The assessment centre is the final competency stage of an EPSO competition, where shortlisted candidates are tested on the general competencies the EU civil service expects of every official. It combines several exercises run over one day, either in person in Brussels or Luxembourg or remotely by video.
The assessment centre scores eight general competencies: analysis and problem solving, communication, delivering quality and results, learning and development, prioritising and organising, resilience, working with others, and leadership. Candidates work through a mix of exercises designed to reveal those behaviours. A case study asks you to draft a written note from a dossier of documents; a group or oral exercise puts you in a simulated meeting or presentation; and a structured competency interview probes how you have applied each skill in the past. Field-specific competencies for specialist competitions are usually assessed separately by the selection board. Each exercise is marked by at least two trained assessors against a fixed rubric, and the scores are combined into a competency profile rather than a single mark. Only candidates who reach the pass threshold on every measured competency, and who rank high enough given the number of laureates sought, make it onto the reserve list. Because the exercises measure behaviour rather than knowledge, preparation focuses on practising the exercise formats and building clear, structured examples from your own experience rather than memorising facts.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the EPSO assessment centre held?
- Assessment centres are traditionally held in person in Brussels or Luxembourg, but EPSO now runs many exercises remotely by video conference. The notice of competition tells you which format applies to your competition and whether travel is required.
- What competencies does the assessment centre measure?
- It scores eight general competencies: analysis and problem solving, communication, delivering quality and results, learning and development, prioritising and organising, resilience, working with others, and leadership. Specialist field competencies are assessed separately by the selection board.
- Can you fail the assessment centre on a single competency?
- Yes. You must reach the minimum pass mark on every measured competency, not just a good average. A very low score on one competency can end your candidacy even if your other results are strong, so balanced preparation matters.