You can request special adjustments for the Contract staff selection tests (CAST P) by ticking the 'special requirements' box in your application form. You will also be asked to complete an information form on your special needs and provide relevant supporting documents.

Should you be granted reasonable accommodations for the tests organised by EPSO, details will be provided before your test date. Sometimes, arranging these adjustments may delay your test to the next period, and you'll be informed accordingly. EPSO ensures that all pre-selected (shortlisted) candidates are invited and tested under the best possible conditions.

Note: Recruitment tests are organized by the recruiting services. If you need adjustments for these, contact the recruiter upon receiving your test invitation. EPSO will not share your condition or needs with the recruiters.

Each selection procedure has its own Selection Board, responsible for selecting the best candidates based on the qualifications and competencies defined in the Notice of Competition. Selection Boards are composed of officials from EU institutions, and EPSO ensures balance in terms of gender, language capacity, staff and administration representation, and institution size. A Chairperson, supported by one or more Vice-Chairs, leads the Board. All assessment activities are subject to strict confidentiality rules.

The principle of impartiality guides the entire selection process. No direct hierarchical or family relationship may exist between a Selection Board member and a candidate they assess. Any potential conflict of interest must be declared by both Board members and candidates so that appropriate measures can be taken.

The Selection Board applies the pre-established eligibility, selection, and assessment criteria set out in the Notice of Competition in a consistent and transparent manner. Board members receive training, coaching, and supervision, and their work is regularly reviewed to ensure a harmonised assessment approach.

EPSO also carries out systematic quality controls and statistical analyses to detect and prevent potential bias.

In addition, EPSO ensures equal opportunities by analysing tests and scoring methods to ensure fairness for all candidates and alignment with international standards, including the ISO standard for assessment procedures and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. EPSO also strives to ensure gender balance among candidates and successful applicants.

If you feel that you have been treated in an unfair or discriminatory way due to one or more of the following characteristics: sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, please contact us immediately to share your observations and concerns.

We pay close attention to feedback from applicants, who are at the heart of our policies and practices on equality, diversity and inclusion.

If you are pregnant during the application period, you can submit your questions or requests for adjustments via the online form that you will be prompted to complete after submitting your application. The link to the online form will be available in your application. Don’t forget to attach a medical certificate confirming the expected or actual delivery date.

If you find out later that you are pregnant or you give birth during the selection procedure period, please contact the dedicated EPSO team as soon as possible by e-mail at epso-accessibility@ec.europa.eu, providing a medical certificate confirming the expected or actual delivery date.

We will inform you of the possible options after examining your request.

For more info visit the Pregnant candidates & new parents section.