ANNEX I

DUTIES

The European Union institutions recruit highly qualified lawyers, who must be able to revise European Union legal texts in the language of the competition from at least two other languages and to provide advice on legislative drafting in order to ensure the quality of drafting of European Union legal acts. The work of a lawyer-linguist involves the use of standard IT and other office-technology tools.

The lawyer-linguists follow legislative procedures throughout the process and act as advisers, checking the quality of drafting and compliance with the formal rules on the presentation of legislative texts. Furthermore, they check the linguistic and legal consistency of legislative texts (already translated and revised) in the language of the competition with the other language versions of the texts. The nature of their duties means that there is frequent contact with the various participants in the legislative procedure.

End of ANNEX I, click here to return to main text

ANNEX II

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED PER COMPETITION

EPSO/AD/332/16 — Spanish-language (ES) lawyer-linguists (AD 7)

You must have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by one of the following diplomas in Spanish law:

Graduado en Derecho o Licenciado en Derecho.

To determine whether a candidate has attained a level corresponding to completed university studies, the selection board will take into account the rules in force at the time when the diploma was awarded.

Please see ANNEX IV for examples of minimum qualifications

EPSO/AD/333/16 — Greek-language (EL) lawyer-linguists (AD 7)

You must have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies in law in the Greek language attested by the following diploma:

Πτυχίο νομικής.

To determine whether a candidate has attained a level corresponding to completed university studies, the selection board will take into account the rules in force at the time when the diploma was awarded.

Please see ANNEX IV for examples of minimum qualifications

EPSO/AD/334/16 — Italian-language (IT) lawyer-linguists (AD 7)

You must have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by one of the following diplomas in Italian law:

Laurea in giurisprudenza (laurea di vecchio ordinamento, laurea specialistica, laurea magistrale).

To determine whether a candidate has attained a level corresponding to completed university studies, the selection board will take into account the rules in force at the time when the diploma was awarded.

Please see ANNEX IV for examples of minimum qualifications

EPSO/AD/335/16 — Lithuanian-language (LT) lawyer-linguists (AD 7)

You must have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by one of the following diplomas in Lithuanian law:

Teisės bakalauro ar teisės magistro diplomas arba juos atitinkantis diplomas, suteikiantis teisininko kvalifikaciją.

To determine whether a candidate has attained a level corresponding to completed university studies, the selection board will take into account the rules in force at the time when the diploma was awarded.

Please see ANNEX IV for examples of minimum qualifications

EPSO/AD/336/16 — Maltese-language (MT) lawyer-linguists (AD 7)

You must have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by one of the following diplomas in Maltese law:

Diploma ta’ Nutar Pubbliku (N.P.)

Dottorat fil-Liġi (LL.D.)

To determine whether a candidate has attained a level corresponding to completed university studies, the selection board will take into account the rules in force at the time when the diploma was awarded.

Please see ANNEX IV for examples of minimum qualifications

EPSO/AD/337/16 — Swedish-language (SV) lawyer-linguists (AD 7)

You must have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies in law in the Swedish language, attested by one of the following diplomas:

Juridisk universitetsutbildning på svenska: jur.kand.-examen, juristexamen eller motsvarande.

To determine whether a candidate has attained a level corresponding to completed university studies, the selection board will take into account the rules in force at the time when the diploma was awarded.

Please see ANNEX IV for examples of minimum qualifications

End of ANNEX II, click here to return to main text

ANNEX III

GENERAL RULES GOVERNING OPEN COMPETITIONS

Any reference, in the framework of selection procedures organised by EPSO, to a person of the male gender must be deemed also to constitute a reference to a person of the female gender.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

WHO CAN APPLY?

9

1.1.

General competencies

9

1.2.

General conditions

10

1.3.

Specific conditions

10

1.4.

Knowledge of languages

11

2.

HOW TO APPLY?

11

2.1.

Complete the interactive tests

11

2.2.

Create an EPSO account

11

2.3.

Apply online

11

2.4.

Equal opportunities and special adjustments

12

3.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

12

3.1.

Selection board

12

3.2.

Computer-based multiple-choice question (MCQ) pre-selection tests

13

3.3.

Eligibility checks

13

3.4.

Selection based on qualifications (Talent Screener)

14

3.5.

Intermediate tests

14

3.6.

Assessment centre/phase

14

3.7.

