A Complete Guide to EPSO Exams 2025

EU Training

Complete guide to the EPSO exams in 2025

In this day and age, it is increasingly difficult to find a career for those seeking purpose, stability, and professional development. For many, becoming a permanent EU official is the dream job precisely because it offers long-term career growth, excellent salary and benefits, and the chance to contribute to European policy in a truly international environment. 

To start turning that dream into a reality, you'll need to apply through the EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) process, a competitive and often daunting system that can feel overwhelming at first. That’s where EU Training comes in: we're here to help you navigate each step with clarity and confidence.

What is EPSO?

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) was established in 2002. EPSO serves as the HR agency for the European Union. It centralises the recruitment process for most of the institutions and selects qualified candidates to create reserve lists from which those various institutions can then recruit. 

EPSO has gone through many changes over the years, but one of the biggest overhauls happened in 2023 when they removed the talent screener and the assessment centre from the selection process, and finally switched to fully remote testing.

EPSO runs two types of competitions:

  1. Open competitions which help select permanent officials in two categories:
    1. Generalists
    2. Specialists
  2. CAST - selecting contract agents

 

How EPSO competitions work: a step-by-step overview

Before you get started make sure to create an EU Login account on the official EPSO website if you don’t have one yet. With the EU Login you will be able to access the Single Candidate Portal. The Portal is where you set up your profile and CV for a faster and more efficient application process. 

EPSO announces planned competitions on their ‘Upcoming’ page. There are usually competitions listed here with tentative dates for when applications will open. Once the Notice of Competition is published, EPSO lists all available profiles on their ‘Open for application’ page.

We highly encourage you, the EPSO candidate, to peruse the EPSO website, that is where all official announcements, news and information is published, e.g. how to navigate the Single Candidate Portal, technical requirements for the online testing platform and video tutorials for EPSO tests.

With all this information at your fingertips and by following the step-by-step process below, you will be well on your way to becoming part of the EU’s permanent staff.

Submit application, selection tests, eligibility checks, reserve list.

Step 1: Notice of Competition (NoC)

Each selection begins with the publication of the Notice of Competition, or NoC for short, in the Official Journal of the EU. The Notice of Competition outlines the following:

  • Deadlines and procedures
  • Number of available roles
  • Duties expected
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Required languages
  • Test types
  • Competition phases and general rules

Tip: Always read the NoC carefully because every competition is different. EU Training organises free webcasts after every new Notice of Competition is published to help candidates navigate the large amount of information. 

Step 2: Submit your application in the Single Candidate Portal

  • Note the application deadline and plan ahead because late submissions are not accepted.
  • Go to EPSO’s ‘Open for application’ page and click on your chosen competition profile
  • Click the blue ‘Apply’ button which will redirect you to the EU Login page:
    • If you already have an account, log in.
    • If not, create an EU Login account first.
  • Once logged in:
    • If you’ve already set up your Single Candidate Portal profile and CV, find the competition and follow the instructions to apply.
    • If not, first complete your profile and set up your CV before proceeding.
  • Apply early to avoid last-minute issues or technical delays near the deadline.
  • Once your application is validated, no further changes can be made.
  • If the NoC requires it, upload supporting documents by the deadline specified. You may later receive a request from EPSO to upload additional documents at a later stage.

Step 3: EPSO Exams 

EPSO's selection process involves a series of unbiased, online computer-based tests to evaluate both general competencies and specific skills relevant to the position. These tests include reasoning skills questions, based on ones used in occupational psychology, and different types of knowledge tests, for example EU knowledge or field-related knowledge. The goal is to objectively screen a large number of candidates for permanent and temporary positions.​

As mentioned earlier all tests are conducted online, there are no more in-person testing centres.

Here are the different EPSO test type in an easy-read overview:

Reasoning Skills

The reasoning skills are usually part of every EPSO competition.

  • Verbal reasoning measures your ability to understand and interpret written information 
  • Numerical reasoning assesses how well you work with numbers, graphs, and data
  • Abstract reasoning examines your logical thinking through patterns and sequences.

Join our expert-led Reasoning Skills Training Session to learn the methodology.

EU Knowledge Test

This multiple-choice test assesses your grasp of EU institutions, legislative procedures, and key policy areas like energy, climate, migration, and digital economy. While EU history is good context, it’s not the focus. This will most likely be a ranking test in the AD5 competition.

This test has been in use for Commission internal competitions for many years, but is new to the EPSO repertoire. It will first be used in the Generalist administrator AD5 competition in 2025. EPSO is meant to provide study resources, but until then, here is a list to get you started:

Digital Skills Test

The Digital Skills Test was introduced to assess basic computer skills like cybersecurity awareness and average knowledge of computer use. EPSO’s website currently lists this test as part of the Generalist AD5 selection process.

