No assessment centres in 2026

Under the EPSOlution reform, EPSO eliminated assessment centres entirely. All tests are now remote, proctored via Prometric or TAO (Technology-Assisted Organization) platforms. This change democratized access — no need to travel to Brussels or one of the handful of assessment centres across Europe. But it also created new challenges: your home environment must meet strict compliance standards, your internet must be reliably fast, and you must understand the verification process before exam day arrives.

Remote proctoring is not simply "take a test from home." It involves identity verification, room scanning, continuous camera monitoring, keystroke tracking, and behavioral analysis. Understanding what to expect, what will be checked, and how to prepare your environment is critical to avoiding disqualification or technical issues on exam day.

Hardware and internet requirements

Device specifications

You need a desktop or laptop computer (tablets and phones are not permitted). The device must:

• Run Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.15 or later
• Have a functioning webcam and microphone (external or built-in)
• Have a minimum of 2GB RAM and 500MB free disk space
• Support the latest version of Chrome or Firefox (Safari is not compatible)
• Have a working keyboard and mouse or trackpad

Test your device at least one week before your exam using the platform's system check tool. A device that passes now may fail on exam day if an update installs overnight.

Internet requirements

Internet speed is non-negotiable. EPSO requires:

• Download speed: minimum 5 Mbps (recommended 10+ Mbps)
• Upload speed: minimum 2 Mbps (recommended 5+ Mbps)
• Ping/latency: below 150ms (below 50ms preferred)
• Stable connection: no more than 1% packet loss

Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible. WiFi introduces latency and drops — acceptable for email, unacceptable for proctored exams. If you must use WiFi, move your router as close to your testing location as possible and disable other devices on the network during the test.

Test your connection speed at speedtest.net. Do this multiple times over several days, at different times. Internet quality fluctuates — you need data, not a single snapshot.

Backup connectivity plan

What if your internet cuts out during the exam? Have a backup plan:

• Mobile hotspot (tether your phone to your computer)
• A neighbor's WiFi (with permission, tested in advance)
• A location with reliable internet (library, coworking space) as a fallback testing location

Notify Prometric or TAO in advance if you plan to test from an alternative location. Do not change your testing location without notification.

Room setup and environment standards

Your testing room must meet specific requirements. Before exam day, prepare the space according to these rules:

Room dimensions and lighting

Your testing space must be:

• Private and secure (locked door, no interruptions expected)
• Well-lit with natural or artificial light (avoid harsh glare on your monitor)
• Free of distractions (no television, music, or ambient noise)
• Free of visible study materials, notes, or reference books

The proctor will ask you to pan your webcam to show the full room before you begin. They are checking that the space is genuinely isolated — no one else present, no materials visible, no phones within reach.

Desk and chair requirements

Your desk must be clear except for:

• Your computer (monitor, keyboard, mouse)
• One blank piece of scratch paper (if permitted by your test type)
• One pen or pencil
• A glass of water (in a container without labels or branding)

Your chair must be a standard office chair — not a bed or couch. You must sit upright, facing the camera directly. Any slouching, turning sideways, or leaning back will be flagged by the proctor.

Camera and background positioning

Position your monitor so the camera can see your face clearly. Your eyes should be centered in the frame, with some space above your head. The proctor needs to verify it is genuinely you throughout the test — not a photo, not another person, not a masked face.

Your background should be neutral and plain. A blank wall is ideal. Posters, windows, mirrors, or bookshelves are acceptable if they are not distracting or reflective.

Identity verification process

Before the exam begins, expect 15-20 minutes of verification. This includes:

Document verification

You must have valid photo ID: a passport, national ID card, or driver's license. The proctor will ask you to:

• Hold your ID up to the camera
• Verify the name and photo match you
• Confirm the document has not expired

Ensure your ID is physically present and accessible. Do not plan to photograph it or show a digital copy — most proctors require the physical document.

Room scanning

The proctor will ask you to pan your webcam to show:

• Your full desk (top and underneath, checking for hidden materials)
• All four walls of your room
• Your chair and the space around it
• Any devices on your desk (phone, smartwatch, headphones must be removed or placed out of reach)

This scan takes 3-5 minutes but is essential. Cooperate fully and move slowly so the proctor can see everything clearly.