Confirmation of eligibility

15

4.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES/RECRUITMENT

15

4.1.

Reserve list

15

4.2.

Competency passport

16

5.

COMMUNICATION

16

5.1.

Communication with EPSO

16

5.2.

Communication with selection boards

16

5.3.

Data protection

16

5.4.

Access to information

16

5.5.

Automatic disclosure

17

5.6.

Information on request

17

6.

COMPLAINTS

17

6.1.

Contacting EPSO

17

6.2.

Technical issues

18

6.3.

Error in the computer-based multiple choice questions (MCQs)

18

6.4.

Requests for review

18

6.5.

Administrative complaints

19

6.6.

Judicial appeals

19

6.7.

European Ombudsman

20

6.8.

Disqualification

20

INTRODUCTION

The European Union (EU) institutions recruit officials through open competitions based on competitive examinations that ensure equal treatment and selection based on merit and give all eligible candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

The work of selecting new officials is shared between EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office), which is responsible for all aspects of the organisation of open competitions, and selection boards, which set and approve tests, and assess candidates. The general principle underlying this system is that selection decisions should be taken independently, free from any form of undue influence.

1.   WHO CAN APPLY?

1.1.   General competencies

The EU institutions look for candidates who are talented, motivated and highly qualified in their field and who can demonstrate the following general competencies:

—	analysis and problem-solving: identifying the critical facts in complex issues and developing creative and practical solutions,

—	communication: communicating clearly and precisely both orally and in writing,

—	delivering quality and results: taking personal responsibility and showing initiative to deliver work to a high standard of quality within set procedures,

—	learning and development: developing and improving personal skills and knowledge of the organisation and its environment,

—	prioritising and organising: prioritising the most important tasks, working flexibly and organising their own workload efficiently,

—	resilience: remaining effective under a heavy workload, handling organisational frustrations positively and adapting to a changing work environment,

—	working with others: working cooperatively with others in teams and across organisational boundaries and respecting differences between people, and

—	leadership (for administrators only): managing, developing and motivating people to achieve results.

1.2.   General conditions

The following general eligibility conditions are common to all open competitions, unless specific exemptions are mentioned in the notice of competition, e.g. for countries joining the EU; candidates must:

—	enjoy full rights as a citizen of an EU Member State,

—	fulfil any obligations under laws on military service, and

—	meet the character requirements for the performance of the relevant duties.

The only age limit for applying for an open competition is the retirement age for EU officials laid down in the Staff Regulations (see the EPSO website: www.eu-careers.eu).

You will need to provide an official document proving your citizenship, e.g. passport or identity card, which must be valid on the closing date for applications. In general, supporting documents are required for the other two points above only at recruitment stage.

1.3.   Specific conditions

Specific conditions regarding qualifications and professional experience vary depending on the profile requested and will be set out in the notice of competition. In your application, you should include as much information as possible regarding your qualifications and professional experience (where required), so that the selection board can assess their relevance to the specified duties.

(a)

Diplomas and/or certificates: Diplomas issued in non-EU countries should be recognised by an official EU Member State body, e.g. your country’s education ministry. Allowances will be made for differences between education systems. For post-secondary education and technical, professional or specialist training, indicate the subjects covered, the duration and whether it was full-time, part-time or an evening class.

(b)

Professional experience (if required) will be taken into account only if it is relevant to the required duties and: — constitutes genuine and effective work, — is remunerated, — involves a subordinate relationship or the supply of a service, and — subject to the following conditions: — voluntary work: if remunerated and involving similar weekly hours and duration to a regular job, — traineeships: if remunerated, — compulsory military service: completed before or after the required diploma for a period not exceeding the statutory duration in your Member State, — maternity/paternity/adoption leave: if covered by an employment contract, — doctorate: for a maximum of three years, provided the doctorate was actually obtained, and whether or not the work was remunerated, and — part-time work: calculated pro rata on the basis of the number of hours worked, e.g. half-time for six months would count as three months.

All periods of professional activity must be covered by originals or certified photocopies of:

—	references from former and current employer(s) stating the nature and level of duties performed, and start and end dates, with the official header and stamp of the company, and the name and signature of the person in charge, or

—	(if you cannot enclose references) employment contract(s) and first and last pay slips, with a detailed description of the duties performed,

—	(for non-salaried work, e.g. self-employed, liberal professions) invoices or order forms detailing the work performed or any other relevant official supporting documents,

—	(for conference interpreters where professional experience is required) documents attesting the number of days, and languages interpreted from and into, relating specifically to conference interpreting.

