Pre-selection tests - test information

Situational jugdement test

Situational judgement tests (SJT) are designed to evaluate workplace-related behaviour. Each question describes a work-related scenario linked to a block of four possible actions (MCQ format). Out of these, you are asked to choose the most effective action AND the least effective action to take, in the light of the given situation.

EPSO introduced SJT as from 2010 based on a well founded competency framework. The competency framework consists of eight core competencies but by the SJT only five are tested.

  • Analysis and problem solving,
    you can identify the critical facts in complex issues and develop creative and practical solutions.
  • Delivering quality and results,
    you can take personal responsibility and initiative for delivering work to a high standard of quality within set procedures.
  • Prioritising and organising,
    you can prioritise the most important tasks, work flexibly and organise your own workload efficiently.
  • Resilience and endurance
    you can remain effective under a heavy workload, handle organisational frustrations positively and adapt to a changing work environment.
  • Working with others,
    you can work co-operatively with others in teams and across organisational boundaries and respect differences between people.

Situational judgement tests (SJT) comprise of 20 questions, which shall be answered in 30 minutes. You have approximately 90 seconds per question.

You will be presented with situations which you could experience at work. Please consider the situation, and then select what you feel is the most effective AND the least effective response or action from the four statements.

For each task you can gain maximum two points. Each task is evaluated as the following:

  most effective least effective
Answer A (most effective) 1 point 0 point
Answer B (least effective) 0 point 1 point
Answer C (neutral) 0,5 point 0,5 point
Answer D (neutral) 0,5 point 0,5 point