Microphone and camera tests

The proctor will ask you to speak, confirm your audio works, and verify the camera is positioned correctly. Answer their questions clearly. If they cannot hear you, you will be asked to adjust your microphone or location.

Exam day timeline and breaks

Early login window

Log in 15-20 minutes before your scheduled test start time. This allows time for verification, system checks, and proctor interaction. Do not log in just 2-3 minutes before — if verification takes longer, you may run out of time.

Testing duration and pacing

The test duration includes:

• Verbal reasoning: 35 minutes
• Numerical reasoning: 20 minutes
• Abstract reasoning: 10 minutes
• Digital skills: 30 minutes
• EU knowledge: varies (typically 30-45 minutes)
• Written test: 40 minutes (AD5) or 90 minutes (specialists)

These times are fixed. If you run over, the test locks you out — you cannot return to earlier questions.

Break policy

Breaks are typically not allowed during testing sessions. All tests (reasoning, digital, EU knowledge) run back-to-back without pause. Plan accordingly: use the bathroom before you log in, ensure you are fed and hydrated, and arrange for absolute silence in your home during the entire test window (typically 2-3 hours depending on the competition).

If you need a break due to a genuine emergency (medical issue), notify the proctor immediately. The timer pauses, but a long pause may trigger review of your test integrity.

Monitoring and behavioral standards during testing

While you test, the proctor monitors:

Camera presence and gaze direction

Your face must be visible at all times. Do not:

• Look away from your monitor for extended periods
• Cover your face or wear sunglasses
• Rest your head on your hand (even briefly)
• Leave the camera frame

Glancing at a question is normal; staring at the ceiling or wall is flagged as suspicious.

Keystroke and mouse monitoring

The platform tracks your keyboard and mouse activity. Unusual patterns — rapid typing followed by long pauses, excessive copy-paste activity, or external device use — trigger proctor alerts. Use only your keyboard and mouse. Do not use external input devices, voice commands, or accessibility features that are not pre-authorized.

Audio monitoring

Your microphone remains live throughout the test. The proctor listens for:

• Talking or whispering (even to yourself)
• Answers spoken aloud (some candidates verbalize thinking)
• Background voices or interruptions
• Suspicious sounds (papers rustling, phone notifications)

Silence is ideal. If you must cough or clear your throat, do so quietly — no need to explain.

Common technical issues and troubleshooting

Browser or plugin compatibility

Test your browser thoroughly using the platform's system check. If you are unsure, use the recommended browser (typically Chrome). Update your browser to the latest version before exam day.

Webcam or microphone failure

If your camera or microphone stops working during the test, alert the proctor immediately. Depending on the type of failure, you may be able to switch to a mobile device, reschedule, or in some cases, continue without that input channel. Delays cost you time, so early notification is important.

Internet interruption

If your connection drops, the platform pauses your test. You have a limited time window (typically 5-10 minutes) to restore your connection and resume. Reconnect quickly and wait for the proctor's approval. If you exceed the window, your test is marked as abandoned.

Pre-exam preparation checklist

One week before:

• Test your device with the platform's system check tool
• Test your internet speed multiple times (different times of day)
• Verify your ID document is not expired
• Prepare your testing room according to specifications

One day before:

• Test your camera, microphone, and speakers again
• Clear your desk and room of any prohibited materials
• Disable notifications on all devices
• Inform household members not to disturb you during test hours
• Update your browser to the latest version

Exam day (1 hour before):

• Use the bathroom and drink water
• Close all unnecessary applications and browser tabs
• Silence your phone and place it out of reach
• Ensure lighting is optimal
• Do a final camera and microphone check
• Log in 15-20 minutes early

What disqualifies you

Be aware of actions that result in test cancellation or disqualification:

• Leaving the room or moving out of camera frame
• Accessing unauthorized materials (notes, books, phones, internet)
• Communicating with another person during testing
• Attempting to use external aids, calculators, or tools not provided
• Multiple technical failures or suspicious behavior patterns
• Misrepresenting your identity or using someone else's device/ID

If you are disqualified, you forfeit your application fee and may be barred from future EPSO competitions. Remote proctoring is strict — prepare properly and follow the rules exactly.