1.4.   Knowledge of languages

In line with the Staff Regulations, you will need at least a thorough (CEFR (1) level C1) knowledge of one official EU language and a satisfactory (CEFR level B2) knowledge of another.

Specific language requirements vary according to the profile and will be described in the notice of competition. In the case of linguist profiles in particular, knowledge of further languages may be required.

In general, no supporting documents are required to prove your knowledge of languages, except for some linguist (see Section 1.3) or specialist profiles.

2.   HOW TO APPLY?

2.1.   Complete the interactive tests

Depending on the competition you apply for, you may be asked to take an interactive self-selection questionnaire and/or self-assessment tests. These will give you an idea of the level required to pass the pre-selection tests and whether you are suited to a career in the EU institutions.

2.2.   Create an EPSO account

You can create your account through the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu). It is used for:

—	applying and tracking your application(s),

—	receiving communications from EPSO, and

—	storing personal data.

You may create only one account for all EPSO applications. You may be disqualified at any stage of the selection procedure if EPSO discovers that you have multiple accounts (see Section 6.8).

2.3.   Apply online

You must apply through the EPSO website in the language(s) specified in the notice of competition. For some fields or profiles published at the same time, you can apply for one field or profile only. This is clearly indicated in the notice of competition.

Depending on the competition, you may be asked for information on your:

—	diplomas/qualifications,

—	professional experience (if required),

—	motivation for applying,

—	knowledge of official EU languages,

—	specific experience and qualifications (see Section 3.4), or

—	special adjustments needed for taking the tests (see Section 2.4).

All general and specific eligibility conditions must be met by the deadline(s) specified in the notice of competition. By validating your application you declare on your honour that you meet the conditions. Once you have validated your application, you will no longer be able to make any changes. It is your responsibility to ensure that you complete and validate your application within the deadline.

2.4.   Equal opportunities and special adjustments

EPSO consistently applies an equal opportunities policy in its selection procedures in order to ensure equal treatment of all candidates.

EPSO takes all reasonable measures to ensure that candidates with disabilities and special needs can take part in competitions on an equal basis with other candidates.

If you have a disability or a medical condition that may hinder your ability to sit the tests, please indicate this in your application form and let us know the type of special adjustments you need. If a disability or condition develops after the deadline for applications, you must inform EPSO as soon as possible using the information indicated below.

Please note that you will have to send a certificate from your national authority or a medical certificate to EPSO in order for your request to be taken into consideration. Your supporting documents will be examined, so that reasonable accommodation can be made where required.

You will find all the information you need in your application form and on the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu).

For more information, please contact the EPSO-accessibility team by:

—	email (EPSO-accessibility@ec.europa.eu),

—	fax (+32 22998081), or

—	post: European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) EPSO accessibility Avenue de Cortenbergh/Kortenberglaan 25 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel BELGIQUE/BELGIË

3.   SELECTION PROCEDURE

3.1.   Selection board

A selection board is appointed to compare candidates and select the best ones on the basis of their competencies, aptitudes and qualifications in the light of the requirements set out in the notice of competition. Selection boards are composed of officials, half nominated by the administration (HR services) and half by the staff committees. The names of the board members are published on the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu).

3.2.   Computer-based multiple-choice question (MCQ) pre-selection tests

The selection board decides on the difficulty of the MCQ tests and approves their content on the basis of proposals made by EPSO. The tests are marked by computer.

In competitions for specialist profiles, which include selection based on qualifications (see Section 3.4), MCQ tests are organised as a pre-selection phase only if the number of candidates exceeds a certain threshold. This threshold is set by the Director of EPSO as the appointing authority after the deadline for applications and is published on EPSO’s website (www.eu-careers.eu). In competitions covering several fields, it can vary from one field to another. Where the number of candidates remains below the threshold, the MCQ tests will be held during the assessment centre/phase.

Depending on the profile, the MCQ may cover:

—	verbal reasoning: to assess your ability to think logically and understand verbal information,

—	numerical reasoning: to assess your ability to think logically and understand numerical information,

—	abstract reasoning: to assess your ability to think logically and understand relations between concepts involving no linguistic, spatial or numerical elements,

—	situational judgment: to assess your typical behaviour in a working context,

—	language skills, and

—	specific professional skills.

