EPSO Competitions - Planning For 2020

If you have been contemplating a career as an EU official at any of the European Union's institutions or agencies, then this is a great time to make it happen.

The start of a new year (and decade!) brings a wealth of possibilities and opportunities, which may offer you the perfect chance to get your foot in the door.

One thing is for certain, EU Training's team will continue to go above and beyond to bring you the very best EPSO exam preparation resources and services available.

So, let's take a look at what the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) will be offering up in 2020 and where current competitions stand.

QUICK LINKS:
Open For Applications
Coming Up Soon
Ongoing Competitions Check-in
EPSO CAST Opportunities

For those new to the EPSO selection processes, first take the time to find out about how it all works so you can be on your way merry towards landing an EU job. Our New To EPSO Competitions introductory video will help you kick start your quest.

Open For Applications!

2019 Administrators In International Cooperation and Managing Aid To Non-EU Countries Competition Released

Reference Number: EPSO/AD/380/19 - AD7 and EPSO/AD/380/19 - AD9

Application Deadline: 14 January, 2020 at 12 midday (CET).

Released only last week, EPSO is looking for candidates that will mainly work in the European Commission's departments that formulate the EU’s development policy to reduce poverty in the world, to ensure sustainable economic, social and environmental development and to promote democracy, the rule of law, good governance and the respect of human rights.

Successful candidates will be recruited at AD7 and AD9 grades, with positions being based in Brussels.

Read this article to get a full overview of this competition: 2019 Administrators In International Cooperation & Managing Aid To Non-EU Countries Competition Released

Where to start...

Before completing the application form and Talent Screener, we recommend that you view the FREE EPSO Specialist Competitions Information Webcast recording.
Completing the Talent Screener correctly is a vital component in moving through to the next stage of the selection process. To gain detailed insights into how this selection tool works and strategies to use when completing it, view this webinar recording - Everything You Need To Know About EPSO's Talent Screener.
Need help with your EPSO application or Talent Screener? Take a look at our Application Assistance service
Complete, validate and submit your application by the deadline. Appy for grade AD7 here or Apply for grade AD9 here

Getting ready for this competition?
Access practice packages here, and view methodology webinars here - some are even FREE!

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO Administrators in International Cooperation Exams Facebook group.

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2019 EUIPO Internal Competitions Released

Reference Numbers: EUIPO/AD/01/19 - Administrators and EUIPO/AST/02/19 - Assistants

Application Deadline: 21 January, 2020 (12-noon Brussels Time)

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), with the support of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has released TWO internal competitions.

These competitions are being held to draw up reserve lists from which EUIPO can appoint civil servants as Administrators in grade AD6 and Assistants in grade AST3 in any of EUIPO's places of employment.

Read this article to get a full overview of these competitions: 2019 EUIPO Internal Competitions Released

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EUIPO Internal Competition Exams Facebook group.

Getting ready for this competition? Access practice packages here, and view methodology webinars here - some are even FREE!

Coming Up Soon...

While specific dates have not been released yet, we do know that the below competitions are expected to be released in 2020.

How you can start to prepare for these upcoming competitions now...

Join the relevant competition's Facebook community to keep up with the latest developments and connect with other candidates.
Since more and more "Specialist Competitions" are being announced by EPSO, we recommend that you view the FREE EPSO Specialist Competitions Information Webcast recording to get all the current details on this type of selection process.
During the application process, you will be required to complete a Talent Screener. Filling this out correctly is a vital component in moving through to the next stage of the selection process. To gain detailed insights into how this selection tool works and strategies to use when completing it, view this webinar recording - Everything You Need To Know About EPSO's Talent Screener.
Complete, validate and submit your application by the required deadline.

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Administrators & Assistants will be sought for various specialised IT and digital profiles

EPSO will be looking for temporary staff to join the European Commission.
Positions will be based in Brussels (Belgium) and Luxembourg (Luxembourg).
Candidates will be recruited at AST4 and AD8 grade levels.
Many areas of expertise will be sought:
- Administrators & Assistants - Advanced Technology: High Performance Computing
- Administrators - Advanced Technology: Quantum technologies
- Administrators & Assistants - Data Analysis and Data Science
- Administrators & Assistants - Digital Workplace, Office Automation and Mobile Computing
- Administrators & Assistants - ICT Security
- Administrators & Assistants - IT Infrastructure and Cloud
This competition was due to be released in November 2019, but has been pushed back to 9 January, 2020.

