EPSO Update - Everything You Need To Know

EU Training

A LOT has happened since the start of 2022 in the world of EPSO.

Significant changes have been made to the Assessment Center exams of many EPSO competitions, a number of large competitions have been released, and many backlogged competitions are finally starting to see the light at the end of a very...very...very long tunnel. 

Below we take a look at which competitions are open for applications, review ALL the EPSO competitions currently underway to see where they stand in the selection process, and highlight what you should be doing now to prepare for your exams.

If you would like to get notifications about the latest EPSO development and competitions in realtime - do the following:

  1. Follow EU Training's Facebook Page - we post all the latest EPSO updates and news here.

  2. Join a Facebook Group - we have suggested a number of groups below that connect candidates participating in specific competitions.

  3. Subscribe to EU Training's newsletters to get EPSO updates sent directly to your inbox. (You can subscribe via your EU Training account)

QUICK LINKS:

Upcoming Competitions  I  Open For Applications  I Ongoing Competitions  I  CAST Exams

 

Upcoming Competitions

Linguistic Assistants - ET, HR, IT, NL, PL, PT

  • Grade: AST1
  • Positions are available at various EU institutions and agencies.
  • Professional with fluency in the following languages: Croatian, Dutch, Estonian, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese.
  • Applications open: 20 April 2022
  • Applications close: 24 May 2022
  • Want to join the conversation and talk to others also interested in this competition? Get helpful hints and advice via the EPSO Translator & Linguist Exams​ Facebook Group.

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Assistants in the following fields: Finance, Accountancy, Communication

  • It is not clear if this will be one competition featuring a number of profiles or three separate competitions. 
  • No release date has been specified yet. Expected at some point in the near future
  • Want to join the conversation and talk to others also interested in this competition? Get helpful hints and advice via the EPSO AST (Assistants) Exams​ Facebook Group.

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Space and Defense

  • A very exciting and new type of EPSO Specialist competition.
  • No release date has been specified yet. Expected at some point in the near future
  • Want to join the conversation and talk to others also interested in this competition? Get helpful hints and advice via the Space & Defense Competition - EPSO Exams Facebook Group.

 

Open For Applications

ICT Assistants - EPSO/AST/151/22

  • Application Deadline: 22 March, 2022 (12-noon Brussels Time)
  • EPSO has released a competition calling forward applications from those seeking a career at the EU institutions as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Assistant. Within this competition, FOUR fields have been announced:
    • FIELD 1: Assistants - ICT infrastructures, cloud, networks and middleware - 47 places
    • FIELD 2: Assistants - Digital workplace, office automation and mobile computing - 55 places
    • FIELD 3: Assistants - Development/configuration, testing, operation and maintenance of IT applications and off-the-shelf solutions; Data management, data analytics and artificial intelligence - 74 places
    • FIELD 4:  Assistants - ICT security - 29 places
  • Grade: AST4
  • This competition covers four fields - you can only apply to ONE field!
  • This competition includes a Talent Screener
  • Posts will be based in multiple locations.
  • Please refer to the Notice of Competition's ANNEX I (pages 8 - 11) which outlines the duties to be performed by each field. 
  • Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition? Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the ICT Assistants & Experts - EPSO Exams Facebook Group.

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ICT Experts - EPSO/AD/398/22

  • Application Deadline: 22 March, 2022 (12-noon Brussels Time)
  • EPSO has released a competition calling forward applications from those seeking a career at the EU institutions as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Expert. Within this competition, FIVE fields have been announced:
    • FIELD 1: Administrators - ICT infrastructures, cloud, networks and middleware - 71 places
    • FIELD 2: Administrators - Digital workplace, office automation and mobile computing - 49 places
    • FIELD 3: Administrators - IT and data governance, programme/portfolio and project management, project management office (PMO), business and enterprise architecture (AD7) - 70 places
    • FIELD 4: Administrators - Development/configuration, testing, operation and maintenance of IT applications and off-the-shelf solutions; Data management, data analytics and artificial intelligence - 73 places
    • FIELD 5:  Administrators - ICT security - 87 places
  • Grades: AD7 & AD8
  • This competition covers five fields - you can only apply to ONE field!
  • This competition includes a Talent Screener
  • Posts will be based in multiple locations. 
  • Please refer to the Notice of Competition's ANNEX I (pages 8 - 11) which outlines the duties to be performed by each field. 
  • Want to join the conversation and talk to other candidates about this competition? Get helpful hints and advice from other candidates via the ICT Assistants & Experts - EPSO Exams Facebook Group.

