Guide to open competitions
Date: 2012-09-07
Institutions: European Personnel Selection Office
Subjects: EPSO, competition (EU), user guide








CA2012270EN.01000101.xml










7.9.2012   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


CA 270/1





GUIDE TO OPEN COMPETITIONS
(2012/C 270 A/01)
This guide is an integral part of the competition notice and candidates must read it carefully.
TABLE OF CONTENTS






1.

INTRODUCTION









1.1.

WHAT IS AN OPEN COMPETITION?









1.2.

WHAT IS THE GENERAL PROFILE SOUGHT?









2.

HOW TO APPLY









2.1.

ONLINE APPLICATION









2.1.1.

Create your EPSO account









2.1.2.

Check that you satisfy the eligibility conditions









2.1.3.

Apply online









2.1.3.1.

Application procedure









2.1.3.2.

Special arrangements for taking tests









2.1.4.

Grounds for disqualification relating to the application process









3.

COMMUNICATION









3.1.

EPSO: COMMUNICATION WITH CANDIDATES









3.2.

CANDIDATES: COMMUNICATION WITH EPSO









4.

ADMISSION TESTS









4.1.

WHAT IS AN ADMISSION TEST?









4.2.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE?









5.

STAGES IN THE COMPETITION









5.1.

SCRUTINY OF APPLICATIONS









5.2.

SELECTION BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS









5.3.

ASSESSMENT CENTRE METHODOLOGY









5.4.

RESERVE LIST









6.

GENERAL INFORMATION









6.1.

SUBMITTING A FULL APPLICATION FILE









6.1.1.

What is a full application file?









6.1.2.

When does the file have to be submitted?









6.1.3.

How does the file have to be submitted?









6.1.4.

What supporting documents have to be included in the full application file?









6.1.4.1.

General









6.1.4.2.

Supporting documents relating to the general conditions









6.1.4.3.

Supporting documents relating to the specific conditions









6.1.4.4.

Supporting documents relating to knowledge of languages (if required by the competition notice)









6.2.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION









6.3.

REQUESTS FOR NEUTRALISATION OF QUESTIONS IN THE ADMISSION TESTS









6.4.

REQUESTS FOR REVIEW









6.5.

APPEAL PROCEDURES









6.6.

COMPLAINT TO THE EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN









7.

RECRUITMENT









8.

OTHER INFORMATION



ANNEX
1.   INTRODUCTION
1.1.   WHAT IS AN OPEN COMPETITION?
The European institutions select future officials through open competitions, which involve a series of competitive examinations. The competitions are open to all citizens of the European Union (1) who meet the specified requirements. This procedure gives all candidates a fair chance to demonstrate their abilities and guarantees selection based on merit while observing the principle of equal treatment.
Candidates who pass a competition are placed on a reserve list from which the institutions draw recruits as and when they need them. The aim of a competition, then, is not to fill a specific post, but to constitute a reserve pool for recruitment.
A selection board is appointed (2) to select the best candidates in the light of the requirements set out in the competition notice. The board compares the candidates' performance in order to assess their suitability for the duties described in the notice. Its task is not only to evaluate their knowledge but also to identify those who are best qualified in terms of merit.
Competitions are organised:






—


either in annual cycles,










—


or to meet specific needs of the institutions.




1.2.   WHAT IS THE GENERAL PROFILE SOUGHT?
The institutions are looking for candidates who are talented, motivated, and highly qualified in their field, and who have the following competencies in particular:







Analysis and problem solving



Identify the critical facts in complex issues and develop creative and practical solutions





Communication:



Communicate clearly and precisely both orally and in writing





Delivering quality and results



Take personal responsibility and initiative for delivering work to a high standard of quality within set procedures





Learning and development



Develop and improve personal skills and knowledge of the organisation and its environment





Prioritising and organising



Prioritise the most important tasks, work flexibly and organise own workload efficiently





Resilience



Remain effective under a heavy workload, handle organisational frustrations positively and adapt to a changing work environment





Working with others



Work cooperatively with others in teams and across organisational boundaries and respect differences between people





An additional requirement for posts in the AD career bracket (administrators) is:








Leadership



Manage, develop and motivate people to achieve results




2.   HOW TO APPLY
Applying for a competition involves two stages:






(1)


The first stage is to apply online.










(2)


The second is to submit a full application file. Unless the competition notice states otherwise, this file does not have to be submitted until later and you should do this only if you are asked via your EPSO account (see point 6.1 below).




2.1.   ONLINE APPLICATION






1.


Create your EPSO account if you do not yet have one.










2.


Check carefully that you satisfy the eligibility conditions for the competition.










3.


Take the interactive tests proposed.










4.


Fill-in your online application.










5.


Confirm and validate your online application by the given deadline.




2.1.1.   Create your EPSO account (3)

When you apply, you will be asked to log in to your EPSO account or, if you do not yet have an account, to create one following the instructions online. You must have a valid, functioning e-mail address to do this.
EPSO accounts serve as an online interface between EPSO and candidates. They are used for communicating with candidates, storing and updating their personal data, and for keeping track of their applications in compliance with the rules on data protection.

You are not allowed to create more than one EPSO account (see also point 2.1.4 below). Your one and only account will remain valid for any future applications you may make.
2.1.2.   Check that you satisfy the eligibility conditions
Before applying, check carefully to make sure that:






(1)


the profile you wish to apply for is not incompatible with others. When competition notices for different profiles are published at the same time, you may not be allowed to apply for more than one profile. Choices that are incompatible are indicated in the competition notice;










(2)


you satisfy all the eligibility conditions, both general and specific; this means you must read the competition notice and this guide carefully and accept the terms set out in them.




