Get ready, get set... EPSO! 2025 starts with a bang, that is for sure. There are two EU exams in January (one down, one to go), applications due, COM internal competitions and a multitude of upcoming competitions - oh my!
Be sure to join the next Ask Me Anything webcast on 16 January. It's totally free and there's always a special gift in store for attendees.
Here is the full rundown of what's coming up this month in EU exams:
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ECONOMISTS EPSO/AD/402/23
Are you ready? Exam day is 30 January 2025. The Written Test document will most likely be published by EPSO on 15 January. To help you prepare, we will be offering an exam-specific Written Test Simulation + Evaluation service. This will be available on our Written Test page, here.
Whether you're just starting, or have been preparing for a while but feel you need more help, we've created a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for this EPSO exam.
Last chance!
Improve your verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning skills and increase your chances of success with an interactive workshop led by one of our experts:
- Check out the January schedule and choose a workshop that suits your EPSO prep plan
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UPCOMING EPSO COMPETITIONS
Administrators in the field of taxation (AD6)
Applications will open for this competition on 15 January 2025. If you haven't yet, scurry on over to sign up for the free webcast on 17 January 2025 at 12:30, Brussels time.
Have you joined the Facebook group yet? You can do so here: EPSO Administrators in the field of taxation Facebook group.
For details on all upcoming 2025 EPSO competitions, read this news article: EPSO News | 2025 competitions announced
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OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
EPSO Translators AD5
Remember to submit your application well before the deadline on 14 January 2025.
- Watch the free recording of the EPSO AD5 Translators | Info Webcast
- Get started on your EPSO prep
- Learn valuable time management tips and how to get into a winning mindset, watch the EPSO Preparation Mastery webinar recording.
- Check out the practice test packages
- Browse our free resources
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ONGOING COMPETITIONS
CAST (Contract agent selection tool)
- Get your application uploaded and updated in EPSO's CAST database.
- Optimise your application to stand out from the crowd
- If a recruiter notices you, you'll be invited to sit the reasoning skills test
The next CAST CBT test date is: 17 January 2025
The EPSO CBT (computer-based test) tests your verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning skills. This table summarises the requirements for each test.
|
Test type |
Questions |
Duration |
Pass mark |
|
Verbal reasoning |
20 questions |
35 minutes |
10/20 |
|
Numerical reasoning |
10 questions |
20 minutes |
NR and AR combined passmark: 10/20 |
|
Abstract reasoning |
10 questions |
10 minutes |
How to prepare
Master test methodology, learn how to manage your time and sharpen your reasoning skills, and do this by practising under real test conditions:
Scientific research administrators EPSO/AD/413/24
Applications closed last year on 10 December. If you missed it, make sure to watch the recording of the free webcast hosted by András Baneth.
This new question type, FRSTQ, has created confusion and anxiety among candidates. EPSO must have received a significant amount of inquiries, because they posted about it separately on their website on 9 January.
In the announcement, EPSO strives to clarify this sentence found in the NoC: “… Candidates are encouraged to use examples from their prior professional experience when answering FRSTQ test questions …”, and here is their clarification, summarised:
- Use examples from your professional experience to demonstrate knowledge and skills (e.g., projects, processes, timelines).
- Do not mention any names (yours, your supervisor's, or others').
- You won't need to prove your examples, but ensure they are clear and relevant, as markers are experts in the field.
COM Internal Competitions
Applications closed on 20 December 2024 for internal competitions announced by the Commission last year. There are 350 places total on the combined reserve lists. The grades advertised are as follows:
COM/AST-SC2/103/2024
- 60 places on the reserve list.
- Duties to expect: Secretarial, admin support and clerical tasks, office management and other equivalent tasks
COM/AST2/102/2024
- 40 places on the reserve list
- Exampe of types of duties expected: administrative, technical, coordination, communication, financial or training activities
COM/AD5/101/2024
- 150 places on the reserve list
- Examples of duties: drafting and/or analysing policies, implementing policies, projects and programmes, coordinating work across departments and engaging with external stakeholders
COM/AD6/100/2024
- 4 fields - 100 places total
- Sustainable prosperity for the EU: 32
- A competitive, inclusive and secure Europe: 29
- A global Europe: 22
- A modern European Administration: 17
HOW TO PREPARE
When the Oral Test dates are announced, we will schedule workshops with our expert trainers for both the Oral Presentation and the Interview. Watch this space.
EC internal competition prep packages
- These include EU Knowledge practice questions and written test simulations, some include evaluations for your response.
EU Knowledge Test
- Free EU briefings
- EU Course - subscribe for the full course for 3, 6 or 12 months
- EU Course on Spotify - subscribe for a monthly fee
- How to Best Prepare for the EU Knowledge Test - recorded webinar for purchase
Webinars:
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