Written Test | EUFTE: 

There are several different types of Written Tests which were introduced to replace the Case Study Test:

  1. Written test (WT) related to the field(s) of the competition, assessing only written communication skills.
  2. Field-related written test (FRWT), assessing written communication skills and knowledge in the relevant field of the competition.
  3. Free-text Essay on EU matters (EUFTE), assessing only written communication skills.

So far, in practice, we’ve only seen the first and third versions of the Written Test from EPSO. Specialist AD competitions held recently have had the WT - related to the field but only written communication assessed. AST specialists had an EUFTE, which was in the end very similar to the WT.

The EUFTE will be used in the EPSO Generalist AD5 selection process, according to the most current information.

See our upcoming webinar on the EUFTE

Field-Related Multiple Choice Questions

FRMCQs are for specialist roles to test expertise in the specific field of the competition, it includes questions based on required duties, and may have EU policy related questions as well. The FRMCQ is usually a ranked test, which means only top-scoring candidates advance to having their eligibility checked and their next test scored.

The Notice of Competition always details the specifics of scoring. It is also helpful to read through the NoC to get an idea of what types of questions there will be based on the duties listed in the document.

EU Training publishes free guides for each EPSO Specialist competition: Field-Related MCQ Resources

Which tests will you be taking?

EPSO exams based on your EPSO profile

The exams you will sit for in an EPSO competition depend on the grade and profile you are applying for. The official information about tests will always be detailed in the Notice of Competition. Generally, however, this is the format followed:

EPSO Generalist Administrator Tests | AD5:

  • Reasoning Skills (Verbal, Numerical, Abstract reasoning)
  • EU Knowledge 
  • Digital Skills
  • EUFTE (Written Test)

EPSO Specialist Tests  | AD and AST:

  • Reasoning Skills (Verbal, Numerical, Abstract reasoning)
  • Field-Related Multiple Choice Questions (FRMCQ)
  • AD - Written Test (related to the field(s) of the competition but assessing only written communication skills / or assessing knowledge in the field (have not seen this in practice yet)
  • AST - EUFTE (Free-text Essay on EU matters, assesses written communication only)

EPSO Translators

  • Reasoning Skills (Verbal, Numerical, Abstract reasoning)

Translators may also have one or more of the following (all were used in 2025):

  • Language Knowledge 
  • Language Comprehension 
  • Translation Test
  • Revision Test

Lawyer-Linguists

  • Reasoning Skills (Verbal, Numerical, Abstract reasoning)
  • Translation Test
  • Translation Review

Step 4: What is the EPSO reserve list and how do EU institutions recruit?

After scoring and eligibility checks are done - usually done in parallel - the highest scoring eligible candidates will be added to the reserve list until all the available spots are filled. The final reserve list is not ranked, it is in alphabetical order.

Successful candidates will be notified directly by EPSO and the reserve list will be available publicly on the EPSO website.

The reserve list serves as a talent pool for EU institutions to draw from when filling vacancies. This does not guarantee a job, because institutions recruit from this list based on need. Reserve lists are usually valid for one to two years and they can be extended. 

What to do after landing on the Reserve List? EU Training will host a webinar presented by András Baneth on how to get hired from the reserve list covering topics such as:

  • How to be proactive
  • Who to approach
  • Lobbying do's and dont's
  • Interview tips and best approaches

So You Didn't Make the Reserve List - What's Next? In this article Jan De Sutter provides positive guidance on how to move forward after the initial disappointment. 

 

EPSO Profiles (EU Staff Categories)

EPSO is responsible for selecting permanent officials for the EU institutions—staff appointed for an indefinite period who form the backbone of the EU civil service. Within this category, there are three main roles: Administrators (AD), Assistants (AST), and Secretaries/Clerks (AST/SC). Each plays a vital part in the day-to-day functioning of the EU, and understanding the distinctions between them is an important first step for any prospective candidate.

EPSO Administrators (AD)

Administrators play a key role in shaping EU policies across a wide range of fields, including law, finance, environment, foreign affairs, agriculture, economics, IT, communication, science, and more. Their work involves tasks such as policy development, analysis, regulatory work, stakeholder engagement, international negotiations, and drafting or reviewing legal texts.

  • Most candidates begin their careers at grade AD 5, the entry level for university graduates. 
  • Selection may also take place at grades AD 6 or AD 7 for specialist profiles, which usually require relevant academic qualifications and professional experience. 
  • Middle management posts are available at grades AD 9 to AD 12, and these require proven management experience. 
  • The most senior positions, including Director-General roles, are classified at grades AD 15 and AD 16.

