Written Test

A Written Test assesses candidates' performance or potential through a writing task. 

In EU careers terms, the Written Test is one of the exams currently part of the selection process. Many internal competitions and other EU institution open competitions use the Written Test.

In early 2024 EPSO switched to using the term Written Test (formerly Case Study Exam) when they announced three types of Written Tests will be used in the EPSO selection process. Here is a summary of that announcement:

There are now 3 types of Written Tests that EPSO will use per the recruitment needs of EU institutions when a competition is requested:

  1. Written test (WT) | related to the field(s) of the competition | only assesses written communication skills. 
  2. Field-related written test (FRWT) | assesses written communication skills and field-related competencies
  3. Free-text essay on EU matters (EUFTE) | only assesses written communication skills. 

For these tests, candidates must write a written response to the test assignment on exam day based on the documentation provided by EPSO.

Assessors will mark candidates' written responses based on these anchors, which make up the Written Communication Skills competency:

  • Writes concisely without use of unnecessary words and sentences.
  • Presents subject matter in an understandable way.
  • Adapts/tailors their writing to match the intended audience and purpose.
  • Uses the information provided to deal with the assignment.
  • Written communication is structured with a logical flow of ideas.

Related links

Original EPSO announcement: EPSO introduces ‘written test’ in its test portfolio

Article: 8 Steps to Ace the EPSO Written Test

FAQ: How can I access my EPSO-Style Written Test Simulation

Products: EPSO-Style Written Test Simulation  |  Non-EPSO Written Test Simulation