Unless instructed otherwise, you must book an appointment for the MCQ tests following the instructions in your EPSO account and on the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu).

You will normally be offered several dates on which you can sit the tests, in various locations. The booking and testing periods are limited. Failure to book or to sit the tests will disqualify you from the competition (see Section 6.8).

3.3.   Eligibility checks

EPSO checks whether you, according to the information given in your application, meet the general eligibility conditions laid down in the notice of competition. The selection board checks compliance with the specific eligibility conditions. The information given in your application will be examined against your supporting documents at a later stage (unless otherwise stated in the notice of competition). Candidates who do not meet all the eligibility conditions indicated in the notice of competition will be excluded.

If the competition includes MCQ pre-selection tests (see Section 3.2), the eligibility checks take place after those tests are completed, unless otherwise stated.

The number of candidates to be invited to the next stage of the selection process is determined either in the notice of competition or by the Director of EPSO acting as appointing authority.

If the MCQ tests are organised upfront, the files of the candidates will be checked for eligibility in descending order of the marks obtained until the number of eligible candidates reaches a certain threshold defined for each field by EPSO acting as appointing authority. The other files will not be checked.

If the computer-based MCQ tests are not organised upfront, the files of all candidates will be checked for eligibility.

Where candidates tie for the last available place, they will both/all be invited. The applications of the candidates below the threshold will not be examined.

3.4.   Selection based of qualifications (Talent Screener)

For most specialist profiles, you have to go through a ‘Talent Screener’ phase designed to select the candidates whose qualifications, in particular diplomas and professional experience, best match the required duties.

All candidates in a competition answer the same set of questions in the ‘Talent Screener’ section of the application form. In this way, the selection board can carry out an objective assessment of the comparative merits of all candidates in a structured way.

The Talent Screener phase comes after the eligibility checks, unless otherwise stated in the notice of competition. The selection board assesses only those candidates who satisfy all eligibility conditions. Its assessment is made solely on the basis of your responses to the Talent Screener questions. You should therefore include all relevant information here, even if it is already mentioned in other sections of your application form.

The selection board first decides on a weighting (from 1 to 3) for each question according to its importance and then awards 0 to 4 points for each of your answers. The points are multiplied by the weighting for each question and added up.

The number of candidates with the highest point totals go through to the next stage. The number of candidates is specified in the notice of competition and published on EPSO’s website. Candidates tying for the last available place will both/all go through.

3.5.   Intermediate tests

The content of these tests is validated by the selection board. Depending on the competition, they may include:

—	e-tray: a computer-based test where you are asked to answer a number of questions using documentation provided in an email inbox,

—	preliminary interpreting test: involving the simultaneous interpretation of a recorded speech, and possibly using audiovisual material,

—	interpreting tests: consecutive and simultaneous interpreting tests,

—	remote interview: to assess your specific competencies in the field and/or your ability to communicate orally in a given language,

—	preliminary translation tests: translation into the main competition language of a text drafted in your other chosen language(s), and/or

—	language comprehension tests comprising multiple-choice questions.

3.6.   Assessment centre/phase

The assessment centre/phase is normally held in Brussels or Luxembourg and may take place over one or more days. In order to receive a competency passport and be eligible for the reserve list, you must participate in all tests. Both your general competencies (see Section 1.1) and specific competencies (relating to the duties in question) will be tested.

The content of the assessment centre/phase tests is validated by the selection board. Depending on the competition, they may include:

—	case study: a written test based on a relevant scenario, where you must react or solve various problems relying solely on the material provided,

—	oral presentation: an individual test of analysis and presentation, where you must come up with a proposal to address a fictitious work-related problem. After analysing the documentation provided, you have to present your ideas to a small group of people,

—	competency-based interview(s): an individual exercise designed to obtain, in a structured way, relevant information about your general and/or (in the case of specialist competitions) specific skills on the basis of past experience,

—	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,

—	e-tray: a computer-based test in which you are asked to answer a number of questions using documentation provided in an email inbox,

—	practical language tests,

—	other exercises to test for specific skills,

—	verbal, numerical, abstract reasoning and situational judgment tests (if not taken at the pre-selection stage).

