04 Situational Judgment

Sample Tests - EU EPSO Tests Series

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team

Preface
EU / EPSO TESTS
To assist you in preparing for the EPSO
exams Training4EU Team provides you
with a series of sample tests with exam-
ples of verbal, numerical, abstract, situa-
tional judgment, accuracy & precision,
and prioritizing & organizing questions.
1. Verbal Reasoning: Using a short para-
graph of text on virtually any topic, this
test requires to choose from 4 or 5 an-
swer options the one that fully matches
the statements in the original text.
There is always only one correct an-
swer because other options may con-
tain insufficient information or false
statements. There are 20 verbal reason-
Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team
ing questions in a competition, and the
allocated time is 35 minutes.
2.Numerical Reasoning: In the form of
multiple-choice this test requires data
interpretation and mathematical calcula-
tions. Using information presented
through tables and graphs, you will be
required to draw conclusions and calcu-
late changes within these data sets. Ba-
sic mathematical skills such as percent-
ages, arithmetic operations, and ratios
must be reviewed prior to taking the
test. There are 10 numerical reasoning
questions in a competition, and the allo-
cated time is 20 minutes.
3. Abstract Reasoning: Using a series
of images, this test requires candidates
to identify which one should be next in
the row, based on an inherent logic be-
i
tween the presented images. There are 6. Accuracy and Precision Test: This
10 abstract reasoning questions in a test requires candidates to identify,
competition, and the allocated time is 10 based on a table and various icons, mis-
minutes. takes, errors, typos or other ‘inaccura-
cies’ in a control line under a heavy
time-pressure. There are 40 accuracy
and precision questions in a competi-
4. Situational Judgement Test: This test
tion, and the allocated time is 6 minutes
requires candidates to choose the most
(AST only).
favorable and least favorable course of
action in a given situation. Candidates
are expected to have a basic understand-
ing of corporate culture and code of con-
duct to successfully pass the test. There
are 20 situational judgement questions
in a competition, and the allocated time
is 30 minutes.

5. Organizing and Prioritizing Test: This

test requires candidates to check a table
with various information about sched-
ules, timetables, agendas, vehicle ca-
pacities and other practical information
and find the best solution to a practical
organisation or logistics problem. There
are organizing and prioritizing 20 ques-
tions in a competition, and the allocated
time is 24 minutes (AST level only).

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team ii

Sample Tests
Sample tests can give you an idea of the
type of questions and level of difficulty
you will face during the competitions.
Time Limits: Contrary to the actual
EPSO tests where they have to be com-
pleted within an allowed time, the pro-
vided sample tests have no limit for an-
swering the questions. The purpose is
to get yourself familiarized with EPSO
questions concept, and understand their
reasoning within a stress-free pace.
Great features of these sample tests:
About Training4EU
Training 4EU Team provides Coaching
and Training Services on potential candi-
dates who would like to become tomor-
row’s permanent EU Officials.
With a mix of theory, exercises, and
simulation tests we support you οn both
stages of the EPSO exams, i.e. Pre-
selection Tests and Assessment Centre.
Our Team consists of a group of profes-
sionals with extensive experience on
EPSO Competitions that can prepare
you in an effective and timely profession-
ally manner.

No internet connection is required

No expiration limit or date for the tests

No personal data is extracted

No account or registration needed

Yes, it helps you practice at your own

pace, with helpful hints and solution
tips. A great way to enhance your learn-
ing

iii
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Training4EU is independent from the European Union institutions.

