These test solutions refer to the Administrators (AD-Generalists) sample tests found on EPSOs website under ”Sample tests”. Open the test in a separate browser to view the questions and follow the solutions in this video.
The questions and the answer alternatives will be shown in the order they appear on EPSOs website. The solutions for abstract, numerical and verbal reasoning can be found on app.epsoprep.com
Question 1
A This implies some action and proactivity however your team is your first line of contact for this type of help, not your manager. As it's within your team's responsibility you should first at least try to discuss it with them. (0.25 points)
B This a valuable option, however it's vague and without a firm plan and you are aware that they will not have the time to review it. Therefore, most likely it will not be done following this type of instruction with a vague deadline. You risk ending up with an incomplete document/project. (0.25 points)
C This is a proactive step and an action with a plan listing concrete actions and a set deadline (within a month). Also speaking directly to the team works better than emailing as you this way ensure a time is set and don’t risk sending an email that might end up being unread by the team. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
D In this option the issue is ignored completely without any proactivity or action taken. No team members are informed of the issue either and responsibility is ignored as well. Organizations encourage communication even if you are late with your task or if the task will be incomplete, it must be communicated to the team as communicating the issue is the minimum action that employer expects you to take. (1 point as LEAST EFFECTIVE)
Question 2:
A Here you are just identifying a problem without doing any coordination toward a solution, without providing suggestions on how to solve the errors (no proactivity, no involvement and no engagement). (1 point as LEAST EFFECTIVE)
B It is a good idea to suggest to your manager prevention measures to be taken and development. However nothing has been done for this specific spreadsheet and errors in it, no action is shown or taken. (0.5 points)
C It is fine to address this to the team member who actually made the errors. This task has been delegated to you even though your team member made the errors. Therefore you must be actively involved in the resolution. You are instead re-delegating the task to the team member entirely without getting involved in the process. (0.25 points)
D In this option you take an action to correct the errors but also coordinate/communicate with the team member explaining how to avoid and prevent it from happening in the future, especially when the deadline is critical. Here you are being very proactive taking actions across multiple verticals: correcting, educating, coaching and preventing. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
Question 3
A You are showing flexibility, creativity, teamwork and proactivity by discussing supervising methodology with the trainee that will best suit both sides. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
B This way you show no interest in helping the trainee, no action, no effort or creativity in coming to a solution. This is a very passive approach with a vague plan and timeline. (1 point as LEAST EFFECTIVE)
C This is a vague plan and showing no interest in the trainee who is already insecure and needs extra support (both organizational and emotional) which is why the supervisor should be extra proactive here coming up with solutions and suggestions and presenting them to the trainee. Here, you are suggesting the same approach previous supervisor has taken with no changes whatsoever (passive approach). The word "hope" should be replaced with a firmer phrasing such as "We will actively work together to improve supervision style and improve your knowledge of the processes" and then present a step-by-step plan of action. (0.25)
D This idea makes sense since the previous supervisor has dealt with this (even if it was during a limited amount of time) therefore he/she may be able to provide suggestions or some guidance. However the trainee is not involved in the process and his opinion should be considered so that the entire process is calibrated in a better way. This will also save time if a group meeting is organized (e.g. previous supervisor, trainee and you). 0.5 points
Question 4
A Even though you are taking some action it is not proactive, and no clear goal is set (impact and talking with manager are general concepts and it's discussed in broader terms, it lacks precision to be persuasive). (0.5 points)
B This approach displays withdrawal, lack of initiative and bad persuasion skills. (1 point as LEAST EFFECTIVE)
C Unlike option A, here you are using persuasion skills, setting a clear goal and a precise vision of how this will move your progress forward which is giving the manager a clearer picture of the conference impact with concrete details. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
D This is an OK alternative solution, however you will still be absent on those days as you are at the conference and those are the busy days for your team and company. So, your absence is not significantly diminished by taking this approach. Also there is an element of withdrawal from your original idea and your goal to attend the conference, which you should reach through negotiation and constructive discussion listing concrete examples. (0.5 points)
Question 5
A Coming up with a solution in a creative way and communicating with the right deparment that is in charge of the issue. Offering a concrete solution and plan of action. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
B This displays action and determination to reach the objective and finish the job. However it is a very time-consuming approach as errors need be fixed manually and there's a risk of not meeting the deadline as it's a slow process. It may also slow down other processes as a result. (0.25 points)
C Lack of action and initiative, disengagement, complete lack of effor to make or offer a solution. The employee should at least make some kind of effor or try to present an action or solution. (1 point as LEAST EFFECTIVE)
