EPSO Reforms The CAST Exams - What You Need To Know | EU Training

EPSO Reforms The CAST Exams - What You Need To Know

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Selection exams for ‘contract agents for specific tasks’ have been regularly advertised by EPSO under the banner of CAST Competitions. These contract agents are recruited by EU Institutions for a set period of time, ranging from 6 months up to approximately 2 years. While it is unknown when the next round of CAST competitions will be launched (we will keep you posted on specific dates when they are released), there will certainly be some key changes to the selection process due to the new CAST Permanent System being implemented. Through this new system EPSO aims to enhance selection efficiencies and manage candidates' expectations better.

 

CAST competitions to keep an eye on

Under the Permanent CAST call, 8 priority profiles have been requested by EU Institutions. Priority profiles are roles which are most typically required by EU Institutions. These are:

  • Secretariat (Function Group II)

  • Finance / Accounting (Function Group III, IV)

  • Human Resources / Administration (Function Group II, III, IV)

  • Communication (Function Group III, IV)

  • Political, Policy Advisor (Function Group III, IV)

  • Legal (Function Group III, IV)

  • Information and Communication Technology (Function Group II, III, IV)

  • Project Management (Function Group III, IV)

The different “function groups” relate to different levels of responsibility, and hence, salary. Based on these recruitment needs, the following competitions are currently listed in EPSO's forward planning calendar, but it is not exactly clear when these will be launched.

  • FINANCE – EPSO/CAST/P/5/2016 (Function Group II)
  • SECRETARIAT/CLERICAL TASKS – EPSO/CAST/P/6/2016 (Function Group II)
  • HUMAN RESOURCES/ADMINISTRATION – EPSO/CAST/P/7/2016 
    (Function Group II)
  • HUMAN RESOURCES/ADMINISTRATION – EPSO/CAST/P/8/2016 
    (Function Group III)
  • HUMAN RESOURCES/ADMINISTRATION – EPSO/CAST/P/9/2016 
    (Function Group IV)
  • COMMUNICATION – EPSO/CAST/P/10/2016 (Function Group III)
  • COMMUNICATION – EPSO/CAST/P/11/2016 (Function Group IV)
  • POLITICAL AFFAIRS/EU POLICIES – EPSO/CAST/P/12/2016 (Function Group III)
  • POLITICAL AFFAIRS/EU POLICIES – EPSO/CAST/P/13/2016 (Function Group IV)
  • LAW – EPSO/CAST/P/14/2016 (Function Group III)
  • LAW – EPSO/CAST/P/15/2016 (Function Group IV)
  • INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY – EPSO/CAST/P/16/2016 (Function Group III)
  • INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY – EPSO/CAST/P/17/2016 (Function Group IV)

 

Specific CAST tests to start preparing for

Computer Based Tests (CBT) will be conducted in testing centres across the EU, worldwide and when required, at EPSO’s premises. Tests that can be expected are:

 

What are the key changes to the CAST competitions?

A number of key issues plagued the CAST selection process in the past, which EPSO aims to rectify with the new Permanent CAST system.  

There was a great need to better manage candidate expectations due to the huge misalignment between supply and demand (meaning that far more candidates passed the selection tests than the number of available EU posts). This problem was largely generated by the fact that the number of candidates placed on the Reserve List was based on their ability to pass/fail the selection exam, with no limit on the number of successful candidates.

Consequently, EU Institutions were presented with a large talent pool of candidates to choose from, with significant disparities between qualifications and requirements as well as, outdated CVs and other inhibiting factors.

In response to this, the new system will:

  • ensure EU Institutions are consulted about key eligibility criteria so that requirements for each role can be clearly identified, to better align the number of suitable candidates placed on the Reserve List with the number of actual job positions available;  

  • introduce a new approaches to testing, such as the “Entry ticket” (i.e. retain validity of test scores of candidates across different profiles, over a predefined period);

  • adopt 8 priority profiles (finance, secretaries, human resources, communication, policy, legal, ICT and project management) to better manage specific recruitment needs of the EU Institutions and speed up selection processes;

  • allow candidates the opportunity to update their CV at any point, to ensure the information presented in the recruitment database is the most current.

The old process bound EPSO to test all applicants without first applying an efficient screening process. This not only slowed the selection process considerably (approximately 10-16 months to place qualified candidates on a Reserve List) but also generated substantial administrative costs. The new system promises a faster and cheaper process.

By fine-tuning the CAST selection process, EPSO offers more flexibility regarding selection procedures and a consistently up-to-date candidate database. EU Institutions will be presented with a talent pool to choose from that perfectly meets their recruitment requirements; helping to align the right candidate(s), at the right time, with the right job.

 

How will the CAST Permanent work?

  1. CAST competition released. EPSO will release a Notice of Competition for each profile and function group, calling for expression of interest.

  2. Registration. Candidates interested in the job opportunity being advertised will have a set period to register via the EPSO website.

  3. Shortlist of eligible candidates. Based on the details provided during the registration process, a shortlist of eligible candidates will be generated by recruiting services.

  4. CBT on demand. A Computer Based Test covering Abstract Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Professional Skills (e.g., financial/audit, secretariat, law, project management, etc.) will be organised if required.

  5. Interview. Candidates who make it onto the Reserve List may be selected for an interview by the an EU Institution. While on the Reserve List, candidates will have the opportunity to update their CV at any time, to ensure their details remain current and competitive.

  6. Recruitment. The candidate(s) that satisfy the requirements sought by the hiring EU Institution will be offered a contract position and recruited.  

 

Are you new to EPSO Competitions? 

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If you have a question or need additional help in understanding the EPSO processes, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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