The Ombudsman has made a series of suggestions to the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) to improve how it carries out tests as part of the recruitment of new staff into the EU civil service.

In particular, the Ombudsman suggested EPSO assess how its requirement that tests be carried out remotely impacts equality of opportunity. Where EPSO is unable to address the negative implications of remote testing on equality of opportunity, it should ensure candidates have the possibility to take tests in physical testing centres.

The Ombudsman also suggested that EPSO make sure technical requirements do not disadvantage or prevent certain candidates from taking remote tests, ensure candidates have access to instructions on troubleshooting and filing a complaint during testing, and review its guidelines on complaint handing.

Highlighting that clear information can enhance acceptance of testing requirements, the Ombudsman called on EPSO to explain more clearly on its website why requirements concerning equipment and the candidate’s physical testing area are necessary.

The Ombudsman opened an own-initiative inquiry into this issue after receiving a significant number of complaints about a particular selection procedure. She subsequently received similar complaints related to other selection procedures organised by EPSO in which remote testing was used. Issues cited by complainants included difficulties with the technical and physical requirements, technical problems during the tests, and EPSO’s communication around the selection procedure.