D Here the errors are only identified/marked, but nothing has been done to correct them or offer a solution and plan of action for correction. This shows a lack of initiative and care for quality of the results. (0.25 points)
Question 6
A The manager asked you to write the factsheet yourself which means they are too busy so probably will be busy to discuss it with you as well. Although this approach is somewhat proactive, the manager should not be asked for help as it contradicts the situation (manager being busy). This approach lacks a broader overview and analysis of the situation. (0.25 points)
B This is the best approach in this scenario as you are following your manager's instruction while also working with your colleague and you are engaged in working with others and asking for help by consulting them. You are simply being proactive. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
C This approach includes reassigning the task to your colleague by asking them to complete the difficult sections from scratch, which is something you should avoid doing. You may ask your colleague to advise you instead, after you have at least tried to work on the difficult sections. (0.25 points)
D Employers do not appreciate giving up on more complex tasks without you even trying it or discussing it. This option implies you gave up before even trying to draft the factsheet or ask for help. (1 point as LEAST EFFECTIVE)
Question 7
A This apprach supports organizational performance and professionalism however it lacks empathy on a personal level. Showing understanding and empathy for employee's personal problems is also important for performance and work completion as this is where most employees get their motivation for work and get stimulated. (1 point as LEAST EFFECTIVE)
B Here you quickly organized things in a different way and reassigned the task so that the team is not losing its pace due to the current unexpected situation. You also displayed empathy and understanding regarding the team member's personal situation which results in further strengthening of the team's culture. It also motivates the employee and increases their comfort level and trust in the team and the organization. This greatly increases the chances that the employee is stimulated and motivated to always do their best and go one step further in their work. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
C The only action taken here is asking the other team members to monitor the employee, but nothing has been done to address the issue directly. No direct discussion with the affected team member is mentioned to try to come up with a solution. It is only decided to ignore the problem and resume the procedures like it's been so far with extra monitoring of the team member. (0.25 points)
D This approach demonstrates understanding and empathy for the team member's personal situation, however, it offers no alternative action or solution and it doesn't reassigning the task. No proactivity and no concrete solutions are mentioned. (0.25 points)
Question 8
A Fastest and the most efficient way to complete the task. The colleague who drafted the checklist is your first line of contact since they will be able to answer your questions in the fastest way. Also, you are asking for help and clarifications while aiming to complete the task yourself rather than reassignign it to the colleague, which is a proactive attitude. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
B While you are taking some action here, this process is cumbersome and time consuming (creating double work, one for completion, the other for revision). Furthermore, you will have to come back after your colleague's check to review the corrections in order to learn about the terminology, which results in more work and more time added to the process. You should aim at faster and more efficient solutions. (0.25 points)
C This is a time-consuming processes that creates extra layers of work and you also run a risk of being late with delivery due to the additional work created. Also, please note it says "give" to your colleague implying you are reassigning those unclear parts to your colleague completely without being involved in their creation. (0.25 points)
D Approaching the manager without doing anything to try to solve the problem first. Lacking proactivity and creativity. No effort to reach a solution. (1 point as LEAST EFFECTIVE)
Question 9
A The task is assigned to you to match your particular skillset. It is self-explanatory why you should not be reassigning it I.e. the skill-set required is aimed at you specifically. Apart from that, other team members are busy with their own work, so this may result in affecting/slowing down other processes and tasks. (0.25 points)
B While you are being hard-working in this approach, it may affect your other tasks resulting in errors, bad performance or over-work due to heavy workload. It would be better to be honest and dicuss alternate solutions with the new manager so that your other processes/responsibilities are not affected. (0.5 points)
C As opposed to offering to discuss the matters and to come up with/offer an alternate solution, you are informing your manager that this may not be possible as your workload is already big and you are already too busy. No proactivity (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
D Discussing it with manager means you are proactive in coming up with a solution to mutual satisfaction. You are taking action in the right direction - discussing with manager and coming up with a solution together. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
Question 10
A Additional resources are asked before attempts are made to create a different and less expensive solution. Additional resources are aditional expense for the organization. (0.25 points)
B In this option, you are approaching the manager with a passive attitude not taking any action to see how things can be reorganized before reassigning the work to other department(s). No attempt to discuss it with your team and try to come up with an alternate solution together, no creativity. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
C Most effective approach is to perform internal task reorganization such as this one and then harmonize it with the rest of the processes and rest of the time that's left for providing support. (1 point as MOST EFFECTIVE)