3.7.   Confirmation of eligibility

Your eligibility will be confirmed against your supporting documents before you are placed on the reserve list (see 4.1). The list is established by checking the eligibility of candidates in descending order of merit based on their scores following the assessment centre/phase, until the required number of successful candidates is reached. The files of candidates below this threshold are not examined.

We will inform you what supporting documents you need to provide and when. If you are invited to an assessment centre/phase in Brussels, you will normally have to bring your original documents that will be scanned and returned to you on the very same day. For assessment centre/phase tests in another location, full instructions will be sent with the invitation.

If the information given in your application is not supported by the appropriate documents, you may be disqualified from the competition. You may be asked for additional information or documents at any stage of the procedure.

4.   SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES/RECRUITMENT

4.1.   Reserve list

The aim of a competition is not to fill a specific post, but to set up a database (‘reserve list’) from which the EU institutions may recruit future officials.

The selection board draws up a reserve list containing the names of the eligible candidates who obtained the highest scores. The number of successful candidates sought is determined in the notice of competition. Where candidates tie for the last available place, they will both/all be included on the list. The list is then sent to the EU institutions. Inclusion on a reserve list does not mean you have any right to or guarantee of recruitment.

The reserve list and its expiry date are published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The validity of the list may be extended in some cases. Any decision to extend a list will be published only on the EPSO website.

Successful candidates may request that their name is not published in the Official Journal. This request must reach EPSO no later than 10 calendar days after the date on which candidates are notified of their results via their EPSO account.

4.2.   Competency passport

All candidates who complete all assessment centre/phase tests and are not disqualified (see Section 6.8) will receive a ‘competency passport’ providing quantitative and qualitative feedback on their performance at the assessment centre/phase.

The competency passports of successful candidates will be made available to the EU institutions for recruitment procedures and future career development.

5.   COMMUNICATION

5.1.   Communication with EPSO

You should consult your EPSO account at least twice a week to keep track of your progress during the competition. If you are prevented from doing so because of a technical problem with the EPSO website, you must notify us immediately via the ‘contact us’ section of the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu).

We reserve the right not to supply information that is already clearly stated in the notice of competition, its annexes and on the EPSO website, including under ‘frequently asked questions’.

In all correspondence relating to an application, please mention your name as given in your application, your application number and the reference number of the selection procedure.

EPSO applies the principles of the code of good administrative behaviour http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/code/index_en.htm (as published in the Official Journal). Accordingly, we reserve the right to cease any improper (i.e. repetitive, abusive and/or irrelevant) correspondence.

5.2.   Communication with selection boards

To ensure the selection board’s independence, it is strictly forbidden for anyone outside the board, including candidates, to attempt to contact any of its members, except in the context of tests which require direct interaction between the candidates and the board.

Candidates who wish to state their case or assert their rights must do so in writing, addressing their correspondence intended for a selection board to EPSO, which will pass it on to the board. Any direct or indirect intervention by candidates that does not comply with these procedures is forbidden and may result in disqualification from the competition.

The existence of a family relationship between a candidate and a selection board member, in particular, gives rise to a conflict of interest. Selection boards are asked to declare any such situations to EPSO immediately when they become aware of them. EPSO will evaluate each case individually and take the appropriate measures. The non-respect of the abovementioned rules could make selection board members liable to disciplinary action and result in disqualification from the competition for candidates (see Section 6.8).

5.3.   Data protection

EPSO guarantees the confidentiality and security of candidates’ personal data in line with EU legislation on the protection of personal data. Anonymised test data may be used for scientific research. More information can be found in the data protection privacy statement in your EPSO account.

5.4.   Access to information

Candidates have specific rights of access to certain personal information, granted in the light of the obligation to state reasons, in order to allow for an appeal if a rejection decision is not well-founded.

This obligation to state reasons must be balanced with the confidentiality of the selection board proceedings, which ensures independence and objectivity. As a result, attitudes adopted by individual members of selection boards or comparative assessments of candidates cannot be disclosed.

These rights are specific to candidates in an open competition and legislation on public access to documents may not give rise to rights other than those specified in this section.

5.5.   Automatic disclosure

You will automatically receive the following information via your EPSO account after each stage of the selection process:

—	MCQ tests: your results and a grid with your answers and the correct answers by reference number/letter. Access to the text of the questions and answers is explicitly excluded,

—	eligibility: whether you were admitted; if not, the eligibility conditions that were not met,

—	Talent Screener: your results and a grid with the question weightings, the points awarded for your answers and your total score,

—	preliminary tests: your results,

—	intermediate tests: your results,

—	assessment centre/phase: your results and your competency passport showing your overall marks for each competency and the selection board’s comments.