Want to get posts on developments and connect with other candidates about this competition? Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO IT Specialists Exams Facebook group.

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LAWYER LINGUISTS

EPSO will be looking for Lawyer Linguists to join the European Court of Justice.
Positions will be based in Luxembourg (Luxembourg).
Lawyer Linguists will be recruited at AD7 grade level.
The competition languages being sought are Croatian (HR), Danish (DA), French (FR), Greek (EL) and Polish (PL).
This competition was due to be released in "Autumn 2019", but has been pushed back to "Winter 2020"

Want to get posts on developments and connect with other candidates about this competition? Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO Lawyer-Linguists Facebook group.

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Administrators in the field of European Law

EPSO will be looking for Administrators in the field of European Law to join the Council of the European Union and the European External Action Service.
Candidates will be recruited at AD5 and AD7 grade levels.
This competition is expected to be released in "Spring 2020"

Want to get posts on developments and connect with other candidates about this competition? Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO Administrators in the field of European Law Exams Facebook group.

Ongoing Competitions Check-in

2019 Graduate Administrators (AD5 Competition)

Competition Reference Number: EPSO/AD/373/19

The E-tray exams concluded last Thursday (5 December, 2019). We wish all those who participated in this round of testing the very best of luck.

Those that score high enough to make it to the next round of the selection process, can expect to sit the Case Study exam on 16 March 2020, with the Assessment Centre to take place sometime in April/May 2020.

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
If you haven't already done so, connect with thousands of EPSO AD5 candidates by joining the EPSO Administrator Generalist Exams (AD5) and the EPSO Assessment Centre - AD5 Graduate Administrators Facebook groups. These are great platforms to keep up to date with competition developments, discuss the various tests, share resources, rumors, tips and most importantly it provides a channel to motivate and encourage fellow candidates.

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CONFERENCE OPERATORS

Competition Reference Number: EPSO/AST-SC/09/19

Registrations for this competition closed today (10 December, 2019) at noon.

EPSO has not released next steps yet. Now candidates will need to await news to see if the computer-based tests will take place at the start of the competition process or be held later on at the Assessment Centre. This depends on whether the number of candidates exceeded a certain threshold determined by the Selection Board.

While you wait, why don't you take this time to view the FREE EPSO Specialist Competitions Information Webcast recording to get all the current details on this type of selection process?

Want to get posts on developments and connect with other candidates about this competition? Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the Conference Operators EPSO Exams Facebook group.

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Parliamentary Ushers

Competition Reference Number:
EPSO/AST-SC/08/19 - SC1 and EPSO/AST-SC/08/19 - SC2

This competition has entered the Talent Screener review stage. Following on from the initial eligibility checks, 336 SC-1 and 114 SC-2 candidates have successfully moved on to having their Talent Screener evaluated.

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the Parliamentary Ushers EPSO Exams Facebook group.

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Specialists in Law and Finance

Competition Reference Number: EPSO/AD/374/19

The following number of candidates have made it to the Assessment Centre round of the competition for each profile:

Administrators in Competition Law - 176
Administrators in Financial Law - 98
Administrators in Economic and Monetary Union Law - 17
Administrators in Financial rules applicable to the EU budget - 107
Administrators in Protection of euro coins against counterfeiting - 19

The Case Study exam will take place on 10 January, 2020 for all candidates participating in this competition.

Following on from this, the Assessment Centre is expected to take place sometime between January-April 2020.

With the Case Study and then the Assessment Centre coming up relatively soon, let's take a look at how you can prepare effectively for these exams:

Watch the Case Study Insights webinar, which is a valuable source to clearly understand the methodology of this exam and what EPSO assessors will be looking for via this exercise.
Do a couple of Case Study simulations - there is also the option to have your answer evaluated by an assessor, who will provide feedback and areas for improvement.
Understand what each Assessment Centre exam is designed to measure and learn to prepare smartly for each exercise so you get the highest scores possible. Viewing our series of Assessment Centre webinars is a great starting point: Introduction To The EPSO Assessment Centre webinar (FREE), EPSO Group Exercise Insights webinar and EPSO Competency Based Interview Insights webinar.
Then put theory to practice by joining one of our Assessment Centre simulation sessions:
- Perfect your performance before the real thing and stand out from the crowd by taking part in an Intensive EPSO Assessment Centre Simulation session where the focused is placed heavily on the practical side of the EPSO exams rather than the theory.
- The EPSO AC Group Exercise Master Class brings together candidates to practice this exercise under exam conditions similar to what you'll experience at the actual EPSO Assessment Centre. This session offers the opportunity to participate in TWO Group Exercise simulations and benefit from the advice/feedback given by our EPSO expert, who knows exactly what EPSO assessors will be looking for.
- The EPSO AC Competency Based Interview Master Class offers a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with our EPSO expert, be tested on a number of 'likely' interview questions and learn collectively as a group from the feedback given.