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Administrators in the field of Audit - EPSO/AD/399/22

  • Application Deadline: 12 April, 2022 (12-noon Luxembourg Time)
  • The European Court of Auditors, with the support of EPSO has released a competition calling forward applications from specialists wishing to join the team as AD7 level Administrators in the field of Audit.
  • Places on the Reserve List: 60
  • Grade: AD7
  • This competition includes a Talent Screener
  • Posts will be based in - Luxembourg
  • Please refer to the Notice of Competition's ANNEX I (page 8) which outlines the duties to be performed. 
  • Want to join the conversation and talk to others also interested in this competition? Get helpful hints and advice via the Administrators in the field of Audit - EPSO Exams​ Facebook Group.

 

Where Everything Stands:

Let's take a look at where each competition stands in the selection process starting from the most recently released. Scroll through to the competition that is most relevant to you. 

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Irish-Language (GA) Lawyer-Linguists - EPSO/AD/396/21

Eligibility Checks have been completed. Due to the number of candidates, the Talent Screener stage of the competition has been skipped. Therefore, all 35 eligible candidates have progressed on to the Translation Tests phase of the competition

Join this competition's Facebook Group to connect with other candidates

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Administrators in Maritime Affairs & Fisheries - EPSO/AD/397/21

Eligibility Checks have been completed with 620 successful candidates moving on to the Talent Screener Review phase of the competition.

Next Steps: Those who score the highest in the Talent Screener Review stage will move onto the Assessment Centre which will include the following exams: Computer-Based Reasoning Tests, Case Study, Competency-Based Interview, and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Administrators in Digital Forensics / Operational & Strategic Analysis - EPSO/AD/395/21

The Talent Screener Review has been completed with 45 candidates for the Administrators in Digital Forensics profile, and 60 candidates for the Administrators in Operational & Strategic Analysis profile moving through to the Assessment Centre. 

Next Steps: The Assessment Centre exam periods have been released by EPSO...

  • Computer-Based Reasoning Tests: 5 - 7 April 2022
  • Case Study: 22 April 2022
  • Competency-Based Interview: end-April to mid-June 2022
  • Field-Related Interview: end-April to mid-June 2022

Preparation Plan: 

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Anti Fraud Investigators & Experts - EPSO/AD/394/21

The Talent Screener Review has been completed with 105 candidates for Field 1: Grade AD7, 25 candidates for Field 1: Grade AD9, 45 candidates for Field 2: Grade AD7, and 30 candidates for Field 2: Grade AD9 moving through to the Assessment Centre. 

Next Steps: The Assessment Centre exam periods have been released by EPSO...

  • Computer-Based Reasoning Tests: 5 - 7 April 2022
  • Case Study: 22 April 2022
  • Competency-Based Interview: end-April to mid-June 2022
  • Field-Related Interview: end-April to mid-June 2022

Preparation Plan: 

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Laboratory Support Workers - EPSO/AST-SC/11/21

Eligibility Checks have been completed with 130 successful candidates moving on to the Talent Screener Review phase of the competition.

Next Steps: Those who score the highest in the Talent Screener Review stage will move onto the Assessment Centre which will include the following exams: Computer-Based Reasoning Tests, Case Study, Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI), and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Technicians Competition - EPSO/AST/150/21

Eligibility Checks have been completed with 265 candidate for Field 1, 550 candidates for Field 2, and 285 candidates for Field 3 moving on to the Talent Screener Review phase of the competition.

Next Steps: Those who score the highest in the Talent Screener Review stage will move onto the Assessment Centre which will include the following exams: Computer-Based Reasoning Tests, Case Study, Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI), and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Administrators in Data Protection - EPSO/AD/393/21

The Field-Related Interview MCQ test concluded on 3 February. The Eligibility Checks are currently ongoing with everyone eagerly awaiting the results.

Next Steps: Those who scored the highest in the Field-Related Interview MCQ exam and are deemed eligible to participate in the competition will move onto the Assessment Centre which will include the following exams: Computer-Based Reasoning Tests, Case Study, Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI), and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Administers in Health & Food Safety - EPSO/AD/392/21

​The Talent Screener Review has been completed with 125 candidates for Profile 1, 90 candidates for Profile 2, and 90 candidates for Profile 3 moving through to the Assessment Centre. 

Next Steps: The Assessment Centre will include the following exams: Computer-Based Reasoning Tests, Case Study, Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI), and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Experts in Structural Reforms & Schengen Acquis - EPSO/AD/391/21

​The Talent Screener Review is currently ongoing with everyone eagerly awaiting the results.

Next Steps: Those who score the highest in the Talent Screener Review stage will move onto the Assessment Centre which will include the following exams: Written Test, Competency-Based Interview, Situational Competency-Based Interview, and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Administrators in the field of Chemicals Policy - EPSO/AD/390/20

​The Talent Screener Review has been completed with 140 successful candidates moving through to the Assessment Centre. 