D Completely passive and unprofessional approach. No communication whatsoever, the matter is not dicussed with anyone and not addressed anywhere just hoping it will disappear on its own. (0 points)
Question 11
A In this option, you are only identifying and marking the unclear areas. However, you are not doing anything to solve them and/or do not offer any solution/approach/suggestion how to solve them. (0.25 points)
B These are great time management skills as you are using the time while the manager is out to begin getting insight into the audit, so it's much easier once you reach them to dicuss the details as you already somewhat prepared (the manager will appreciate your proactiveness). (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
C This task has been assigned to you and therefore you should not be reassigning it without asking your manager first. Additionally, your colleagues are busy with their own task and this may create deadline and delivery issues with their other tasks as a consequence. This is executive level so that's another reason why you should collect details from your manager and not your colleagues. (0.25 points)
D This is a wrong approach, as some serious errors and consequently various damages may result from it. Plus it will result in double work and late delivery as you will have to go back correcting the errors after your manager has reviewed the summary. You will appear as if you are rushing to finish work without analysing the situation or much thinking (not a good image to present). (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
Question 12
A In this option the manager is asked to reassign the task without first trying to discuss it with the colleague and come up with a solution. Not the best approach as it categorically rules out the selected colleague without attempting to give them any kind of explanation regarding the task. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
B As this was a task previously assigned to you, it not very likely other colleagues will know the details or how to help here. Therefore, this approach will not work as it contradicts some basic circumstances in this scenario. (0 points)
C While it is true that you are very busy, in this option no creativity/effort is used to come up with an alternate solution. It has not been discussed with the colleague either as you could ask the colleague to suggest some ideas how to best approach this given the limited time frame so you can figure out an approach together. (0.25 points)
D The best approach as you both have to adapt quickly to the new roles regarding your workloads. The power of summarizing and quick presentation skills (explaining the core and main points) will be at work here. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
Question 13
A While this is an interesting alternate solution, it is a very time-consuming process and also it will be hard or impossible to deal with open-ended questions that require many quick back and forth interactions/feedback and Q&A exchange. However in case other solutions are lacking this can be used as last resort. (0.5 points)
B There are multiple problems with this approach. Firstly, only some members will attend the session so others will have to be informed about what's been discussed indirectly (cumbersome process). Secondly, they will miss the important training course which will have impact on their skill/training level. (0.25 points)
C This is the most logical approach/the best option to meet both requirements ie. to meet the deadline and to discuss Q&A on time. And also to change the date for the outside team. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
D In this option, no attempts are made to come up with an alternate solution. Completely passive approach, no proactivity. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
Question 14
A This is the best approach as it involves all members working together giving ideas on how to improve the process. In this scenario, the best option you can follow as working together on the solution/teamwork is likely to yield the best results/solution. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
B Database management is the team's main responsibility, so the team relies heavily on information in the database and its management. Therefore it should be the first source of information for report generation. (0.25 points)
C While this is a valid point and may be true, something must be done due to obvious problems with report generation from the database. You could discuss this with the technical team in charge of the database or some other relevant person in the organization but the problem should not just be kept as it currently is/ignored without attempts to solve it or at least discussing it with relevant parties as the first step. (0.25 points)
D This invites the team to create only important reports while skipping the others to save time. This involves skipping creation of other reports which are equally needed and requested in protocol, no work or reports should be skipped unless instructed by upper management/protocol. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
Question 15
A Your manager asked you to start working with other team immediately so it is self-explanatory why this approach will not work, as they need your assistance immediately. You are expected to at least attempt to discuss it with your current team members internally to try to harmonize your current workload with the new tasks before you approach the manager with this request. (0.25 points)
B In this approach you are implying you will stop your current work completely and come back to it later on after the new assignment is done. However, you are not arranging any alternate solutions with your current team even though you know they will have to deal with your part of the work alone and you have not prepared them for it in any way. You should actively participate in the solution or offer some suggestions. This is a passive approach. (0.25 points)
C This approach implies you are rejecting the task but also you are not doing anything to come up with an alternate solution. What's lacking in this option is proactivity, coordination/discussion with others, resilience, willingness/effort to take on new tasks, multitasking skills, organization and time management. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