Competition notices do not set any age limit, but please note the retirement age laid down in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union (‘the Staff Regulations’), which can be found on the EPSO website.
2.1.3.   Apply online
2.1.3.1.   Application procedure
To apply, follow the instructions for the various steps on the EPSO website.
You will be asked to take some interactive sample tests. These will give you an idea of the level required for the admission tests to the competition.
The responsibility for completing your online application before the deadline is entirely yours. We advise you not to wait until the last minute before applying, since if the lines are exceptionally busy or the internet connection goes down, you may have to repeat the whole online application process; and once the deadline has passed, you will no longer be able to do so.
Note, too, that the application procedure itself can take quite some time because of the amount of information you have to fill in. The information requested mainly concerns:






—


your diplomas/qualifications: the field, the periods of study, the level of your studies, and the date(s) when you obtained the diploma(s).
The Annex contains an example of equivalence for different levels of diplomas awarded by the Member States,










—


your professional experience (if required): name and address of your employer, the nature of the duties performed, and their starting and ending dates.
As a general rule, in order to be taken into account, your professional experience must be equivalent to a real employment relationship, in the sense that it must:






—


constitute genuine and effective work,










—


be remunerated,










—


involve a subordinate relationship or the supply of a service.




Your professional experience will be taken into account only if it is relevant to the nature of the duties described in the competition notice.
Any elements of your professional experience which fall into the categories listed below will be accounted for as follows:






—



voluntary work: only paid voluntary work can be taken into account. It must of comparable intensity (in terms of weekly hours) and duration to a regular job,










—



traineeships: traineeships will be considered as professional experience if a salary is paid,










—



compulsory military service: compulsory military service will be taken into account for a period not exceeding the statutory duration of compulsory military service in the Member State of which you are a national. (Military service may have been completed before or after the award of the diploma required for admission to the competition),










—



maternity/paternity/adoption leave: maternity/paternity/adoption leave will be taken into account if it is covered by an employment contract. If the event (birth or adoption) occurs while you are seeking work, the leave will not be considered as professional experience,










—



doctorate: all doctorates, whether or not they involve remuneration, will be considered as professional experience up to a maximum of three years, provided that the doctorate degree was actually obtained,










—



part-time work: part-time work will be calculated pro rata based on the number of hours worked. If, for example, you worked half-time for six months, your experience will be accounted for as three months,














—


your reasons for applying (giving details),










—


your knowledge of languages; depending on the competition, you will be asked to state which of the official languages of the European Union you have a command of:







BG (Bulgarian)


FI (Finnish)


NL (Dutch)




CS (Czech)


FR (French)


PL (Polish)




DA (Danish)


GA (Irish)


PT (Portuguese)




DE (German)


HU (Hungarian)


RO (Romanian)




EL (Greek)


IT (Italian)


SK (Slovak)




EN (English)


LT (Lithuanian)


SL (Slovenian)




ES (Spanish)


LV (Latvian)


SV (Swedish)




ET (Estonian)


MT (Maltese)


 








In the case of specialist competitions (based on qualifications and tests), there is an additional tab that has to be filled in: the talent screener. This involves a series of specific questions about your experience and qualifications relating to the field of the competition (see 5.2 ‘Selection based on qualifications’).
We suggest, in particular, that you collect all this information before starting the application process.
We must also stress the crucial importance of filling in this information with great care and ensuring that it is correct, since it will be verified against the supporting documents, as specified in the competition notice. If it is found at any stage in the procedure that the information given in your application is false or not evidenced by the appropriate supporting documents (see 6.1.4 below), you will be disqualified from the competition.

As long as you have not validated your application, you can modify any of the data you have entered.
Once you have validated your application, you will no longer be able to make any changes; the data entered are immediately processed by EPSO with a view to organising the competition. For updating your personal data, see point 2.1.1.
You must notify EPSO of any technical problem as soon as possible, using the contact form available on the EPSO website.
2.1.3.2.   Special arrangements for taking tests
(a)   When you apply
If you have a disability or a condition that might pose difficulties for you when taking the tests, tick the corresponding box on the online application form and indicate what arrangements you consider necessary to make it easier for you to sit the tests.
Please send either a medical certificate or a certificate attesting your disability issued by a recognised body (as the case may be) as soon as possible after validating your online application:






—


either by e-mail to: EPSO-accessibility@ec.europa.eu,










—


or by fax to: +32 22998081, indicating ‘EPSO accessibility’,










—


or by post to:





European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)




‘EPSO accessibility’




C-25




1049 Bruxelles/Brussel




BELGIQUE/BELGIË









quoting the number of the competition and your application number (be sure not to omit these).

The supporting documents will be examined so that special arrangements to suit each case can be made in order to satisfy (as far as possible) requests that are judged to be reasonable.
(b)   After applying
If the condition referred to in 2.1.3.2(a) above develops after the deadline for online applications, you must inform EPSO as soon as possible. Please state in writing what arrangements you consider necessary and send the relevant supporting documents by e-mail, fax or post to EPSO at the address indicated in 2.1.3.2(a).
2.1.4.   Grounds for disqualification relating to the application process
EPSO takes care to see that the principle of equal treatment is observed. Consequently if, at any stage in the procedure, EPSO finds that:






—


you have created more than one EPSO account,










—


you have applied for profiles that are incompatible,










—


you have made any false declarations,




you will be excluded from the competitions in question.
Fraud or attempted fraud may render you liable to penalty. We would point out that anyone recruited by the institutions must show themselves to be of the highest possible integrity.
3.   COMMUNICATION
To ensure that all general texts and all communication between you and EPSO are clearly understood on both sides, only English, French, or German will be used for the invitations to the various tests and correspondence between you and EPSO.
3.1.   EPSO: COMMUNICATION WITH CANDIDATES
Your results and all invitations will be sent to you solely via your EPSO account.
It is up to you to consult your EPSO account at regular intervals — at least twice a week — to keep track of the progress of the competition and to check the information relevant to your application.
If you are prevented from doing so because of a technical problem that is due to EPSO, you must notify EPSO immediately (see point 3.2 below).
General information on the successive stages of competitions can be consulted on the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu).
3.2.   CANDIDATES: COMMUNICATION WITH EPSO
For all correspondence with EPSO, you must use the contact form on the website; but please check first that the information you want is not in the competition notice, or in this document, or on the EPSO website, in particular in the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (4).
To ensure the selection board's independence, it is strictly forbidden for anyone outside the board to attempt to contact any of its members. The one exception is that candidates may follow the procedures laid down in the competition notice to write to the chair of the selection board via the European Personnel Selection Office in order state their case or assert their rights. Any direct or indirect intervention by candidates that does not comply with the procedures referred to above is forbidden and may result in disqualification from the competition. Any correspondence intended for a selection board must be sent only to EPSO, which will pass it on to the board.
EPSO takes great care to apply the principles of the code of good administrative conduct (5), including in its correspondence with candidates. However, under those same principles, EPSO reserves the right to cease any correspondence if that which it receives from a candidate is improper — i.e. repetitive, abusive and/or pointless.

