The EU Knowledge Exam

The EU Knowledge Test is a formal assessment introduced as part of the EPSO recruitment process, specifically designed to evaluate candidates’ understanding of the European Union’s institutional framework, legislative processes, and key policies. Its purpose is to ensure that applicants not only possess the necessary technical skills but also have a solid grasp of the EU's foundational principles.

The EU Knowledge Test was initially abandoned in 2010 as part of a broader reform that focused on assessing candidates’ reasoning skills and behavioral competencies rather than specific EU knowledge. The logic was clear: skills and adaptability matter, and technical details could be learned on the job. Yet, over time, a concern emerged: were new recruits really grasping the essence of the EU’s mission? The reintroduction of the test in 2023 is EPSO’s answer to this concern, a strategic move to ensure that recruits aren’t just competent but also genuinely aligned with the EU’s grand vision.

The EU Knowledge Test covers key aspects of the EU’s structure and functioning. This includes the treaties that form the basis of the Union, the legislative processes, the roles and responsibilities of various institutions, and how these elements interact. The focus is on fundamental knowledge rather than current or recent events.

The EU Knowledge Test primarily features multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that require candidates to select the correct answer from a set of options. These questions are fact-based and designed to test candidates’ substantive knowledge of the EU.

As of February 2024, EPSO has stated that the EU Knowledge Test will be available in all 24 official EU languages. Candidates are nevertheless still advised to familiarize themselves with EU terminology in their second language, as their understanding of the EU will also be evaluated during the interview stage, potentially in that language.