Recently we have been receiving many requests from Online EU Training’s users for some tips or methodology on how to approach the various test types, such as abstract, numerical or verbal reasoning. While the best way to learn about the methodology of succeeding at these tests is the live training webinars offered by Online EU Training, we decided to help the community by launching a new Tips & Tricks series on EU test methodology.

In the first part, we will look at a complex abstract reasoning test and see the three main stages involved in quickly finding the right answer.

The applications for this year’s AST1 (junior assistants) competition are already closed and applications for the AST3 (senior assistant) competition are still ongoing. We have received questions from hundreds of Online EU Training users asking us essentially the same thing: which first language (in AST1 competitions) and which profile (in AST3 competitions) gives me the best chance of success?

Many EU exam candidates ask us for advice on the secret of passing an EPSO exam. Like any other "secret", this also has several ingredients, each of which adding its fair share to your success.

To help your task of preparation, Online EU Training has collected the main components of success for any EU competition, including Assistants, Administrators, Specialists, Linguists and the CAST exams. Let's see the 10 factors that affect your EPSO exam success - as a bonus, we have added below our interactive EPSO Exam Chance Estimator chart so you can calculate your own odds!)

When starting to prepare for an EPSO competition, many candidates face a daunting challenge: how to sort through the huge piles of information available online (or even just on Online EU Training) in order to gather the most relevant 'first round' of information. Well, look no further...

We have asked EU Career candidates: if they could give 1 single piece of advice to EPSO exam-takers, what would it be?

Read the 22 real life tips and tricks on how to pass the EU recruitment competition:

1. "Practise 'til you drop! Never underestimate the power of practising. I managed to get 100% in abstract reasoning this year, while I had only 50% last year... (Click to read all the 22 tips!)

Recently EPSO notified candidates of the AD5 and AD7 competitions of their pre-selection test results. As the cut-off scores were not yet communicated, we though you would like an expert analysis of how to interpret the information. So here it goes.

First, it is very important to look at the average scores attached to the notification letters because you can gain valuable insights into how to proceed – either in the Assessment Centre or when retrying the exam next time it is announced!

1.    Select the Right Profile: When first looking at the chart below...

The application process for EPSO exams requires candidates to fill in lots of forms and fields in the process, some of which include questions on motivation and biographical data.

However, when you apply for a contract agent or temporary agent position at the European Commission, an EU Agency or elsewhere, you need to approach the issue as if targeting a private sector job: you need to convince the Head of Unit or the HR department that your merits are worthy of an interview.

Unfortunately, many candidates get this wrong. Let's see why...

We have been receiving a lot of feedback from candidates about their preparation and exam experience as they try to identify successful methods to pass the EPSO pre-selection tests. Here are the six main reasons.

This year's administrator exam has just been announced for six profiles and two categories: AD5 and  AD7 for those who wish to become successful EU officials in Brussels, Luxembourg or elsewhere in the world. In 2010, more than 50,000 applicants had registered and this year may see similar numbers. The crucial dilemma for everyone is: how do I maximise my chances to pass?