In all correspondence to do with an application, candidates must quote their name as given in their application, the competition number, and the number they received when they applied online.

4.   ADMISSION TESTS
4.1.   WHAT IS AN ADMISSION TEST?
Where competitions require it, EPSO organises tests for admission to open competitions as described in the competition notice. The tests, which involve a series of multiple-choice questions, are done on a computer in centres specialising in this kind of test.
4.2.   WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE?
When the admission tests have been organised, you will be invited, via your EPSO account, to reserve a date within a range indicated in the invitation. As a rule, you will be offered several possible dates and centres.
A list of centres throughout the European Union (and possibly in some non-member countries) will be sent to you via your EPSO account. The availability of some dates in some centres may be limited if the number of candidates foreseen for those centres is low.
Depending on the competition you have applied for, the tests may include the following:






—



a verbal reasoning test, designed to allow an objective assessment of your ability to think logically and understand verbal information,










—



a numerical reasoning test, designed to allow an objective assessment of your ability to think logically and understand numerical information,










—



an abstract reasoning test, designed to allow an objective assessment of your ability to think logically and understand the relations between concepts involving no linguistic, spatial or numerical elements,










—



test(s) in the field chosen,











—



test(s) of language skills,











—



test(s) of specific professional skills.





At the admission test stage, the following test may also be held:






—



situational judgement test, designed to assess behaviour in a working context. Each question describes a work-related scenario and presents four possible courses of action in response (multiple-choice format). You have to choose what you think is the best AND the worst option, given the situation described.




So that you can familiarise yourself with the computer-based test procedure, a hyperlink to a tutorial and a practice test will be included in the letter inviting you to attend.
The admission tests are marked by computer.
5.   STAGES IN THE COMPETITION
5.1.   SCRUTINY OF APPLICATIONS

Scrutiny of:







1.


admissibility of applications;










2.


compliance with the general conditions;










3.


compliance with the specific conditions.




EPSO checks whether your application is admissible, i.e. whether it was submitted by the deadline and in accordance with the conditions laid down in the competition notice. Only applications that satisfy these conditions will be taken into consideration.
If your application is admissible, the information given in your online application will then be checked for compliance with the general and specific conditions, as specified in the competition notice; this information will be verified at a later stage against the supporting documents provided.

In some competitions, the first check is made directly on the basis of the supporting documents. All the conditions for admission, both general and specific, must be met on the date(s) specified in the competition notice.

Only applications that satisfy all the conditions spelled out in the competition notice will be taken into consideration.
5.2.   SELECTION BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS
In the case of competitions based on qualifications and tests (competitions for specialist profiles) the selection board screens the candidates who fulfil the conditions for admission to identify those whose qualifications (in particular diplomas and professional experience) best match the duties and selection criteria set out in the competition notice. This selection is made solely on the basis of the information given by candidates under the ‘talent screener’ tab of the online application form in response to the questions asked. The selection process involves two stages:






—


A first selection based on qualifications is made solely on the basis of the responses ticked under the ‘talent screener’ tab of the online application form and the weighting assigned to each of the questions. The selection board sets the weighting according to the importance attached to each question. The online applications of the candidates who obtain the highest number of points then go through to a second selection stage. The number of applications to be examined at that stage is specified in the competition notice.










—


The selection board then examines candidates' answers and awards 0 to 4 points for each answer. The points are then multiplied by the weighting for each question.




Finally, the selection board draws up a list of candidates in the order of the points obtained after the second screening. The candidates with the highest points totals go through to the next stage of the competition (the competition notice specifies how many will be admitted).
5.3.   ASSESSMENT CENTRE METHODOLOGY
Under the new competition procedures, EPSO uses a standard ‘assessment centre’ model, based on competencies. This model has been chosen by the institutions to enable them to identify the most suitable and competent candidates for the profile required. After the admission tests and/or selection based on qualifications (if any), candidates are invited to an assessment centre session, which is normally held in Brussels. Some of the computer-based tests, although part of the assessment centre model, may be organised elsewhere. In this case the procedure for making practical arrangements (reserving a date and place) will be much the same as described in point 4.2.
In the assessment centre, candidates' general competencies (see point 1.2) and their specific competencies (related to the duties in question) will be tested by appropriate means, which may — depending on the competition — include the following:






—


case study: this is a written test based on a scenario to do with the EU, in which you are faced with various problems that you are asked to solve or to which you must react, relying solely on the material provided,










—


exercises relating to specific skills,










—


oral presentation: this is an individual test of analysis and presentation, in which you are asked to come up with a proposal concerning a fictitious work-related problem. After analysing the documentation provided, you have to present your ideas to a small group of people,










—


structured dialogue(s): this is an individual exercise designed to obtain, in a structured way, relevant information about your general skills (and specific skills, in the case of specialist competitions), with the focus on your experience in situations encountered in the past,










—


group exercise: after absorbing a certain amount of information on your own, you are put in a group with several other participants to discuss your conclusions and reach a collective decision,










—


mailbox: this is a computer-based test in which you are asked to answer a number of questions using the documentation provided in an e-mail inbox, where you will find all the information you need,










—


practical language tests,










—


verbal reasoning test (6) (see point 4.2),










—


numerical reasoning test (6) (see point 4.2),










—


abstract reasoning test (6) (see point 4.2),










—


situational judgement test (6) (see point 4.2).