As a rule, EPSO does not communicate to candidates any source texts or test assignments, as these are intended for re-use in future competitions. For certain tests, however, it may exceptionally publish the source texts or assignments on its website if:

—	the tests have been completed,

—	the results have been established and communicated to candidates, and

—	the source texts/assignments are not intended for re-use in future competitions.

5.6.   Information on request

You may request an uncorrected copy of your answers in written tests where the content is not intended for re-use in future competitions. This explicitly excludes answers to case studies.

Your corrected answer papers and the details of the marking, in particular, are covered by the secrecy of selection board proceedings and will not be disclosed.

EPSO endeavours to make as much information available to candidates as possible, in accordance with the obligation to state reasons, the confidential nature of selection board proceedings and the rules on the protection of personal data. All requests for information will be evaluated in light of these obligations.

Any requests for information should be submitted via the ‘contact us’ section of the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu) within 10 calendar days of the day your results were published in your EPSO account.

6.   COMPLAINTS

6.1.   Contacting EPSO

If, at any stage of the selection procedure, you encounter a serious technical or organisational problem, in order to allow us to investigate the issue and take corrective measures, please inform EPSO immediately:

—	preferably via the online contact form on the EPSO website (www.eu-careers.eu — see ‘contact us’), or

—	by post: European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) Avenue de Cortenbergh/Kortenberglaan 25 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel BELGIQUE/BELGIË

In all correspondence, please mention your name (as given in your application), your application number and the reference number of the selection procedure.

6.2.   Technical issues

For problems occurring outside test centres (e.g. concerning the application or booking process), please contact EPSO (see Section 6.1) with a brief description of the problem.

If the problem occurs at a test centre, please:

—	alert the invigilators and ask them to record your complaint in writing, and

—	contact EPSO (see Section 6.1) with a brief description of the problem.

6.3.   Error in the computer-based multiple choice questions (MCQs)

The MCQ database is subject to permanent in-depth quality control by EPSO and selection boards.

If you believe that an error in one or more of the MCQs affected your ability to answer, you are entitled to ask for the question(s) to be reviewed by the selection board (under the ‘neutralisation’ procedure).

The selection board may decide to cancel the question containing the error and to redistribute the points among the remaining questions of the test. Only those candidates who received that question will be affected by the recalculation. The marking of the tests remains as indicated in the notice of competition.

Arrangements for complaints are as follows:

—	procedure: please contact EPSO (see Section 6.1) only via the online contact form,

—	deadline: within 10 calendar days of the date of your computer-based tests,

—	reference:‘complaint procedure’,

—	additional information: describe what the question was about (content) in order to identify the question(s) concerned, and explain the nature of the alleged error as clearly as possible.

Any complaints merely pointing out alleged issues of translation, for example, without any further details will not be accepted.

Requests received after the deadline or that do not clearly describe the contested question(s) and alleged error will not be taken into account.

6.4.   Requests for review

You can request a review of any decision taken by the selection board or EPSO that establishes your results and/or determines whether you can proceed to the next stage of the competition or are excluded.

Requests for review may be based on:

—	a material irregularity in the competition process, and/or

—	non-compliance, by the selection board or EPSO, with the Staff Regulations, the notice of competition, its annexes and/or case law.

Please note that you are not allowed to challenge the validity of the selection board’s assessment of the quality of your performance in a test or the relevance of your qualifications and professional experience. This assessment is a value judgment made by the board and your disagreement with the board’s evaluation of your tests, experience and/or qualifications does not prove that it has made an error. Requests for review submitted on this basis will not lead to a positive outcome.

Arrangements for requests for review are as follows:

—	procedure: please contact EPSO (see section 6.1);

—	deadline: within 10 calendar days of the date on which the contested decision was published in your EPSO account;

—	reference:‘request for review’;

—	additional information: indicate clearly the decision you wish to contest and on what grounds.

You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt within 15 working days. Depending on the contested decision, either the selection board or EPSO will analyse your request and you will receive a reasoned reply as soon as possible.

