How To Master The 2019 European Commission Internal Competition Oral Test

Late last year a mega internal competition was released by the European Commission. 

Many have jumped onboard to further their careers and move up the ranks.

Quick overview of the competition's progress

The European Commission's Internal Competition is progressing nicely.

Out of the 2,945 applications received for the AST-SC2, AST2 and AD6 profiles - 2,351 candidates were invited to participate in the computer-based tests. The scores received by candidates of these tests were released this week, but the threshold for each profile is not known yet. Admission and non-admission letters for the Oral Test component of these competitions will be sent between 6-13 June 2019, with the invitation letter to the Oral Test scheduled to be sent between 7-12 July 2019.

For the AST4, AD7, AD8, AD10 and AD12 profiles 3,002 candidates successfully made it through the eligibility check and on to the Talent Screener round. The analysis of the Talent Screener for each of these competitions is currently underway.

• The Talent Screener scores for the AST4 profiles have been released.
• The Talent Screener scores for the AD12 profiles are also expected to be released in May.
• Candidates that applied for the AD7, AD8 and AD10 profiles will need to wait until July for their Talent Screener scores to be revealed.

When will your Oral Test take place?

The timeline set for the different profiles varies slightly.

AST4 and AD12 candidates will not have to wait too long to embark on the next round of the competition. The Oral Test for these profiles is scheduled to take place from the end of May till July. This means getting starting on your Oral Test preparation as soon as possible is crucial. Good thing EU Training has exactly what you need to get ready quickly and effectively.

AST-SC2, AST2, and AD6 candidates have a little bit more time to prepare. The Oral Test for these profiles are set to take place in September/October. Since the Reserve List is scheduled to be released in October for these profiles, it is expected that interviews for these profiles will conclude early October at the latest.

The timing of the Oral Test for the AD7, AD8, and AD10 profiles have not been specified yet. However, the Reserve List for these profiles are set to be released in October as well, so it is unlikely that the Oral Test will take place later than mid-October. 

How to prepare for the Oral Test?

If you want to ace this exam it is important to get solid and reliable advice from EPSO experts, that know exactly what assessors will be looking for at the Oral Test.

Candidates that participated in the computer-based tests found the exams to be harder than expected - harder than the AD5 Generalist competition which is super competitive as well.

This is understandable, as there are a lot of applicants and only a few places available on the Reserve List for each profile. 

Therefore, when it comes to the Oral Test, it can be expected that the competition will be tough and success will depend greatly on, how on the mark your preparation strategy is.  

It is important to train smartly and go into the interview totally prepared. It will make the difference between having that competitive edge or not. 

To help you reach this goal, we have developed a special training session just for European Commission Internal Competition candidates, preparing for the Oral Test.

This training session focuses on simulating the Oral Test components that you will need to undertake on exam day. Our highly experienced instructor will explain the underpinning principles of the Oral Test components and share insightful strategies on how to optimise your performance during the actual test.

While becoming better at presenting takes practice, this session will provide practical ideas to make your oral presentation more memorable by applying a few simple techniques. Apart from tips on improving the content of the presentation and highlighting interview skills best practices, you will have a chance to review a few presentations/mock interviews by participants and benefit from the feedback provided that you can then apply at your own exam.  

What will the Oral Test entail?

AST-SC2 Profile:

• The main duties you have carried out and the skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career.
• The ability and motivation to perform the required duties of the posts to which the competition gives access.
• This profile will NOT have a presentation, only an interview. 

AST2 & AD6 Profiles:

• An interview to assess:
  • The main duties you have carried out and the skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career.
  • The ability and motivation to perform the required duties of the posts to which the competition gives access.
• A structured presentation, which will consist of an oral briefing on a subject related to a European Union policy.

AST4, AD7, AD8, AD10 & AD12 Profiles:

• A presentation, which will be on a subject related to the field of the competition.
• An interview with a selection board to assess:
  • Your personality and motivation.
  • The skills you have acquired in the course of your professional career and the main duties you have carried out.
  • Your ability to perform the duties required by the post to which this competition gives access.

How many candidates will you be up against?

The final results of the CBT and Talent Screener have not been announced yet - only each candidate's score.

Therefore, at this stage, we do not know how many successful candidates have moved on to the Oral Test round for each competition profile.