A detailed explanation of these items will be given in the ‘Assessment Centre’ brochure that candidates will receive when invited to take part in this stage of the competition. Please consult the competition notice to see which items will be used for your competition.
5.4.   RESERVE LIST
Following the competition procedure, the selection board draws up a reserve list containing the names of the successful candidates. The list is then sent to the institutions, since responsibility for recruitment rests solely with them. Note that they will also be sent a document known as a ‘competency passport’ setting out your performance at the assessment centre, which they may use during the recruitment procedure and with a view to your career development.
The reserve list and its expiry date are published (7) in the Official Journal of the European Union and on the EPSO website. The validity of the list may be extended in some cases. The decision extending a list will be published only on the EPSO website.
6.   GENERAL INFORMATION
6.1.   SUBMITTING A FULL APPLICATION FILE
6.1.1.   What is a full application file?
This is a file comprising a signed copy of your application form and all the required supporting documents.
6.1.2.   When does the file have to be submitted?
Unless the competition notice states that the file must be submitted at the same time as the online application, candidates invited to the assessment centre will be expressly asked to bring their full application file with them on the day of the tests. EPSO will disregard and will not return any files submitted that were not explicitly requested. In accordance with the data protection rules, the files will be destroyed.
6.1.3.   How does the file have to be submitted?






(1)


Print out, from your EPSO account, the online application form that you validated.










(2)


Sign it in the appropriate box.










(3)


Attach all the supporting documents required (see 6.1.4) after first numbering them.










(4)


Attach a numbered index of all the supporting documents enclosed with your file.










(5)


Submit your file in accordance with the instructions indicated in the invitation sent to you or in the competition notice.




6.1.4.   What supporting documents have to be included in the full application file?
6.1.4.1.   General
Do not submit any originals; you need only enclose uncertified photocopies of the documents required. References to websites do not constitute supporting documents for these purposes. Printouts of web pages do not count as valid supporting documents either, but may be enclosed as purely supplementary information.

When completing your application, you must not simply give references to previous applications submitted or to other documents enclosed with previous applications. None of the documents in application files will be returned.
Please note that if you are placed on the reserve list and offered a post, you will have to produce the originals of all the requisite documents for certification before you can be recruited.
6.1.4.2.   Supporting documents relating to the general conditions
To prove that:






—


you hold the required citizenship,
please enclose a copy of a document proving your citizenship (e.g. your passport, identity card or any other official document specifying your citizenship, which must be valid on the closing date for online applications).




No supporting documents are required at this stage to prove that:






—


you enjoy your full rights as a citizen,










—


you have fulfilled any obligations imposed on you by the laws on military service,










—


you meet the character requirements for the duties in question.




By signing the application, you declare on your honour that you satisfy these conditions. This is why it is essential that you sign your application form.

6.1.4.3.   Supporting documents relating to the specific conditions
It is your responsibility to provide the selection board with all the information and documents it needs in order to verify that you fulfil the conditions laid down by the competition notice on the date specified in it.






1.



Diplomas and/or certificates attesting successful completion of studies. In the case of post-secondary diplomas, include as much detail as possible, in particular concerning what subjects you studied and for how long, so that the selection board can assess how relevant your diploma is to the duties in question. If you have followed technical or professional training, or attended a further training course or specialisation course, indicate whether it was full-time, part-time, or an evening class, what subjects were covered, and the official duration of your studies.
The selection board will allow for differences between education systems. Examples of the minimum qualifications required for each category can be found on the EPSO website. Note that the competition notice may lay down stricter requirements.










2.



Professional experience (if required in the competition notice)
It is important that you specify the nature of the duties you performed in as much detail as possible so that the selection board can assess the relevance of your experience for the duties for which you are applying. All the periods of professional activity in question must be covered by the following supporting documents:






—


references from former employers and your current employer attesting that you have the professional experience required for admission to the competition; the references must state the nature of the duties performed, their starting and ending dates, and their level,










—


if you cannot enclose references from employers, photocopies of your employment contract(s) and your first and last pay slips may be supplied in place of employers' references, but they must be accompanied by a detailed description of the duties performed,










—


in the case of non-salaried work (e.g. self-employed, liberal professions), invoices or order forms detailing the work performed or any other relevant official supporting documents may be accepted as evidence,










—


in the case of competitions for conference interpreters, where professional experience is required, documents will be taken into consideration only if they show that the experience relates specifically to conference interpreting and clearly indicate the number of days and the languages interpreted.








6.1.4.4.   Supporting documents relating to knowledge of languages (if required by the competition notice)
In general, no supporting documents are required, except in the case of certain competitions for linguists (please refer to the competition notice). In those cases the competition notice will state that you must provide evidence of your knowledge of the languages required in the form of a diploma or a written note explaining how you acquired your knowledge of them.
6.2.   ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Candidates involved in selection procedures have the specific right of access to certain information concerning them directly and individually, as described below.
You will automatically be sent the following information:
(1)   Computer-based admission test stage
Your test results. These will not show the wording of the questions or of the answers, but merely the reference number/letter of the answers you chose and of the correct answers.
(2)   Assessment centre stage
Your overall marks for each competency assessed (specific competencies in the field and general competencies) and your competency passport, except if you failed to complete the tests.
6.3.   REQUESTS FOR NEUTRALISATION OF QUESTIONS IN THE ADMISSION TESTS
What is neutralisation?
Neutralisation is a corrective measure, endorsed by the Court of Justice (8), the purpose of which is to ensure the objectivity of assessments and equal treatment of candidates when competition tests contain irregularities in the form of erroneous questions.
Despite in-depth quality control of the database of questions used for admission tests, including checks carried out by the selection boards, it may still happen that certain questions contain material errors.
When such an error is detected after the tests have taken place, the selection board may decide to cancel the question containing the error and to redistribute the points initially attributed to that question among the remaining questions of the test. This system means that the re-calculation of marks following the neutralisation of a question affects only those candidates to whom the specific question was put. The marking of the tests remains as indicated in the competition notice.
It should be stressed that the neutralisation system has been designed to ensure that no candidate is unfairly penalised. In order to make sure of this, a simulation is carried out, comparing the results before and after neutralisation. EPSO and the selection boards apply an inclusive rather than exclusive approach, setting the pass mark for the tests after neutralisation so as to make allowance for candidates who may have been adversely affected by the neutralisation procedure.
Please also note that under the relevant case law, the difference in time that candidates devoted to answering questions which were cancelled does not constitute unequal treatment between candidates (9).
Requests
If you consider that one or more of the questions put to you in the admission tests contained an error such as to make it impossible to answer or such as to affect candidates' ability to answer correctly, you are entitled to ask for the question(s) to be cancelled under the neutralisation procedure.
Requests for cancellation must be made within 10 calendar days of the date of your admission tests,