D This is the best approach as your manager is inviting you to help another team assumes the importance of this project and its deadline so it should be given priority, which you can explain to your current team members as a basis of extending the deadline. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
Question 16
A This is the best approach in this scenario as it is possible to cancel and reschedule flights. This way you are accommodating the other's manager's request, while also discussing with others to arrange a new date that best suits everyone. You are taking everyone's circumstances into consideration by actively discussing it. Proactive approach and independent analysis. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
B You are implying everyone should conform to a new date regardless of their possible prior commitments for that date without any flexibility. This is not the best approach as it imposes a "must" date to managers before giving them an opportunity to discuss anything. Also their other commitment may not be possible to reschedule, and you are assuming they can without discussing it. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
C Completely passive approach. No effort/no attempt to create a plan of action to rearrange things finding an alternate solution. Also the manager may feel like you are not giving them any chance to attend the meeting/they may feel left out. If your manager travels to another country to meet them, they must be important partners and therefore efforts should be made to accommodate their requests for unexpected events such as this one. (0.25 points)
D In this option you are presenting what you will be doing about it in the future and the point is valid. However, nothing is mentioned in regards with how you will be solving the current problem and no solution is made regarding the current situation. (0.25 points)
Question 17
A in this approach you can reorganize your other tasks so that you can also work on checking the documents. This way you are both meeting the deadlines and checking the documents, and you made this solution independently and proactively. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
B While you are giving priority to the checking of documents, which appear important to your manager, delivery of your other tasks may suffer as a result (both in terms of accuracy and time management). No set or clear deadline for your other tasks which may cause deadline delays. (0.25 points)
C You are reassigning the task on your own while your manager asked you specifically to do it and they had a reason to assign this to you. Which is why this is a wrong approach, and you did not consult your manager regarding your intention to reassign. No discussion with manager or proactivity to coming up with a solution. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
D A quick check will not work as the manager specifically requested for this to be done to a high standard. Therefore the work should be thorough. If you approach your manager with this suggestion, it will appear as if you failed to follow their instruction well. No creativity or proactivity in coming up with a more advanced solution. (0.25 points)
Question 18
A This way it is more difficult for you to control and monitor resources as the system is not unified/centralized. This may eventually lead to chaotic results and confusion. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
B This is a very good and creative solution. This way the equipment locating process should be more consistent, more accurate and faster and also harmonized and accessible across all departments. You came up with a innovative and original idea. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
C While this is a valid point as all employee's options are being considered, it is a very lengthy process. And besides you will be the one who will eventually be making the decision, regardless of their opinion. Also they are probably busy with their own work. (0.5 points)
D This option is calling for more costs for the company prior to trying to find a cheaper solution. No attempt to first make a solution without extra costs involved. (0.5 points)
Question 19
A This is a very time-consuming process and a training is suggested before finding out what really happened with the forms, i.e.. why it happened. No discussion prior to suggesting the training. (0.25 points)
B Before giving further instruction and/or speculating what happened and what action to take, you first need to discuss it with the manager to see what exactly happened and why. After you have a clear picture of everything based on some evidence, you can create a further plan of action. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
C This is a valid point however it's just common sense remark that department manager already knows. No detailed discussion about causes/reasons why the errors in the forms happened. No proactivity and the approach is very basic/unprofessional, no details and no thoroughness. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
D This is a valid step (informing, discussing, identifying) however it lacks further guidance: suggestions, solutions, calls for discussion. (0.5 points)
Question 20
A Here you are giving priority to your current workload and asking if the presentation can be postponed without first making an effort to come up with an alternate solution or do some independent analysis on how this can be handled differently. No proactivity. (1 point as as LEAST EFFECTIVE.)
B Here priority is given to the presentation however your other workload may suffer consequently. No effort is made to harmonize the time across both tasks. (0.25 points)
C No effort to harmonize the time for both tasks. You should avoid asking to reassign your tasks to a colleague before you attempted to find an alternate solution and reorganize or fit it in your own schedule. (0.25 points)
D As your manager implied, it will be good for your development so this is a logical approach to reorganize other workload to create a room for working on presentation. Every chance at advancing your professional development is encouraged to pursue. (1 point as as MOST EFFECTIVE.)
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