EPSO Competitions - Where Does Everything Stand?

EU Training

The COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc on the progress of numerous EPSO competitions.

On a positive note though, there have been a number of developments recently facilitating the progress of many of these competitions. 

Below we highlight the new competitions in the picture, as well as, take a look at the EPSO competitions entering the Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Assessment Centre phase and offer some helpful resources to round out your preparation plan. 

New EPSO Competitions  I  CBT Exam Periods  I  Assessment Centre Periods

 

New EPSO Competitions

ADMINISTRATORS IN HEALTH & FOOD SAFETY

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EXPERTS IN STRUCTURAL REFORMS SUPPORT & SCHENGEN ACQUIS

 

Upcoming CBT Exam Periods

SECRETARIES (EPSO/AST-SC/10/20)

​The second attempt to allow all candidates to complete the initial computer-based exams concluded on 19 March 2021.

However, some candidates were still unable to complete this exam due to many test centers being closed because of COVID-19 lock-downs/restrictions. It is unclear how many candidates were unable to complete this round of testing or how EPSO plans to rectify this problem.

EPSO has stated that the intermediate Microsoft Word Skills Test won't take place until all candidates have had the opportunity to sit their CBT exam.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO AST and SC Exams Facebook Group
  2. 200 Microsoft Office Word Skills Test questions are available for you to start practicing for the intermediate stage of this competition. 

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ADMINISTRATORS IN THE FIELD OF EUROPEAN LAW (EPSO/AD/381/20)

​The second attempt to allow all candidates to complete the initial computer-based exams concluded on 19 March 2021.

However, some candidates were still unable to complete this exam due to many test centers being closed because of COVID-19 lock-downs/restrictions. It is unclear how many candidates were unable to complete this round of testing or how EPSO plans to rectify this problem.

EPSO has stated that the intermediate exam of this competition will not take place until all candidates have had the opportunity to sit their CBT exam.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Administrators in European Law (AD5) Exams Facebook Group
  2. We have lots of Language Comprehension Tests available in English & French to practice for your intermediate exam.
  3. 700 Law competency questions are at your disposal to prepare for the vitally important EPSO Field-Related Multiple-Choice test.

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ADMINISTRATORS IN THE FIELD OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS (EPSO/AD/382/20)

​The official computer-based tests exam period concluded on 22 April 2021.

However, some candidates were unable to complete this exam due to many test centers being closed because of COVID-19 lock-downs/restrictions. It is Likely that EPSO will schedule another exam period for those candidates that couldn't sit this test yet...which has been the case with other competitions that have experienced a similar situation.

The competition will not be able to progress onto the Talent Screener phase until all candidates have had the opportunity to sit their CBT exam.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Administrators in the field of External Relations Exams Facebook Group

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Translators Competition (DA, DE, FI, SV) (COM/TA/AD/01-04/21)

Candidates participating in this competition will be completing their Pre-Selection CBT exam sometime in June 2021. Specific dates have not been provided yet. 

With over 1,500 applications received for this competition, expect the competition at the CBT stage to be high.

Approximately 4 times, but no more than 5 times, the number of successful candidates sought for each language profile will be invited to take the intermediate exam. Meaning, only those candidates that score the highest marks in the CBT exam will progress to the next stage of the competition.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Translator & Linguist Exams Facebook Group
  2. We have 50 sets of Language Comprehension Tests available in English to practice with.
  3. Looking for some one-on-one personalised training assistance? Take a look at our Personal Coaching service

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

Candidates participating in this competition will be completing their CBT exam sometime in June 2021. Specific dates have not been provided yet. 

Over 1,100 applications have been received for this competition, so expect the competition at the CBT stage to be high.

