Selection and Recruitment

In 2023 EPSO announced a totally new selection process to be implemented from May 2023 - the tentative release date for the first competition under the new system.

The NEW EPSO SYSTEM glossary entry to be updated soon.

Until then...

View the free information webcast detailing the new EPSO system
Read the article that summarises the new EPSO selection process

Pre-2023 EPSO competition model:

In EPSO, the selection tests may vary from one competition to another, but the stages within each competition are usually similar:

Pre-Selection: competitions that attract more than 1 000 applicants begin with a pre-selection stage composed of computer-based psychometric tests, known as CBTs. Candidates sit the tests in test centres in the EU Member States and sometimes worldwide. For smaller competitions, the CBTs are relegated to the Assessment Centre phase, but candidates only have to reach the pass marks and the scores are not taken into account in the overall results.
Admission: The Selection Board checks that the candidates with the highest scores in the Computer-Based Reasoning Skills Tests also fulfilled the Eligibility Criteria set out in the Notice of Competition. If eligible, the best-performing applicants are invited to the next phase. In practice, the verification of the diploma requirements is only at the very end, if and when the Selection Board proposes you be added to the reserve list.
Talent Screener: For specialist competitions, the Selection Board assesses the applications and selects the candidates whose qualifications best satisfy the criteria set out in the Notice of Competition. This selection is based solely on the responses to specific questions in the ‘Talent Screener’ tab of the online application form in EPSO's IT tool.
Intermediate Test: In some competitions, there may be an intermediary phase where candidates have to sit further tests. These tests are usually delivered in test centres in the EU Member States and can, for example include an E-tray exercise or a translation test.
Assessment Centre: If candidates’ scores in the previous stages are among the best, and they meet the Eligibility Criteria set out in the Notice of Competition, they are invited to the Assessment Centre. Assessment centres are designed to evaluate the pre-defined competencies by observing participants’ behaviour. They consist of several different simulation exercises in a job-relevant context where behaviour is compared to the competency profile. Candidates may be tested on two types of competencies: field-specific competencies and general competencies. Field-specific competencies are the applied knowledge and skills needed to meet the specific job profile for that particular competition. General competencies are abilities that all EU officials need to have for a successful career within the European Institutions.
Recruitment: The names of the candidates who perform best at the Assessment Centre are put on a Reserve List. Institutions can then access their CVs and directly contact those laureates they think are most suitable to meet their recruitment needs.