Example: What does an AD5 official earn in Brussels?

Profile: An official working in Brussels, but not from Brussels originally, and is at Grade AD5, Step 1, married with two young children in school nearby.

Their basic salary starts at around €5,670 per month. On top of that, they would typically receive several monthly allowances:

  • A household allowance (for being married or having children),
  • A dependent child allowance (for each child),
  • An education allowance (to help with school costs),
  • And an expatriation allowance (as they’re working outside their home country).

Estimated total monthly compensation: just over €8,180 gross before tax and deductions*.

This gives you a realistic picture of the financial benefits of an EU career, even at the entry level.

EPSO Assistant (AST)

Assistants support the work of the EU institutions in executive or technical roles across areas such as finance, communication, administration, research, IT, and policy implementation. Their responsibilities are essential to the smooth running of operations and the effective delivery of EU initiatives.

An assistant career spans grades AST 1 to AST 11, with most staff entering at grade AST 1 or AST 3, depending on their qualifications and relevant experience.

Example: What does an AST3 official earn in Brussels?

Profile: An EU official working in Brussels, but not originally from there, at Grade AST3, Step 1.

They would start with a basic monthly salary of €4,431.32 (as of 1 January 2024). Because they are married, they are entitled to the household allowance, which adds €222.39 per month.

Estimated total monthly compensation (basic salary + household allowance):

 €4,431.32 + €222.39 = €4,653.71 gross*

This reflects the core financial package for assistant-level roles at AST3 with a spouse, excluding any additional benefits not specified in the same document.

EPSO Secretaries/Clerks - Support staff

Secretaries and clerks provide vital administrative and technical support within the EU institutions, often handling office management tasks. Their duties include finalising documents, coordinating meetings and travel, managing diaries, updating databases, and assisting with day-to-day operations.

This career path ranges from grade AST/SC 1 to AST/SC 6, with most new staff joining at grade AST/SC 1 or AST/SC 2, depending on experience and qualifications.

Example: What does an AST/SC1 official earn in Brussels?

Profile: an expatriate EU official working in Brussels at AST/SC Grade 1, Step 1, who is single and has no children.

They would start with a basic monthly salary of €3,035.19 (as of 1 January 2024)

As they're not married and have no dependents, there is no household or child allowance.

However, based on the document, they may qualify for the minimum expatriation allowance, which is: €659.14 (see Section 5.5)

Estimated total monthly compensation (basic salary + expatriation allowance):

€3,035.19 + €659.14 = €3,694.33 gross*

This represents the typical starting pay for clerical or secretarial roles in Brussels, with expatriation benefits included.

________________________________________________________

*Based on the 2024 salary table published by the Official Journal of the EU

Calculate your own possible salary with EU Training’s Salary Calculator.

 

EPSO CAST Permanent Selection Process

If you’re interested in working for the EU but not ready for a permanent official role, the CAST selection procedure could be your gateway. CAST stands for Contract Agents Selection Tool, and it’s used to select staff for recruitment on a fixed-term basis, with some opportunities leading to contracts of indefinite duration, especially in EU agencies, offices, or delegations.

Unlike most competitions, CAST Permanent is open-ended: there’s no application deadline. 

You apply for a profile, not a specific job, and if your profile matches a staffing need, an institution may contact you to complete further testing and possibly offer you a contract.

Contract agents carry out a wide variety of tasks—from administrative and clerical support to policy, communication, translation, or technical roles. These positions are grouped into four function groups:

Function Group (FG) Grades Main Tasks
FG IV 13-18 Administrative, advisory, linguistic or technical tasks
FG III 8-12 Executive, drafting, accountancy, and equivalent technical tasks
FG II 4-7 Clerical, secretarial, and office management tasks
FG I 1-3 Manual and administrative support services

Some CAST opportunities are published as ad hoc contract staff vacancies with application deadlines, especially when urgent staffing needs arise. These can include roles like webmasters, policy officers, linguists, project managers, researchers, or drivers.

Successful candidates are recruited for a fixed period, with the possibility of contract extensions depending on the role and institution.

What tests do CAST candidates take?

If your profile is shortlisted by an EU institution, you’ll be invited to sit a Reasoning Skills Test (Verbal, Numerical and Abstract) - the only test required for CAST selection since 2023. It assesses your verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning skills under strict time limits.

There’s no ranking or competition - you simply need to meet the pass mark to be considered for a contract. With the right preparation, this is very achievable.

Prepare with confidence using EU Training’s tailored resources:

Read more about the EPSO CAST Selection Process here.