Approximately 7 times, but no more than 8 times, the number of successful candidates sought for each language profile will be invited to take the intermediate exam. Meaning, only those candidates that score the highest marks in the CBT exam will progress to the next stage of the competition.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Lawyer-Linguists Facebook Group
  2. You can access practice test simulations here, and view methodology webinars on each CBT test type here - some are even FREE!
  3. We have 50 sets of Language Comprehension Tests available in English to practice with.
  4. Get the maximum value out of your practice simulation tests by joining an online training session to gain test methodology insights and valuable tips.
    NEXT TRAINING SESSION THIS SATURDAY: 8 May 2021.
  5. Looking for some one-on-one personalised training assistance? Take a look at our Personal Coaching service

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Administrators in the field of Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development (EPSO/AD/389/20)

Candidates participating in this competition will be completing their CBT exam sometime in June 2021. Specific dates have not been provided yet. 

Over 1,800 applications have been received for this competition, so expect the competition at the CBT stage to be high as only those candidates that score the highest marks in the CBT exam will progress to the next stage of the competition - Talent Screener review.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Administrators in Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development Exams Facebook Group
  2. You can access practice test simulations here, and view methodology webinars on each CBT test type here - some are even FREE!
  3. Get the maximum value out of your practice simulation tests by joining an online training session to gain test methodology insights and valuable tips.
    NEXT TRAINING SESSION THIS SATURDAY: 8 May 2021.
  4. Looking for some one-on-one personalised training assistance? Take a look at our Personal Coaching service

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Proofreaders / Language Editors (IT, PT, GA, ET, ES, EL) (EPSO/AST/148/20)

Applications for this competition closed on 23 March 2021.

Over 2,900 applications were received for this competition. At this stage, it is unclear if the CBT will take place at the start of the competition or as part of the Assessment Centre testing phase.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Proofreader & Editor Exams Facebook Group
  2. You can access practice test simulations here, and view methodology webinars on each CBT test type here - some are even FREE!
  3. We also have Language Comprehension Tests available in 13 Languages
  4. Get the maximum value out of your practice simulation tests by joining an online training session to gain test methodology insights and valuable tips.
    NEXT TRAINING SESSION THIS SATURDAY: 8 May 2021.
  5. Looking for some one-on-one personalised training assistance? Take a look at our Personal Coaching service

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

Applications for this competition closed on 13 April 2021.

799 applications were received for this competition. According to feedback from candidates participating in this competition, the CBT will take place at the Assessment Center stage of the competition.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Administrators in Chemicals Policy Exams Facebook Group
  2. You can access practice test simulations here, and view methodology webinars on each CBT test type here - some are even FREE!
  3. Get the maximum value out of your practice simulation tests by joining an online training session to gain test methodology insights and valuable tips.
    NEXT TRAINING SESSION THIS SATURDAY: 8 May 2021.
  4. Looking for some one-on-one personalised training assistance? Take a look at our Personal Coaching service

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Nuclear Inspectors (EPSO/AST/149/21)

Applications for this competition closed on 20 April 2021.

EPSO has not revealed yet how many applications were received for this competition. Therefore, at this stage, it is unclear if the CBT will take place at the start of the competition or as part of the Assessment Centre testing phase.

What to do while you wait...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the Nuclear Inspectors EPSO Exams Facebook Group
  2. You can access practice test simulations here, and view methodology webinars on each CBT test type here - some are even FREE!
  3. Get the maximum value out of your practice simulation tests by joining an online training session to gain test methodology insights and valuable tips.
    NEXT TRAINING SESSION THIS SATURDAY: 8 May 2021.
  4. Looking for some one-on-one personalised training assistance? Take a look at our Personal Coaching service

 

EPSO Assessment Centre Periods

GRADUATE ADMINISTRATORS AD5 (EPSO/AD/373/19)

The remote Assessment Centre testing period is currently underway and due to conclude on 9 June 2021. Best of luck to all the candidates!