—


either directly to the exam centre after you have taken the tests,










—


or using the contact form published on the EPSO website.




Please quote in the subject line of your letter:






—


the competition number,










—


your application number,










—


‘request for neutralisation’, ‘demande de neutralisation’, ‘Antrag auf Neutralisierung’ (your choice).




In your request, you must provide the information necessary to identify the question(s) that you believe contained errors (for example by describing what the question was about), and explain as clearly as possible the nature of the alleged error.

Requests for neutralisation received after the deadline or which are not clear enough to help identify the question(s) contested will not be taken into account.

6.4.   REQUESTS FOR REVIEW
You can request a review (10) if:






—


EPSO has failed to observe the provisions governing the competition procedure,










—


the selection board has failed to abide by the provisions governing its proceedings.




Note that selection boards enjoy wide powers of discretion in assessing whether and to what extent your answers are correct or incorrect. It is therefore pointless to contest your marks unless there has been a manifest error in law or in fact.

EPSO will forward your request to the chair of the selection board if it comes within the board's remit, and you will be sent a reply as swiftly as possible.
Procedures
Submit your request, stating the grounds on which it is based, within 10 calendar days from the date when the letter from EPSO is sent to you online:






—


either using the contact form published on the EPSO website,










—


or by fax to: +32 22957488.




Please quote in the subject line of your letter:






—


the competition number,










—


your application number,










—


one of the following: ‘request for review’ or ‘demande de réexamen’ or ‘Antrag auf Überprüfung’ (your choice),










—


what stage (11) of the competition your complaint concerns (e.g. admission tests, admission refused, assessment centre).




6.5.   APPEAL PROCEDURES
If, at any stage of the competition, you consider that EPSO or the selection board has acted unfairly or has failed to comply with:






—


the rules governing the competition procedure, or










—


the provisions of the competition notice,
and that your interests have been prejudiced as a result, you can take the following action:










—


you can lodge an administrative complaint under Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union:
either by post to:





European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)




Open competition EPSO/(quote the competition number)




C-25




1049 Bruxelles/Brussel




BELGIQUE/BELGIË




or via the contact page on EPSO's website.

Please quote in the subject line of your letter:







—


the competition number,










—


your application number,










—


one of the following: ‘complaint under Article 90(2)’ or ‘réclamation article 90, §2’ or ‘Beschwerde Artikel 90, Absatz 2’ (your choice),










—


what stage (11) of the competition your complaint concerns.





Note that decisions by a selection board in a competition cannot be annulled or changed by the Director of EPSO following an administrative complaint. There is therefore no point in submitting a complaint against a selection board's decision
 (12), although the rules in force leave this option open to candidates.
A decision by a selection board can be challenged direct before one of the courts of the European Union without the need for a prior complaint under Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations.










—


You can submit a judicial appeal under Article 270 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 91 of the Staff Regulations to the:





European Union Civil Service Tribunal




Boulevard Konrad Adenauer




2925 Luxembourg




LUXEMBOURG








Note that appeals concerning an error of assessment relating to the general eligibility criteria are not matters for which the selection board is responsible and will therefore not be admissible before the European Union Civil Service Tribunal unless an administrative complaint under Article 90(2) of the Staff Regulations has first been made following the procedure described above.
For details of how to submit an appeal, please consult the website of the European Union Civil Service Tribunal: http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/T5_5230//
The time limits for initiating both types of procedure (see Staff Regulations as amended by Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 723/2004 (13) (http://eur-lex.europa.eu) start to run from the time you are notified of the act allegedly prejudicing your interests.
6.6.   COMPLAINTS TO THE EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN
Like all citizens of the European Union, you can make a complaint to:





European Ombudsman




1 avenue du Président Robert Schuman —




CS 30403




67001 Strasbourg Cedex




France




http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/media/en/default.htm




Note that complaints made to the Ombudsman have no suspensive effect on the period laid down in Articles 90(2) and 91 of the Staff Regulations for lodging complaints or for submitting appeals to the Civil Service Tribunal under Article 270 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Note also that, under Article 2(4) of the general conditions governing the performance of the Ombudsman's duties, any complaint lodged with the Ombudsman must be preceded by the appropriate administrative approaches to the institutions and bodies concerned.
7.   RECRUITMENT
If your name is included on the reserve list, you may be invited by an institution for an interview, but this does not mean you have any right to or guarantee of recruitment.
Under the Staff Regulations, recruitment depends on posts and funds becoming available. Recruitment will be at the grade indicated in the competition notice.
If you are one of the successful candidates, you may initially be offered a temporary contract, depending on the nature of the post concerned. In this case, your name will remain on the reserve list.
Under the Staff Regulations officials can request a transfer to another institution or agency at any time during their career. However, you should note that, in the interests of the service, newly recruited officials can be transferred only in exceptional and duly justified cases during their first three years of service at least. Any such transfer is subject to the agreement both of the institution or agency that originally recruited the official and of the institution or agency to which the official requests to be transferred.
8.   OTHER INFORMATION
For more detailed information on the following points, please consult the EPSO website.