The sample tests have been extracted from the EPSO official web site.

v
1 Success Tips -
Failure Mistakes
Practice
makes perfect

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team

Success Tips

1. Prepare well
2. Know the test format
3. Use only the information provided in the question. Do not make as-
sumptions
4. Bear in mind that you are not being asked to judge if an option is
right or wrong, just to evaluate which is the best (and worst) option
available to you from those provided
5. Understand
6. Be focused
7. Budget your time
8. Avoid stupid mistakes – Make sure to avoid stupid mistakes that
could cost you precious points. It is important that you read each
scenario and each possible response, before answering the ques-
tion or assigning rankings. The first option available may seem
very sensible, but it is important to avoid assigning any rankings
until you have considered each option carefully
9. Revise if time allows it
10. Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team 7

Failure Mistakes

1. Not preparing for the format of the test

2. Advance fear of the test

3. Worrying about the past

4. Obsession with test score

5. Obsession with accuracy

6. Using poor question solving strategy

7. Not reading the entire statement

8. Marking the wrong answer

9. Insufficient preparation

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team 8

2 Situational Judgment
tests
Practice
makes perfect

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team

Q1 - You are working on a file with a colleague, who is currently on sick
leave. The file is for another Unit. You learn that the sick leave of your
colleague is extended by four more weeks. The treatment of the file is
blocked. How do you react?

Choose the most effective and the least effective answer.

Most Least
effective effective

Inform your Team Leader of the

A. progress made on the file and the
reasons for blocking.

Inform your Team Leader of the file

B. progress, and ask for someone else to
work with you on the file.

C. Wait the return of your colleague. Your

part of the work is anyway done.

D. Extend your working hours during one

week to finalize the file and sent it.

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team 10

Q2 - You have joined a new team. During the first months, your Team
Leader was taking some time to give you the guidelines and coach you.
Now you feel that you need for more autonomy and independence to do
your work.

Choose the most effective and the least effective answer.

Most Least
effective effective

A. Decrease your availability and work

more independently.

Closely monitor the quality of your work,

B. to show to your Team Leader that you
can handle it alone.

Ask for a meeting with your Team

C. Leader to discuss your working
relationship.

Ask for advice to a more experienced

D. colleague after an assessment of your
performance.

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team 11

Q3 - You are Team Leader. Your team is under pressure with a heavy
workload. A training session is planned for the entire team to improve
the speed of treatment. One of your Team Members tells you that he
does not wish to follow the training, citing his heavy workload.

Choose the most effective and the least effective answer.

Most Least
effective effective

Indicate to your Team Member that the

A. training is mandatory and that he must
attend it.

Go through his workload and indicate

B. which files are less priority so he can
attend the training.

Transfer some of the files to another

C. Team Member so he can attend the
training.

You empower him on the importance of

D. the training in his job and let him take
the final decision on his participation to
the training.

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team 12

Q4 - You are working on a file with a colleague, who is currently on sick
leave. The file is for another Unit. You learn that the sick leave of your
colleague is extended by four more weeks. The treatment of the file is
blocked. How do you react?

Choose the most effective and the least effective answer.

Most Least
effective effective

Inform your Team Leader of the

A. progress made on the file and the
reasons for blocking.

B. Wait the return of your colleague. Your

part of the work is anyway done.

C. Extend your working hours during one

week to finalize the file and sent it.

Inform your Team Leader of the file

D. progress, and ask for someone else to
work with you on the file.

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team 13

Q5 - You work for a new supervisor. The supervisor has implemented
new rules for the department. You do not like the new rules. However,
you like your job and other people at the company. You want to attend a
state-sponsored workshop. You are not sure whether his new supervi-
sor will approve. What should he do?

Choose the most effective and the least effective answer.

Most Least
effective effective

Ask for a personal a day off from work.

A. Attend the workshop and not tell the
supervisor.

Request approval for the workshop from

B. the owner of the company as the owner
likes you.

Talk with the new supervisor about the

C. benefits that information from the
workshop will provide to the department
and request permission to attend.

Forget about attending the workshop,

D. since the supervisor will never approve
Zach attending.

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team 14

Answers

1. Most Effective: B Least Effective: D

2. Most Effective: C Least Effective: A

3. Most Effective: B Least Effective: D

4. Most Effective: D Least Effective: C

5. Most Effective: C Least Effective: B

Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team 15

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