Preparation resources you should be utilising...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Administrator Generalist Exams (AD5) or the EPSO Assessment Centre - AD5 Graduate Administrators Facebook Groups
  2. Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI): The SCBI assignment pack is available for this competition here. EU Training has scheduled Virtual SCBI Workshops tailored to this specific competition's unique SCBI assignment pack to help candidates prepare for this interview. Places at training sessions are limited - NEXT SESSION: 19 MAY
  3. Oral Presentation: The Oral Presentation packs for this competition are available here. We suggest you view the EPSO Oral Presentation Insights webinar and then participate in a Virtual Oral PresentationSimulation session to correct any mistakes before the real thing, through the suggestions and feedback given by your trainer. Places at training sessions are limited - NEXT SESSION: 17 MAY
  4. Competency-Based Interview (CBI): There are many factors that can significantly affect your performance that you may not even think of. We suggest you view the EPSO Competency-Based Interview Insights webinar. Then participate in a Virtual Competency-Based Interview Simulation session to do a test run and get feedback from an EPSO expert before exam day. Places at training sessions are limited - NEXT SESSIONS: 14 MAY, 18 MAY (2 spots left), 25 MAY, and 1 JUNE 
  5. Motivational Interview: This is a very unique type of interview, hence why candidates often have difficulty knowing exactly how to prepare effectively for it. We suggest you view the EPSO Motivational Interview Insights webinar and then participate in a Virtual Motivational Interview Simulation session to be tested on a number of 'likely' interview questions and learn collectively as a group from the feedback given. Places at training sessions are limited - NEXT SESSION: 19 MAY

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ADMINISTRATORS IN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND MANAGING AID TO NON-EU COUNTRIES (EPSO/AD/380/19)

Candidates have been eagerly awaiting the dates for the competition remote Assessment Centre. 

Many candidates will have already received their invitation to the various tests they will need to undertake as part of the Assessment Centre. 

  • The remote Assessment Centre testing period will run from mid-May until the end-September 2021.
  • The unique SCBI assignment pack for this competition has not been released yet, but EPSO has revealed that this will happen sometime before 31 May 2021.
  • The Case Study and Written Test exam period has been bumped back to 'Summer 2021'. Specific dates concerning when the booking period for these computer exams will open are still unknown.

Preparation resources you should be utilising...

  1. Connect with other candidates via the EPSO Administrators in International Cooperation Exams Facebook Group
  2. This is a great time to start perfecting your Case Study exam skills, and we have a great suite of resources to assist you in this endeavor. We recommend that you watch the EPSO Case Study Exam Insights webinar to understand exactly what EPSO assessors will be looking for. Then use these strategies and tips to do a couple of Case Study exam simulations, which you can then request to be evaluated. All evaluations come with a sample solution.
  3. Competency-Based Interview (CBI): There are many factors that can significantly affect your performance that you may not even think of. We suggest you view the EPSO Competency-Based Interview Insights webinar. Then participate in a Virtual Competency-Based Interview Simulation session to do a test run and get feedback from an EPSO expert before exam day. Places at training sessions are limited - NEXT SESSIONS: 14 MAY, 18 MAY (2 spots left), 25 MAY, and 1 JUNE 
  4. Situational Competency-Based Interview (SCBI): The unique SCBI assignment pack for this competition is not available yet, but once it is, we will schedule Virtual SCBI Workshops specifically tailored to this competition. If you would like to be notified when such training opportunities become available, please ask our Customer Support Member to add you to our SCBI waiting list (don't forget to let them know which EPSO competition you are participating in and the date of your interview if you already know it). 
  5. Field-Related Interview: We plan to launch Virtual Field-Related Interview Simulation sessions tailored to this competition shortly, so please keep an eye on this page for details. In the meantime you can also choose to book a one-on-one Assessment Centre coaching session where the session is tailored to your individual needs.

 

CAST Exams

The testing periods 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. NEXT TRAINING SESSION THIS SATURDAY: 8 May 2021.

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-books, webinars, webcasts 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.

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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.