Instructions for Online Testing (TAO) - Candidate Preparation

Sep 17, 2026

European Personnel Selection Office provides candidate instructions for preparing an online testing session via the TAO platform. The guidance covers quick start steps, access through the Single Candidate Portal, and login timing. It specifies technical and environment requirements, including Proctorio setup, system prerequisites, and identification checks. It also outlines room and desk scanning, navigation and accessibility tools, key conduct rules during testing, and post-test steps such as reviewing finished sections and completing a survey.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages30

Reading Time1 h 16 min

AccessFree to download

About the platforms

Testing requirements

Peripheral equipment

System requirements

Personal identification documents

Environment requirements

Before the test day

Public TAO sessions

Adding the Proctorio browser extension

Mandatory technical prerequisite check

Proctorio check-in process

Before you begin

System diagnostics test

Webcam image test

Identification check

Test environment and desk scan

Exam agreement

E-tools

Navigation language preference

E-tools available during your test

Test navigation

Multiple Choice Questions

Flagging Questions for Later Review (bookmark)

Overview Panel

Free text answer tool

Progress information (timer & status warnings)

Common Warning Messages and Required Actions

Additional breaks in case of special needs

TAO Support

During the prerequisite test period

During the tests

Obligation to inform EPSO

Test-day checklist recap

Signing in to take your tests

Finalising the tests

European Personnel Selection Office Instructions for online testing (TAO) This document contains important information for the preparation of your online testing session. Before your testing session, please make sure that you read this document thoroughly. This document has been sent with your invitation letter. March 2026 Quick instructions Open invitation Letter Access in the Single Candidate Portal Click TAO Portal link Log in to the TAO portal 1 2 Log in before start time Ensure login a few minutes before the test Read instructions It is crucial that you thoroughly review the detailed candidate instructions provided after these quick instructions. Ensure you understand the rules and procedures related to EPSO tests. TAO support Technical setup requirements • Download Proctorio extension: [https://getproctorio.com/](https://getproctorio.com/) • Administrator rights on your computer • System: • Microsoft Windows 10+ / Apple MacOS 10. 15+ / Ubuntu (18 .04+) / Chrome (58+) • Browser: Chrome/Edge • Note: Mobile devices/Tablets are not supported • Free RAM: 2GB / Free Disk Space: 250 MB • Processor: Intel Pentium, Apple MI, Arm • Upload speed: .092- .244 Mbps • Camera + microphone: Required with record video • Disabled antivirus/firewall • Laptop with charger • Single screen only • Mouse and keyboard • ID document (required) • Mousepad • Tissues • Drink (no label) Forbidden • Mobile phones • Docking station • Other persons in room • Headphones/Earbuds and similar • Writing materials • Books/notes/paper Important reminders Risk of disqualification without a retest if any listed condition occurs • Incorrect peripheral setup • Not completing technical prerequisite check • Missing valid ID • Not following environment and desk check procedures • Moving out of camera view • Another person in room • Talking or reading out loud • Using unauthorised devices You can consult these Instructions at anytime during your testing, as a PDF attachment on the TAO platform. On the day of the test Before testing Logging in Open invitation, click TAO Portal link, click EU Login; log in on time, click Start Identity check Perform ID check (with a valid official photo identity document) Room & desk scan Clear any prohibited items. Slowly move camera to scan the room, your desk, under the desk, around your chair, and behind screen. During testing Navigation tools Timer at the top, navigation bar for questions, overview panel for status, bookmark for review Calculator, scratchpad, zoom in/out, camera view check, accessibility tools Key rules Face visible on webcam, no talking or reading aloud, do not cover face, stay seated, submit test when prompted After testing After testing Consult finished sections Survey Non-mandatory survey available after testing. Feedback appreciated. Contents 1. About the platforms __________________________________________________ 7 2. Testing requirements _________________________________________________ 7 2.1. Peripheral equipment ______________________________________________ 7 2.2. System requirements_______________________________________________ 8 2.2.1. Disable Local Proxy Server (Microsoft Windows & Apple MAC) _________ 8 2.3. Personal identification documents____________________________________ 9 2.4. Environment requirements _________________________________________ 9 3. Before the test day _________________________________________________ 11 3.1. Public TAO sessions _______________________________________________ 11 3.2. Sign in (TAO portal) _______________________________________________ 11 3.3. Adding the Proctorio browser extension______________________________ 12 3.4. Mandatory technical prerequisite check ______________________________ 12 3.5. Proctorio check-in process _________________________________________ 13 3.5.1. Bef

FAQs

How should candidates access the TAO testing platform before the session?

Candidates open the invitation and use the TAO Portal link, then log in through EU Login in time. They should ensure login a few minutes before the test and click Start on schedule.

What technical setup is required for online testing with Proctorio?

Candidates must download the Proctorio browser extension and meet system requirements (supported OS and Chrome/Edge). They also need camera and microphone with video recording, sufficient free RAM/disk, and must disable prohibited antivirus/firewall and avoid unsupported mobile devices.

What actions during testing can lead to disqualification without a retest?

Disqualification risk applies if prohibited conditions occur, including incorrect peripheral setup, missing valid ID, moving out of camera view, another person in the room, talking or reading aloud, using unauthorised devices, or failing technical prerequisite checks.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Olivia Brown