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EPSO Exam Insights

Master the EPSO Written Test (WT): grasp its structure, strategies, and expectations. Train with a complete simulation, featuring a model answer and step-by-step grading rubric.

EPSO Exam Written Test Guide

What is the written test?

In February 2024, EPSO introduced the Written Test, replacing the previously used Case Study. The EPSO Written Test, now required in the introductory phase of the selection process for various EU institutions, is designed to assess your writing skills, ability to organize ideas logically, and your overall communication skills. It typically involves a short essay (about 600-700 words, ≤1.5 page) based on a general topic related to EU policies, current international events, or public affairs.

According to the official EPSO site (https://eucareers.europa.eu/en/help/faq/14952) under the term Written Test, there are three different types of tests that EPSO will use according to the needs expressed by the recruiting services in line with the relevant notice of competition:

1. Written Test (WT) related to the field(s) of the competition, assessing only your written communication skills.

2. Field-related written test (FRWT), assessing written communication skills and knowledge in the relevant field of the competition.

3. Free-text Essay on EU matters (EUFTE), assessing only written communication skills.

Candidates must complete the test assignment(s) using EPSO’s documentation relevant to the competition field. The written test is not a language test; assessment is based on the specific ‘anchors’ outlined below, namely key elements used by assessors to evaluate each competency.

The written test is valued more than reasoning tests in the EU selection process due to its direct relevance to job tasks and its strong impact on assessment. While its weight may differ, performing well in the written test is consistently crucial; a poor result often prevents advancement regardless of performance in other areas, as it demonstrates the (lack of) core skills needed for the role.

The Key Elements of the WT Essay

The three Key Elements of the WT Essay are the following:

Ø Topic: The essay will usually be on an issue related to EU policies, economic matters, social or political developments, or specific topics relevant to the role you're applying for.

Ø Time: You’ll be given a predefined amount of time (usually around 45 minutes) to write the essay, so time management is critical.

Ø Assessment Criteria: The essay is evaluated based on several qualities, including:

Structure and clarity
Relevance and content
Conciseness
Language and style
Critical thinking

EPSO does not disclose the exact rubrics or detailed marking schemes for the Written Test. Candidates must rely on general EPSO evaluation criteria and the specific competition guidelines or notices, which outline the assessed competencies and provide insight into expectations, or seek additional clarification by consulting EPSO’s official communications or contacting their support.

‘Anchors’ for written communication skills

The candidate:

structures the written communication with a logical flow of ideas.
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.

These five anchors serve as the primary assessment criteria in the WT evaluation. Next, we present a concise overview of these anchors. A full analysis of each, complete with examples, can be found in our book EPSO Unlocked: Strategy, Substance & Success.

1. Logical flow of ideas

In written communication, ideas should follow a structured, coherent, and sequential flow to make the text easy to read and understand. A well-organized essay includes an introduction that establishes the main idea, a body that develops arguments with clear examples and distinct responses for each question, and a conclusion that summarizes key points and reinforces the message. Logical progression may follow chronological order, cause and effect, problem and solution, or move from general to specific concepts. Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea, introduced by a topic sentence, with smooth transitions between ideas. Appropriate linking words guide the reader, showing addition, contrast, or causality. Sequencing and parallel structures enhance clarity, helping each sentence and paragraph connect logically. Overall, coherence, structured progression, and effective transitions ensure the essay is readable, persuasive, and easy to navigate.

2. Concise writing, understandable and clear presentation

Keep your sentences clear, concise, and in the active voice, using affirmative expressions. Remove unnecessary words, modifiers, and redundancies—focus on substance rather than elaborate language.

3. Presentation of the subject-matter in a comprehensible way

Avoid jargon and wordiness which may confuse readers of unknown or diversified background. Use clear, concise, non-technical language to engage the reader, improve comprehension and strengthen your argument, enhancing professionalism and credibility. The essay is about demonstrating effective communication rather than technical expertise.

4. Content customised to audience and purpose

Before writing, consider carefully your argument and audience. Clarify your thesis and the specific argument you aim to prove, identifying the essential components needed to support it. Understand the purpose of each paragraph and the information your readers need to evaluate arguments effectively.

5. Use of the provided information to deal with the assignment.

To excel in the EPSO Written Test, integrate the given information with broader knowledge to show analytical depth, structured thinking, and problem-solving.

· Read and analyse the prompt
· Differentiate essential from supporting details.
· Detect conditions, constraints, and delimitations.
· Clearly indicate any logical assumptions made to fill missing information.
· Apply strategic structure that serves long-term objectives rather than operational approach.
· Contextualize your answer, using supportive relevant policies, regulations, or best practices.
· Conduct stakeholder analysis to identify implications for relevant parties.
· Showcase analytical thinking: Spot patterns, compare perspectives, reason with evidence, and critically assess solutions.

Before the test, you will receive a code and link specific to your competition, which you can consult and analyse in advance. During the test, the source document reappears alongside the assignment, but using or taking personal notes during the test is strictly prohibited. On the test day, you will receive your exact tasks (prompt) based on a fictitious work-related scenario. Refer to the relevant Notice of Competition for full details.