If the outcome is positive, you will be re-entered in the selection process at the stage at which you were excluded.

6.5.   Administrative complaints

As a candidate in an open competition, you have the right to address an administrative complaint to the Director of EPSO acting as the appointing authority.

You may submit a complaint against a decision, or lack thereof, that directly and immediately affects your legal status as a candidate, only if the rules governing the selection procedure have clearly been infringed. The Director of EPSO cannot overturn a value judgment made by a selection board (see section 6.4).

Arrangements for administrative complaints are as follows:

—	procedure: please contact EPSO (see section 6.1);

—	deadline: within three months of notification of the contested decision or of the date by which a decision should have been made;

—	reference:‘complaint procedure’.

6.6.   Judicial appeals

As a candidate in an open competition, you have the right to submit a judicial appeal to the General Court.

If you wish to appeal against a decision taken by EPSO, you must first make an administrative complaint (see section 6.5).

Arrangements for judicial appeals are as follows:

procedure: please consult the website of the General Court (http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/).

6.7.   European Ombudsman

All EU citizens and residents can make a complaint to the European Ombudsman.

Before you submit a complaint to the Ombudsman, you must first make the appropriate administrative approaches to the institutions and bodies concerned (see sections 6.1-6.5).

Making a complaint to the Ombudsman does not extend the deadlines for lodging administrative complaints or judicial appeals.

Arrangements for complaints to the Ombudsman are as follows:

—	procedure: please consult the website of the European Ombudsman (http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/).

6.8.   Disqualification

You may be disqualified at any stage in the selection procedure if EPSO finds that you have:

—	created more than one EPSO account;

—	applied to incompatible fields or profiles (see section 2.3);

—	made false or unsupported declarations;

—	failed to book or sit your tests;

—	cheated during the tests;

—	attempted to contact a member of the selection board in an unauthorised manner;

—	failed to inform EPSO of a possible conflict of interests with a selection board member;

—	submitted your application in a language other than that/those specified in the notice of competition; and/or

—	signed or written a distinctive mark on anonymously marked written or practical tests.

Candidates for recruitment by the EU institutions must show the highest possible integrity. Fraud or attempted fraud may render you liable to penalty and compromise your eligibility for future competitions.

End of ANNEX III, click here to return to main text

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(1)  Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/resources/european-language-levels-cefr

ANNEX IV

EXAMPLES OF MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS CORRESPONDING, IN PRINCIPLE, TO THOSE REQUIRED BY THE NOTICES OF COMPETITION

