The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has just released the EPSO/AST-SC/07/18 Notice of Competition – calling forward applications for the Armed Security and Protection Officers competition.
- Reference Number: EPSO/AST-SC/07/18 - SC1 and EPSO/AST-SC/07/18 - SC2
- Open for Applications: 30 August, 2018
- Application Deadline: 2 October, 2018 (12-noon Brussels Time)
- Grade: AST-SC
- Number of successful candidates sought: SC1:82 / SC2:15
- This competition covers two grades, please note that you can only apply to one.
- This competition includes a Talent Screener
Under the Armed Security and Protection Officers (AST-SC) competition, the following profiles and reserve lists have been advertised, from which the EU institutions may recruit new members:
| Grade |
Candidates Sought |
|
AST-SC1 |
82 |
|
AST-SC2 |
15 |
Below we will explore the specifics of this competition and the selection process that you will need to undertake.
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Snapshot of the 2018 EPSO Armed Security and Protection Officers Competition
The deadline for registrations is 2 October 2018, at 12 midday (CET).
This competition will recruit armed security and protection officers at the assistant level (AST-SC). The principal role of an armed security and protection officer will be to ensure a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, guests and property by patrolling and monitoring premises and personnel. They must be able to prevent security-threatening situations, act fast to regain control of a situation and report any suspicious behaviour and incidents. Armed security and protection officers may be required to work day or night shifts, during weekends, public holidays, as well as, travel abroad. Please see ANNEX I of the Notice of Competition for more specific information.
Successful applicants will be recruited mainly by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Please note that posts for the European Council are based in Brussels, while the European Parliament has three working places: Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg. Recruitment at grade SC2 will mostly be done by the Parliament based in Luxembourg.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates will need to satisfy the following:
- Have EU citizenship
- Fulfilled any military service requirements
- Meet the character requirements for the duties concerned
- Physically fit to be able to perform the physical requirements of this role.
- Must have knowledge of at least two official EU languages:
- Have a thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) of one of the 24 official EU languages – will be defined as your Language 1
- Have a good command (minimum B2 level) of either English or French and must be different to your Language 1 choice – will be defined as your Language 2. (The application's Talent Screener component must be filled out in your chosen Language 2)
- Qualifications & Work Experience:
- Grade SC1
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary
education. Plus at least 3 years’ professional experience in the field of armed protection/intervention within governmental, national and/or international public security services OR - Professional training (equivalent to European Qualification Framework Level 4) of at least 1 academic year. Plus a minimum of 3 years’
professional experience. Both the training and experience must be in the field of armed protection/intervention within governmental, national and/or international public security services OR - Professional experience of at least 8 years in the field of armed protection/intervention within governmental, national and/or international public security services.
- You must have a level of education which corresponds to secondary education attested by a diploma giving access to post-secondary
- Grade SC2
- The same qualifications and work experience variations listed under Grade SC1. Plus a minimum of 4 years’ additional professional experience directly related to the nature of the duties. (Please note that this means that an extra 4 years (minimum) of professional experience is required under Grade SC2, in addition to the years of professional experience mentioned under Grade SC1).
- Grade SC1
Please consult ANNEX IV of the Notice of Competition for examples of minimum qualifications.
Selection Process
1. Pre-Selection Exam
This phase of the competition is made up of two computer-based multiple-choice tests, which you will sit in one of EPSO’s accredited centres.
|
Tests |
Language |
Question |
Duration |
Pass mark |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
Language 1 |
20 questions |
35 min |
8/20 |
|
Field-Related Test |
Language 2 |
20 questions |
35 min |
10/20 |
The results of the Verbal Reasoning Test will not be taken into account in your final overall pre-selection mark; however, you must reach the minimum pass mark in both tests.
Candidates will be selected in descending order of the marks obtained in the Field-Related Test, so it is really important to get the highest possible score that you can in the Field-Related Test, as only 8 times the number of successful candidates sought for each grade will make it through to the next round.
2. Talent Screener
You MUST complete your Talent Screener in your chosen Language 2.
The selection board assigns a weighting to each selection criterion and based on the information provided in the Talent Screener each candidate will receive a score. Only those candidates with the highest overall marks will go through to the next stage. Therefore, you should include all relevant information in your Talent Screener answers, even if you have already mentioned it in other sections of your application form. The questions are based on the selection criteria included in this notice - see ANNEX II for the list of criteria.
3. Intermediate Tests
A maximum of 6 times the number of successful candidates sought for each grade will be invited to undertake the intermediate tests.
You will need to complete a Physical Test (functional course and fitness test) and a Shooting Test. The instructions for these tests will be given in your Language 2.
Both the Physical Test and the Shooting Test will be marked out of 100, each with a pass mark of 60.
4. Assessment Centre
Those who scored the highest marks in the intermediate tests will be invited to the Assessment Centre. A maximum of 3 times the number of successful candidates sought for each grade will be invited to this phase.
Please note that the Assessment Centre will most likely take place in Brussels and will need to be completed in your chosen Language 2.
Seven general competencies will be tested through 5 tests:
- x2 General Competency-based Interviews
- Field-Related Interview
- x2 Field-Related Tests - Personality Tests and Attention Skills Test
Each competency will be awarded a mark out of 10, with a total pass mark required of 35/70.
5. Reserve List
After checking candidates’ supporting documents, the selection board will draw up a Reserve List (for each grade) of the eligible candidates who obtained the highest overall score, until the number of successful candidates sought is reached.
How Can You Apply?
Make sure to ALWAYS check the official Notice of Competition and understand the rules relating to the exams. For full details on this profile and the selection procedure read the official Notice of Competition and the General Rules Governing Open Competitions to ensure you have the required qualifications and satisfy the eligibility criteria before applying.
To start the application process, click here for Grade SC1 and click here for Grade SC2.
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The Motivation Challenge - What To Write In Your EPSO Application?
How To Make The Most Of Your EPSO Talent Screener
13 Best EPSO Preparation Resources - Free and Paid