each EPSO CAST profile. Also, methodology webinars (many are FREE) and online training sessions are also available to take your exam preparation to the next level.

Administrators in the field of External Relations:

• Applications closed on 13 October.
• 7,819 AD5 grade level applications were received
• 3,679 AD7 grade level applications were received

The computer-based tests will take place at the start of the competition. You will need to score one of the highest marks in these tests to move on to the next stage of the competition, as no more than 15 times the number of applicants sought per grade will be invited to the next round of the selection.

It is not known yet when the computer-based reasoning tests will take place, but with so many applications received expect the competition to be tough and the overall CBT exam score threshold to be high for both grades. Start practicing now and boost your performance with practice sample tests, methodology webinars (many are FREE), and online training sessions. 

Secretaries Competition:

• The CBT booking period CURRENTLY OPEN: 23-29 October 2020.
• The Pre-Selection Exam will take place between 3-20 November 2020

The testing period is almost upon us! Now is the time to really ramp up your practice for these tests to ensure you walk into the exam feeling confident and prepared. The tests are not complicated but the strict time limits make them tough. You can access practice sample tests, methodology webinars (many are FREE), and online training sessions via this website.

Administrators in the field of European Law:

• The CBT booking period will last from 12-18 November 2020.
• The Pre-Selection Exam will take place between 25 Nov-16 Dec 2020

While the pre-selection exam only requires you to reach the pass marks for each test to move on to the next stage of the competition, don't be complacent. The tests are not complicated but the strict time limits make them tough. Start practicing now to ensure you have plenty of time to refresh the skills needed to do well in these tests. You can access practice sample tests, methodology webinars (many are FREE), and online training sessions via this website.

Specialists in Law and Finance (EPSO/AD/374/19):

• The CBT booking period will last from 30 Oct-6 Nov 2020.
• The CBT Exam will take place between 11-24 Nov 2020
• The rest of the Assessment Centre - EPSO is expected to send invitations out in November. 

While the CBT exam only requires you to reach the pass mark for each test don't be complacent - you don't want to knock yourself out of the competition because you didn't get enough points. The tests are not complicated but the strict time limits make them tough. Start practicing now to ensure you have plenty of time to refresh the skills needed to do well in these tests. You can access practice sample tests, methodology webinars (many are FREE), and online training sessions via this website. If you feel you need some one-on-one personalised training assistance take a look at our Personal Coaching services. 

EU Training is also currently reviewing the requirements of the new Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI) and will be making preparation resources available as soon as possible. If you are interested in receiving information on training materials for this new test as it becomes available, please contact our Support Team so they know to keep you updated about developments.

Specialists in Legal Research - Lawyers (EPSO/AD/365/19 - EPSO/AD/370/19):

• The CBT booking period will last from 30 Oct-6 Nov 2020.
• The CBT Exam will take place between 11-24 Nov 2020
• The rest of the Assessment Centre - not expected before January 2021.

While the CBT exam only requires you to reach the pass mark for each test don't be complacent - you don't want to knock yourself out of the competition because you didn't get enough points. The tests are not complicated but the strict time limits make them tough. Start practicing now to ensure you have plenty of time to refresh the skills needed to do well in these tests. You can access practice sample tests, methodology webinars (many are FREE), and online training sessions via this website. If you feel you need some one-on-one personalised training assistance take a look at our Personal Coaching services. 

EU Training is also currently reviewing the requirements of the new Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI) and will be making preparation resources available as soon as possible. If you are interested in receiving information on training materials for this new test as it becomes available, please contact our Support Team so they know to keep you updated about developments.

Parliamentary Ushers:

• The CBT booking period will last from 30 Oct-6 Nov 2020.
• The CBT Exam will take place between 11-24 Nov 2020
• Assessment Centre is expected for SC1 in January 2021
• Assessment Centre is expected for SC2 in February 2021

Start practicing now to ensure you have plenty of time to refresh the skills needed to do well in these tests. You can access practice sample tests, methodology webinars (many are FREE), and online training sessions via this website. If you feel you need some one-on-one personalised training assistance take a look at our Personal Coaching services. 

Administrators In International Cooperation and Managing Aid to Non-EU Countries:

• Case Study exam booking period: 8-14 December 2020
• Case Study exam date: 8 January 2020

This offers a very comfortable amount of time to perfect your Case Study exam skills, and we have a great suite of resources to assist you in this endeavor. We recommend that you watch the EPSO Case Study Exam Insights webinar to understand exactly what EPSO assessors will be looking for. Then use these strategies and tips to do a couple of Case Study exam simulations, which you can then request to be evaluated. All evaluations come with a sample solution.

Lawyer-Linguists Competition (DA, EL, FR, HR, PL):

For some of the languages, the pre-selection Translation Tests are currently underway. 

Graduate Administrators (AD5 Competition):

• Assessment Centre - not before January 2021

EPSO has indicated that candidates can expect to complete the Assessment Centre early next year. Take this time to prepare for the Competency-Based Interview, Oral Presentation and Motivational Interview via methodology webinars and online training sessions. If you feel you need some one-on-one personalised training assistance take a look at our Personal Coaching services. 

EU Training is also currently reviewing the requirements of the new Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI) and will be making preparation resources available as soon as possible. If you are interested in receiving information on training materials for this new test as it becomes available, please contact our Support Team so they know to keep you updated about developments.

Conference Operators:

• Assessment Centre - not before January 2021

EPSO has indicated that candidates can expect to complete the Assessment Centre, Computer-Based Tests and E-tray early next year. Take this time to prepare for your upcoming exams. You can access practice sample tests, e-tray tests, Competency-Based Interview Insights, and online training sessions via this website.

Administrators in the field of Audit:

• The rest of the Assessment Centre - not expected before January 2020.

This competition is currently at a standstill with many candidates having already completed their Assessment Center and many more still waiting for the opportunity to. Also with EPSO announcing the new SCBI interview to replace the Group Exercise, all candidates will need to complete this online exercise. For those candidates still awaiting their Assessment Centre, you can access methodology webinars and online training sessions via this website. Also, if you feel you need some one-on-one personalised training assistance take a look at our Personal Coaching services. 

EU Training is also currently reviewing the requirements of the new Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI) and will be making preparation resources available as soon as possible. If you are interested in receiving information on training materials for this new test as it becomes available, please contact our Support Team so they know to keep you updated about developments.