 

How to prepare for EPSO Exams

Preparing for an EPSO competition isn’t about cramming the night before. As András Baneth, author of The Ultimate EU Test Book and former EU official, likes to say, “Think of it more like training for a marathon than sitting a school exam.” It takes structure, strategy, and stamina.

Practise consistently, learn the methodology

Here’s his tried-and-tested approach to building a solid foundation and boosting your chances of success:

  1. Be specific about your goal

    Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Focus on the next phase of the competition and set clear targets. Know why you’re applying, what motivates you, and what a successful outcome looks like for you.
  2. Make a study plan (and actually follow it)

    Ad-hoc studying rarely leads to results. Block out dedicated time in your calendar, set reminders, and track your progress. Treat it like a job—not a side task—and stay disciplined.
  3. Understand the methodology

    Each EPSO test has its own logic and structure. Without understanding the “why” behind the right answers, practise alone won’t take you far. Learn the methodology first, especially for timed reasoning tests.
  4. Practise consistently

    Spreading out your practice over several weeks is far more effective than a last-minute study sprint. Baneth recommends aiming for at least one hour a day, or ten hours a week. However, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, the key is frequency, not just intensity.
  5. Stay persistent

    Motivation dips are normal. Forming a study group or partnering with a friend can help you stay accountable and get through the tough patches. You're not alone in this.
  6. Simulate the real exam conditions

    Your performance can fluctuate, and nerves on the day are real. Doing full-length simulations helps establish a solid baseline so you know what to expect and how you’ll respond under time pressure.
  7. Use all the tools at your disposal

    Don’t just rely on one approach. Read candidate reports, browse tips & tricks articles, attend free webinars, join workshops, and take part in test simulations. The more perspectives you gather, the better your strategy will be.

Want even more expert tips on EPSO prep? Watch András Baneth’s EPSO Exam Preparation Mastery webinar!

 

EPSO Exam FAQs

How to get a job in the European Commission?

To land a job at the European Commission you typically have to go through an EPSO competition. This is a multi-phase selection process, starting with an application and followed by a series of competitive exams. If you pass and score high enough, you’ll be placed on a reserve list, from which institutions can then recruit you.

But that’s just the formal route. There are also traineeships (such as the Blue Book Traineeship Programme), CAST Permanent roles for contract agents, and interim opportunities.

 

How difficult is it to get hired by the EU?

The short answer: it’s competitive. Each year, thousands of hopefuls apply for a limited number of positions. The exams are demanding and require strategic preparation. See the 13 best free and paid preparation resources.

However, with the right mindset, proper training, and tools such as those found on EU Training, your chances improve significantly. Many successful candidates are repeat applicants—persistence matters.

 

What is it like to work for the European Commission?

Working for the European Commission is often described as diverse, international, and mission-driven. You’ll collaborate with colleagues from all 27 EU member states, tackle policy issues that affect millions, and enjoy great work-life balance and job security.

You also benefit from:

  • Attractive salary and allowances
  • Family support (schooling, healthcare)
  • Internal mobility and promotion opportunities

 

What kind of people can work for the European Commission?

  • The EU looks for individuals who are:
  • EU citizens (from one of the 27 member states)
  • Proficient in at least two EU languages
  • Minimum one university degree (for AD posts)
  • Capable of adapting to multicultural environments
  • Strong communicators, analytical thinkers, and problem-solvers

From economists to engineers and lawyers to IT experts - there’s a wide array of profiles needed.

 

What exactly do interns do at the European Commission?

Interns, especially Blue Book trainees, get hands-on experience. They might:

  • Prepare briefings, speeches, or reports
  • Assist with communication campaigns
  • Organise stakeholder meetings
  • Conduct research and contribute to policy

It’s a unique chance to build your EU network and get insight into policymaking at the heart of Europe. Applications for Blue Book traineeships open twice a year via the  EU Careers portal.

 

How to get a job as a translator for the EU?

EU institutions recruit translators and interpreters through EPSO competitions and CAST calls. Most translator roles require:

  • Native-level proficiency in one EU language
  • Excellent command of at least two additional EU languages
  • A degree, usually in languages, translation, or linguistics

Keep an eye out for specialised language competitions, often for rarer EU languages.

 

How to become a diplomat for the EU?

To work as a diplomat for the EU, you’ll typically need to join the European External Action Service (EEAS) via the EPSO route (usually AD-level competitions). A background in international relations, law, or economics is an advantage.

Language skills, intercultural awareness, and policy expertise are essential.

 

Starting a career in the EU institutions means navigating the EPSO selection process, something that takes clarity, focus, and the right preparation. Once you understand how the system works and what’s expected at each stage, you can plan your next steps with purpose. It’s not just about passing tests; it’s about positioning yourself to join a workforce that shapes EU policies and decisions every day.

START PREPARING NOW