If you feel you need a little professional help tailored to your specific needs, request an Assessment Centre Personal Coaching session with one of our EPSO experts.

Also, need to get ready for the computer-based reasoning tests (Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning)? No problem...access the Specialists in Law and Finance practice package here, and view methodology webinars here - some are even FREE!

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO Specialists Exams Facebook group.

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Administrators in the field of Audit

Competition Reference Number:
EPSO/AD/372/19 - AD5 and EPSO/AD/372/19 - AD7

Congratulations to the 251 AD5 and 110 AD7 candidates that have been invited to the next round of the selection process.

The Case Study exam is set for 20 February 2020 for all candidates participating in this competition.

Following on from this, the Assessment Centre is expected to take place sometime between February-May 2020 for AD5 candidates and between May-June 2020 for AD7 candidates.

With the Case Study and then the Assessment Centre coming up relatively soon, let's take a look at how you can prepare effectively for these exams:

Watch the Case Study Insights webinar, which is a valuable source to clearly understand the methodology of this exam and what EPSO assessors will be looking for via this exercise.
Do a couple of Case Study simulations - there is also the option to have your answer evaluated by an assessor, who will provide feedback and areas for improvement.
Understand what each Assessment Centre exam is designed to measure and learn to prepare smartly for each exercise so you get the highest scores possible. Viewing our series of Assessment Centre webinars is a great starting point: Introduction To The EPSO Assessment Centre webinar (FREE), EPSO Group Exercise Insights webinar and EPSO Competency Based Interview Insights webinar.
Then put theory to practice by joining one of our Assessment Centre simulation sessions:
- Perfect your performance before the real thing and stand out from the crowd by taking part in an Intensive EPSO Assessment Centre Simulation session where the focused is placed heavily on the practical side of the EPSO exams rather than the theory.
- The EPSO AC Group Exercise Master Class brings together candidates to practice this exercise under exam conditions similar to what you'll experience at the actual EPSO Assessment Centre. This session offers the opportunity to participate in TWO Group Exercise simulations and benefit from the advice/feedback given by our EPSO expert, who knows exactly what EPSO assessors will be looking for.
- The EPSO AC Competency Based Interview Master Class offers a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with our EPSO expert, be tested on a number of 'likely' interview questions and learn collectively as a group from the feedback given.

If you feel you need a little professional help tailored to your specific needs, request an Assessment Centre Personal Coaching session with one of our EPSO experts.

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO Administrators in the field of Audit Facebook group.

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Specialists in Legal Research - Lawyers

Competition Reference Number: EPSO/AD/365/19 - EPSO/AD/370/19

While the Written Test in the Field was expected to take place in November 2019 for this competition, it seems to have been bumped back to 24 January, 2020.

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO Specialists Exams Facebook group.

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Security Officers and Assistants

Competition Reference Number: EPSO/AST/147/19 and EPSO/AD/364/19

The majority of candidates have completed the Assessment Centre for this selection process and are eagerly awaiting the final results of the competition. Wishing you all the very best of luck!

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO Security and Protection Officers/Assistants Exams Facebook Group.

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Scientific Research Administrators

Competition Reference Number: EPSO/AD/371/19

The Assessment Centre for this selection process concluded in November. Now candidates are eagerly awaiting the final results of the competition. Wishing you all the very best of luck!

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the EPSO Scientific Research Administrators Exams Facebook group.

EPSO CAST Opportunities

Applications for the CAST competitions are constantly open with no deadline for registration.

Contract staff positions are available for a wide range of jobs, requiring different levels of qualifications. Register in the CAST database to be considered for such opportunities.

It can be a little difficult to get one's head around the CAST selection process, so maybe start by watching our FREE EPSO CAST Demystified - Q&A webcast recording which is a excellent source of knowledge and clarification.

Current EPSO CAST Profiles:

You can apply to as many CAST profiles and/or function groups as you like, there are no limitations on this and it will not affect your ability to participate in any other EPSO competition either.

EU Training offers simulated EPSO CAST computer-based practice test - including competency tests: Click here to try out our CAST Practice Test Packages

Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition?
Join the EPSO CAST Exams Facebook group