—


reimbursement of your travelling expenses,










—


equal opportunities,










—


data protection,










—


pay and social security benefits.






(1)  Subject to any exceptions granted under Article 28(a) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and any specific measures adopted with a view to recruiting citizens of countries joining the Union.

(2)  The names of the selection board members are published on the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu).

(3)  The term appears in three languages on the EPSO website:






 


DE (German): EPSO-Konto,










 


EN (English): EPSO account,










 


FR (français): compte EPSO.





(4)  Under the heading ‘FAQ’ on the EPSO website.

(5)  OJ L 267, 20.10.2000, p. 63.

(6)  Unless you already took a test of this kind in the admission tests (if any were held).

(7)  A successful candidate may explicitly request that their name not be published. Any such request must reach EPSO no later than two weeks after the date when a candidate's results are uploaded to their EPSO account.

(8)  Case T-49/03 Schumann v Commission, judgment of 21 October 2004, published in European Court Reports — Staff Cases 2004 II p. 1371 (paragraphs 53-55 of the judgment); Case F-2/07 Matos Martins v Commission, judgment of 15 April 2010 (paragraph 191 of the judgment).

(9)  Joined Cases T-167/99 and T-174/99 Giulietti and Others v Commission, judgment of 2 May 2001, published in European Court Reports — Staff Cases 2001 II p. 441) cf. point 59); Case F-2/07 Matos Martins v Commission, judgment of 15 April 2010, (paragraph 183 of the judgment).

(10)  This does not apply to errors in questions in the admission tests, which are examined under the neutralisation procedure referred to in point 6.3.

(11)  Indicate the stage concerned only in English, French, or German.

(12)  Case 34/80 Authié v Commission, judgment of 26 February 1981, published in European Court Reports 1981 p. 665 (paragraph 7 of the judgment); Joined Cases 4/78, 19/78 and 28/78 Salerno and others v Commission, judgment of 30 November 1978, published in European Court Reports 1978 p. 2403.

(13)  OJ L 124, 27.4.2004, p. 1.


ANNEX
Examples of qualifications corresponding, in principle, to those required by the notices of competition
(EU-27 + Croatia)









COUNTRY


AST 1 to AST 7


AST 3 to AST 11


AD 5 to AD 16




Secondary education (1) (giving access to post-secondary education)


Post-secondary education (non-university higher education course or short university course lasting at least two years)


University education (lasting at least three years (2))


University education (four years or more)




Belgique —
België —
Belgien


Certificat de l’enseignement secondaire supérieur (CESS)/Diploma secundair onderwijs
Diplôme d'aptitude à accéder à l'enseignement supérieur (DAES)/
Getuigschrift van hoger secundair onderwijs
Diplôme d'enseignement professionnel/
Getuigschrift van het beroepssecundair onderwijs


Candidature — Kandidaat
Graduat — Gegradueerde
Bachelier (dit «professionnalisant» ou de «type court»)/Professioneel gerichte Bachelor — 180 ECTS


Bachelor académique (dit «de transition») — 180 ECTS
Academisch gerichte Bachelor — 180 ECTS


Licence/Licentiaat
Diplôme d'études approfondies (DEA)
Diplôme d'études spécialisées (DES)
Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées (DESS)
Gediplomeerde in de Voortgezette Studies (GVS)
Gediplomeerde in de Gespecialiseerde Studies (GGS)
Gediplomeerde in de Aanvullende Studies (GAS)
Agrégation de l’enseignement secondaire supérieur (AESS)/Aggregaat
Ingénieur industriel/Industrïeel ingenieur
Master — 60/120 ECTS
Master complémentaire — 60 ECTS ou plus
Agrégation de l’enseignement secondaire supérieur (AESS) — 30 ECTS
Doctorat/Doctoraal Diploma




България


Диплома за средно образование
Свидетелство за зрелост
Диплома
Диплома за завършено средно образование
Диплома за средно специално образование


Специалист по …


 


Диплома за висше образование
Бакалавър — 240 ECTS
Магистър — 300 ECTS
Доктор
Магистър след Бакалавър — 60 ECTS
Магистър след Професионален бакалавър по … — 120 ECTS




Česká republika


Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce


Vysvědčení o absolutoriu (Absolutorium) + diplomovaný specialista (DiS.)


Diplom o ukončení
bakalářského studia (Bakalář)


Diplom o ukončení vysokoškolského studia
Magistr
Doktor




Danmark


Bevis for:
Studentereksamen
Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF)
Højere Handelseksamen (HHX)
Højere Afgangseksamen (HA)
Bevis for Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX)


Videregående uddannelser
= Bevis for = Eksamensbevis som (erhversakademiuddannelse AK)


Bachelorgrad (B.A or B. Sc)
Professionsbachelorgrad
Diplomingeniør


Kandidatgrad/Candidatus
Master/Magistergrad (Mag.Art)
Licenciatgrad
Ph.d.-grad




Deutschland


Allgemeine Hochschulreife/Abitur
Fachgebundene Hochschulreife
Fachhochschulreife
Hochschulzugang für beruflich Qualifizierte


 


Bachelor
Fachhochschulabschluss (FH)
Staatsexamen (Regelstudienzeit 3 Jahre)


Master (alle Hochschulen)
Diplom (Univ.)
Magister
Staatsexamen
Doktorgrad




Eesti


Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus + riigieksamitunnistus
Lõputunnistus kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta


Tunnistus keskhariduse baasil kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta


Bakalaureusekraad (min 120 ainepunkti)
Bakalaureusekraad (< 160 ainepunkti)


Rakenduskõrghariduse diplom
Bakalaureusekraad (160 ainepunkti)
Magistrikraad
Arstikraad
Hambaarstikraad
Loomaarstikraad
Filosoofiadoktor
Doktorikraad (120–160 ainepunkti)




Éire/Ireland


Ardteistiméireacht Grád D3 i 5 ábhar

Leaving Certificate Grade D3 in 5 subjects

Gairmchlár na hArdteistiméireachta (GCAT)

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)


Teastas Náisiúnta

National Certificate

Céim Bhaitsiléara

Ordinary Bachelor Degree

Dioplóma Náisiúnta (ND, Dip.)