	AST-SC 1 to AST-SC 6 AST 1 to AST 7	AST 3 to AST 11	AD 5 to AD 16
COUNTRY	Secondary education (giving access to post-secondary education)  (1)	Post-secondary education (non-university higher education course or short university course lasting at least two years)  (1)	University-level education (lasting at least three years)  (2)	University-level education (four years or more)  (2)
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 Bachelor/Professioneel gerichte Bachelor	Bachelor académique (180 crédits) Academisch gerichte Bachelor (180 ECTS)	Licence/Licentiaat Master 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/Aggregaat Ingénieur industriel/Industrieel ingenieur Doctorat/Doctoraal diploma
България	Диплома за завършено средно образование	Специалист по …		Диплома за висше образование Бакалавър Магистър
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) Bac pro: Bevis for Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX)	Videregående uddannelser = Bevis for = Eksamensbevis som (erhversakademiuddannelse AK)	Bachelorgrad (BA or BS) Professionsbachelorgrad Diplomingeniør	Kandidatgrad/Candidatus Master/Magistergrad (mag.art) Licenciatgrad ph.d.-grad
Deutschland	Abitur/Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife Fachabitur/Zeugnis der Fachhochschulreife		Fachhochschulabschluss Bachelor	Hochschulabschluss/ Fachhochschulabschluss/ Master Magister Artium/Magistra Artium Staatsexamen/Diplom Erstes Juristisches 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 bhaitsileara Ordinary bachelor degree Dioplóma naisiunta (ND, Dip.) National diploma (ND, Dip.) Dámhachtain Ardteastas Ardoideachais (120 ECTS) Higher Certificate (120 ECTS)	Céim onorach bhaitsileara (3 bliana/180 ECTS) (BA, B.Sc, B.Eng) Honours bachelor degree (3 years/180 ECTS) (BA, B.Sc, B.Eng)	Céim onorach bhaitsileara (4 bliana/240 ECTS) Honours bachelor degree (4 years/240 ECTS) Céim ollscoile University degree Céim mhaistir (60-120 ECTS) Master’s degree (60-120 ECTS) Céim dochtura Doctorate
Ελλάδα	Απολυτήριο Γενικού Λυκείου Απολυτήριο Κλασικού Λυκείου Απολυτήριο Τεχνικού - Επαγγελματικού Λυκείου Απολυτήριο Ενιαίου Πολυκλαδικού Λυκείου Απολυτήριο Ενιαίου Λυκείου Απολυτήριο Τεχνολογικού Επαγγελματικού Εκπαιδευτηρίου	Δίπλωμα επαγγελματικής κατάρτισης (I.Ε.Κ.)		Πτυχίο (ΑΕΙ πανεπιστημίου, πολυτεχνείου, ΤΕΙ) Μεταπτυχιακό Δίπλωμα Ειδίκευσης (2ος κύκλος) Διδακτορικό Δίπλωμα (3ος κύκλος)
España	Bachillerato + Curso de Orientación Universitaria (COU) Bachillerato BUP Diploma de Técnico especialista	FP grado superior (Técnico superior)	Diplomado/ Ingeniero técnico	Licenciatura Máster Ingeniero Título de 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 Maîtrise des sciences et techniques (MST), maîtrise des sciences de gestion (MSG), diplôme d’études supérieures techniques (DEST), diplôme de recherche technologique (DRT), diplôme d’études supérieures spécialisées (DESS), diplôme d’études approfondies (DEA), master 1, master 2 professionnel, master 2 recherche Diplôme des grandes écoles Diplôme d’ingénieur Doctorat
Italia	Diploma di maturità (vecchio ordinamento) Perito ragioniere Diploma di superamento dell’esame di Stato conclusivo dei corsi di studio di istruzione secondaria superiore	Diploma universitario (DU) Certificato di specializzazione tecnica superiore/ Attestato di competenza (4 semestri)	Diploma di laurea — L (breve)	Diploma di laurea (DL) Laurea specialistica (LS) Master di I livello Dottorato di ricerca (DR)
Κύπρος	Απολυτήριο	Δίπλωμα = Programmes offered by Public/Private Schools of Higher Education (for the latter 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	BTS Brevet de maîtrise Brevet de technicien supérieur 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 Szakközépiskolai érettségi-képesítő bizonyítvány	Felsőfokú szakképesítést igazoló bizonyítvány (Higher Vocational Programme)	Főiskolai oklevél Alapfokozat (Bachelor degree 180 credits)	Egyetemi oklevél Alapfokozat (Bachelor degree 240 credits) Mesterfokozat (Master degree) (Osztatlan mesterképzés) 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-C) + 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 Baccalaureus of ‘Ingenieur’	HBO/WO Master’s degree Doctoraal examen/Doctoraat
Österreich	Matura/Reifeprüfung Reife- und Diplomprüfung Berufsreifeprüfung	Kollegdiplom/ Akademiediplom	Fachhochschuldiplom/Bakkalaureus/Bakkalaurea	Universitätsdiplom/ Fachhochschuldiplom/ Magister/Magistra Master Diplomprüfung, Diplom-Ingenieur Magisterprüfungszeugnis Rigorosenzeugnis Doktortitel
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 Doutorado
Republika Hrvatska	Svjedodžba o državnoj maturi Svjedodžba o završnom ispitu	Stručni pristupnik/pristupnica	Baccalaureus/Baccalaurea (sveučilišni prvostupnik/prvostupnica)	Baccalaureus/Baccalaurea (sveučilišni prvostupnik/prvostupnica) Stručni specijalist Magistar struke Magistar inženjer/magistrica inženjerka (mag. ing) Doktor struke Doktor umjetnosti
România	Diplomă de bacalaureat	Diplomă de absolvire (Colegiu universitar) învățământ preuniversitar	Diplomă de licenţă	Diplomă de licenţă Diplomă de inginer Diplomă de urbanist Diplomă de master 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) 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

End of ANNEX IV, click here to return to main text

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(1)  Access to the AST-SC and AST function groups may be subject to the additional requirement of having appropriate professional experience of at least three years.

(2)  Access to grades AD 6 to AD 16 is subject to the additional requirement of having appropriate professional experience of at least one year.