Next Steps: The Assessment Centre will include the following exams: Computer-Based Reasoning Tests, Written Test, Competency-Based Interview, Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI), and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Proofreaders / Language Editors (IT, PT, GA, ET, ES, EL) - EPSO/AST/148/21

​Eligibility Checks have been completed with 465 Italian language, 150 Portugues, 15 Gaelic, 55 Estonian, 515 Spanish, and 540 Greek candidates moving on to the Talent Screener Review phase of the competition.

Next Steps: Those who score the highest in the Talent Screener Review stage will move onto the Assessment Centre which will include the following exams: Computer-Based Reasoning Tests inc. Language Comprehension, Competency-Based Interview, Situational Competency-Based Interview, and proofreading/correcting test.

Preparation Plan: 

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Administrators in Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development - EPSO/AD/389/20

The Assessment Centre of this competition is ongoing.

The Case Study and Written Test exams were completed on 8 March 2022. The Competency-Based Interview and Field-Related Interview are yet to be completed.

Preparation Plan: 

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Lawyer-Linguists (PL, HU, GA, FR, CS, BG) - EPSO/AD/383-388/21

The Transaction Test has been completed with candidates eagerly awaiting the exam results. Those that score the highest exam marks per language profile will make it to the Assessment Centre stage.

Next Steps: The Assessment Centre will include the following exams: Oral Presentation, Competency-Based Interview, and a field-related exercise in the form of a text summary with oral presentation.

Preparation Plan: 

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Translators Competition (Danish, German, Finnish and Swedish) - COM/TA/AD/01-04/21

The Transaction Test has been completed with candidates awaiting their results. Those that successfully make it to the next phase of the competition will need to undertake an interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Administrators in the field of External Relations - EPSO/AD/382/20

Eligibility Checks are still ongoing for this competition. Those that score the highest marks in the computer-based reasoning tests and are eligible to participate in the competition will move on to the Talent Screener Review phase of the competition.

Next Steps: Those who score the highest in the Talent Screener Review stage will move onto the Assessment Centre which will include the following exams: Case Study, Written Test, Competency-Based Interview, and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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Administrators in the European Law - EPSO/AD/381/20

The Assessment Centre of this competition is ongoing.

The Written Test was completed on 11 February 2022. The Competency-Based Interview and Oral Presentation are yet to be completed.

Preparation Plan: 

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Secretaries - EPSO/AST-SC/10/20

Eligibility Checks have been completed and the results of the Microsoft Office Word Test have been communicated to candidates. 310 SC1 and 237 SC2 level candidates have progressed to the Assessment Centre stage of the competition. 

Next Steps: The Assessment Centre will include the following exams: Role Play and Field-Related Interview.

Preparation Plan: 

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

The Danish and Croatian language profiles have completed the selection process and their Reserve Lists have been released. The Greek, French, and Polish language profiles have yet to complete the selection process. 

 

CAST Exams

A new profile has been added to the CAST mix: Building management (CAST Permanent)

The testing periods of each CAST profile 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.

If you are new to the CAST selection process, we recommend that you watch this FREE information webcast: 2019 EPSO CAST Demystified - Q&A

Also, don't forget to connect with other candidates via the EPSO CAST Exams Facebook Group

 

Are You New to EPSO Competitions? 

EU Training offers a wealth of practice materials for all stages and levels of the EU institutions’ selection exams.

Check out our FREE E-bookswebinarswebcasts, and e-learning materials to help you excel.

If you have a question or need additional help in understanding the EPSO processes, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Want to see what these EPSO Pre-Selection exams look like? 
Try our FREE EPSO Exam Demo

Unsure how the EPSO selection process works? 
View our short video - ‘New To EPSO Competitions’

 

Quick Links:

EPSO competitions - how to apply?

For updates on EPSO competitions, follow EU Training on Facebook and keep an eye on EPSO's "Upcoming Opportunities" page

What is an EPSO competition?

If you are new to the EPSO selection process then it's important to learn how this complex (and sometimes confusing) process works. The great news is EU Training has all the resources and preparation tools you'll need to get fully prepared. Start by visiting our "New To EU Exams?" page, then browse our FREE Webcasts and Webinars library.

How do I get an EU job?

So you're dreaming of an EU job...congratulations! You're about to embark on an exciting career choice. There are many roads to an EU job and at times these roads can be hard to navigate. That's why we've put together a helpful overview of EU career opportunities in Brussels and beyond so you can get started on the path that is right for you.