National Diploma (ND, Dip.)
Dámhachtain Ardteastas Ardoideachais (120 ECTS)

Higher Certificate (120 ECTS)


Céim Onórach Bhaitsiléara (3 bliana/180 ECTS)
(BA, B.Sc, B. Eng)

Honours Bachelor Degree (3 years/180 ECTS)
(BA, B.Sc, B. Eng)


Céim Onórach Bhaitsiléara (4 bliana/240 ECTS)

Honours Bachelor Degree (4 years/240 ECTS)
Céim Ollscoile

University Degree

Céim Mháistir (60-120 ECTS)

Master’s Degree (60-120 ECTS)
Céim Dochtúra

Doctorate





Ελλάδα








α)


Απολυτήριο Γενικού Λυκείου










β)


Απολυτήριο Κλασικού Λυκείου










γ)


Απολυτήριο Τεχνικού — Επαγγελματικού Λυκείου










δ)


Απολυτήριο Ενιαίου Πολυκλαδικού Λυκείου




Απολυτήριο Ενιαίου Λυκείου
Απολυτήριο Τεχνολογικού Επαγγελματικού Εκπαιδευτηρίου
Απολυτήριο Γενικού Λυκείου
Απολυτήριο Επαγγελματικού Λυκείου


Δίπλωμα επαγγελματικής κατάρτισης (IΕΚ)


 


Πτυχίο (ΑΕI πανεπιστημίου, πολυτεχνείου, ΤΕI υποχρεωτικής τετραετούς φοίτησης) 4 χρόνια / (1ος κύκλος)
Μεταπτυχιακό Δίπλωμα Ειδίκευσης (2ος κύκλος)
Διδακτορικό Δίπλωμα (3ος κύκλος)




España


Bachillerato Unificado y Polivalente (BUP) + Curso de Orientación Universitaria (COU)
Bachillerato


Técnico superior
Técnico especialista


Diplomado/
Ingeniero técnico
Arquitecto técnico/Maestro


Licenciado/Ingeniero/Arquitecto/Graduado/Máster Universitario/Doctor




France


Baccalauréat
Diplôme d'accès aux études universitaires (DAEU)
Brevet de technicien


Diplôme d'études universitaires générales (DEUG)
Brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS)
Diplôme universitaire de technologie (DUT)
Diplôme d'études universitaires scientifiques et techniques (DEUST)


Licence


Maîtrise
MST (maîtrise des sciences et techniques), MSG (maîtrise des sciences de gestion), DEST (diplôme d'études supérieures techniques), DRT (diplôme de recherche technologique), DESS (diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées), DEA (diplôme d'études approfondies)
Master 1, Master 2 professionnel, Master 2 recherche
Diplôme des grandes écoles
Diplôme d'ingénieur
Doctorat




Italia


Diploma di scuola secondaria superiore (diploma di maturità o esame di Stato conclusivo dei corsi di studio di istruzione secondaria superiore)


Certificato di specializzazione tecnica superiore/attestato di competenza (4 semestri)
Diploma di istruzione e formazione tecnica superiore (IFTS)
Diploma di istruzione tecnica superiore (ITS)
Diploma universitario (2 anni)
Diploma di Scuola diretta a fini speciali (2 anni)


Diploma universitario (3 anni)
Diploma di Scuola diretta a fini speciali (3 anni)
Laurea — L180 crediti


Diploma di Laurea (DL) — da 4 a 6 anni
Laurea specialistica (LS)
Laurea magistrale (LM)
Master universitario di primo livello
Master universitario di secondo livello
Diploma di Specializzazione (DS)
Dottorato di ricerca (DR)




Κύπρος


Απολυτήριο


Δίπλωμα = Programmes offered by Public/Private Schools of Higher Education (for the later accreditation is compulsory)
Higher Diploma


 


Πανεπιστημιακό Πτυχίο/Bachelor
Master
Doctorat




Latvija


Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo izglītību
Diploms par profesionālo vidējo izglītību


Diploms par pirmā līmeņa profesionālo augstāko izglītību


Bakalaura diploms (min. 120 kredīti)


Bakalaura diploms (160 kredīti)
Profesionālā bakalaura diploms
Maģistra diploms
Profesionālā maģistra diploms
Doktora grāds




Lietuva


Brandos atestatas


Aukštojo mokslo diplomas
Aukštesniojo mokslo diplomas


Profesinio bakalauro diplomas
Aukštojo mokslo diplomas


Aukštojo mokslo diplomas
Bakalauro diplomas
Magistro diplomas
Daktaro diplomas
Meno licenciato diplomas




Luxembourg


Diplôme de fin d’études secondaires et techniques


Brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS)
Brevet de maîtrise
Diplôme de premier cycle universitaire (DPCU)
Diplôme universitaire de technologie (DUT)


Bachelor
Diplôme d'ingénieur technicien


Master
Diplôme d'ingénieur industriel
DESS en droit européen




Magyarország


Gimnáziumi érettségi bizonyítvány
Szakközép-iskolai érettségi-képesítő bizonyítvány
Érettségi bizonyítvány


Bizonyítvány felsőfokú szakképesítésről


Főiskolai oklevél
Alapfokozat – 18 kredit vagy annál több


Egyetemi oklevél
Alapfokozat – 240 kredit
Mesterfokozat
Doktori fokozat




Malta


Advanced Matriculation or GCE Advanced level in 3 subjects (2 of them grade C or higher)
Matriculation certificate (2 subjects at Advanced level and 4 at Intermediate level including systems of knowledge with overall grade A-C) + Passes in the Secondary Education Certificate examination at Grade 5
2 A Levels (passes A-E) + a number of subjects at Ordinary level, or equivalent


MCAST diplomas/certificates
Higher National Diploma


Bachelor’s degree


Bachelor's degree
Master of Arts
Doctorate




Nederland


Diploma VWO
Diploma staatsexamen (2 diploma’s)
Diploma staatsexamen voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs
(Diploma staatsexamen VWO)
Diploma staatsexamen hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs (Diploma staatsexamen HAVO)


Kandidaatsexamen
Associate degree (AD)


Bachelor (WO)


HBO bachelor degree
HBO/WO Master's degree
Doctoraal examen /Doctoraat




Österreich


Matura/Reifeprüfung
Reife- und Diplomprüfung
Berufsreifeprüfung


Kollegdiplom
Akademiediplom


Bachelor
Bakkalaureus/Bakkalaurea
Bakkalaureus/Bakkalaurea (FH)


Master
Magister/Magistra
Magister/Magistra (FH)
Diplom-Ingenieur/in
Diplom-Ingenieur/in (FH)
Doktor/in
PhD




Polska


Świadectwo dojrzałości
Świadectwo ukończenia liceum ogólnokształcącego


Dyplom ukończenia kolegium nauczycielskiego
Świadectwo ukończenia szkoły policealnej


Licencjat / Inżynier


Magister / Magister inżynier
Dyplom doktora




Portugal


Diploma de Ensino Secundário/Certificado de Habilitações do Ensino Secundário


 


Bacharel
Licenciado


Licenciado
Mestre
Doutor




Republika Hrvatska


Svjedodžba o državnoj maturi
Svjedodžba o zavrsnom ispitu


Associate degree
Graduate specialist
Stručni Pristupnik / Pristupnica


Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Sveučilišni Prvostupnik / Prvostupnica)


Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Sveučilišni Prvostupnik / Prvostupnica)
Stručni Specijalist
Master degree (magistar struke) 300 kredit min
magistar inženjer/ magistrica inženjerka (mag. ing).
Doktor struke
Doktor umjetnosti




România


Diplomă de bacalaureat


Diplomă de absolvire
(Colegiu universitar)
învățamânt preuniversitar


Diplomă de Licenţă


Diplomă de Licenţă
Diplomă de inginer
Diplomă de urbanist
Diplomă de Master sau Diplomă de Studii Aprofundate
Certificat de atestare (studii academice postuniversitare)
Diplomă de doctor




Slovenija


Maturitetno spričevalo
(Spričevalo o poklicni maturi)
(Spričevalo o zaključnem izpitu)


Diploma višje strokovne šole


Diploma o pridobljeni visoki strokovni izobrazbi


Univerzitetna diploma/
Magisterij/Specializacija/Doktorat




Slovensko


vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške


absolventský diplom


diplom o ukončení bakalárskeho štúdia (bakalár)


diplom o ukončení vysokoškolského štúdia
bakalár (Bc.)
magister
magister/inžinier
ArtD




Suomi/Finland


Ylioppilastutkinto tai peruskoulu + kolmen vuoden ammatillinen koulutus – Studentexamen eller grundskola + treårig yrkesinriktad utbildning
(Betyg över avlagd yrkesexamen på andra stadiet)
Todistus yhdistelmäopinnoista
(Betyg över kombinationsstudier)


Ammatillinen opistoasteen tutkinto — Yrkesexamen på institutnivå


Kandidaatin tutkinto — Kandidatexamen/
Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto —
Yrkeshögskoleexamen
(min 120 opintoviikkoa — studieveckor)


Maisterin tutkinto — Magisterexamen /
Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto —
Yrkeshögskoleexamen
(min 160 opintoviikkoa — studieveckor)
Tohtorin tutkinto (Doktorsexamen) joko 4 vuotta tai 2 vuotta lisensiaatin tutkinnon jälkeen — antingen 4 år eller 2 år efter licentiatexamen
Lisensiaatti/Licentiat




Sverige


Slutbetyg från gymnasieskolan
(3-årig gymnasial utbildning)


Högskoleexamen (80 poäng)
Högskoleexamen, 2 år, 120 högskolepoäng
Yrkeshögskoleexamen/Kvalificerad yrkeshögskoleexamen, 1–3 år


Kandidatexamen
(akademisk examen omfattande minst 120 poäng varav 60 poäng fördjupade studier i ett ämne + uppsats motsvarande 10 poäng)
Meriter på grundnivå:
Kandidatexamen, 3 år, 180 högskolepoäng (Bachelor)


Magisterexamen (akademisk examen omfattande minst 160 poäng varav 80 poäng fördjupade studier i ett ämne + uppsats motsvarande 20 poäng eller två uppsatser motsvarande 10 poäng vardera)






—


Licentiatexamen










—


Doktorsexamen




Meriter på avancerad nivå:






—


Magisterexamen, 1 år, 60 högskolepoäng










—


Masterexamen, 2 år, 120 högskolepoäng




Meriter på forskarnivå:






—


Licentiatexamen, 2 år, 120 högskolepoäng










—


Doktorsexamen, 4 år, 240 högskolepoäng








United Kingdom


General Certificate of Education Advanced level — 2 passes or equivalent (grades A to E)
BTEC National Diploma
General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ), advanced level
Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education, A level (VCE A level)


Higher National Diploma/Certificate (BTEC)/SCOTVEC
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and 
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) level 4


(Honours) Bachelor degree
NB: Master’s degree in Scotland


Honours Bachelor degree
Master’s degree (MA, MB, MEng, MPhil, MSc)
Doctorate






(1)  Access to the AST function groups is subject to the additional requirement of having appropriate professional experience of at least three years.

(2)  Access to grades AD 7 to AD 16 is subject to the additional requirement of having appropriate professional experience of at least one year.