Everything you need to know about the 2026 EPSO IT Experts competition

Gabriella Vázsonyi's picture
Gabriella Vázsonyi

Everything you need to know about the 2026 EPSO IT experts AD7 Notice of Competition and seleciton exams

Quick Facts

  • Competition name: EPSO IT Experts
  • Expected launch date: 6 May 2026 
  • Grade: AD7
  • Fields announced so far: ICT Infrastructure, ICT Project Management, Clouds & Networks, Data Science
  • Status: Upcoming / pre-launch

--> The official Notice of Competition is not yet published:

  • Bookmark this page, we will link it here the moment it goes live.

The 2026 EPSO IT competition

EPSO is expected to launch a new specialist competition for IT experts at AD7 level. EU institutions recruit IT profiles across a wide range of functions, and the Notice of Competition will confirm exactly what this competition covers, who can apply, and how the selection procedure will work.

The four specialised fields:

  • ICT Infrastructure: This field is likely to target candidates with strong technical experience in enterprise IT environments, systems, platforms, and infrastructure operations. The exact scope will only be confirmed in the Notice of Competition.

  • ICT Project Management: This field is likely to interest candidates with experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering IT projects. If the Notice follows the usual logic of specialist competitions, it should clarify the exact duties, level of seniority, and any required background.

  • Clouds & Networks: This field appears to focus on cloud environments and network-related expertise. The Notice of Competition will be the official source for the precise technical profile and expected experience.

  • Data Science: This field is likely to be the most specialised of the four. It may appeal to candidates working in data analysis, modelling, data systems, or related technical areas, but again, the Notice of Competition will define the real scope.

Join EU Training’s free webcast

To help candidates navigate the selection process, EU Training will host a free live info webcast on 7 May 2026, the day after applications are due to open. The session will focus on the main points of the Notice of Competition, including how to apply, what EPSO will be testing, and how candidates should prepare.

Presented by András Baneth, EU careers expert, former EU official, and founder of EU Training - the focus will be on the key elements of the competition as detailed in the Notice, with live Q&A throughout.

Register for the live webcast here:
EPSO IT Experts AD7 | Info Webcast
DATE: Thursday, 7 May 2026 |  TIME: 12:30 (Brussels time)

Eligibility criteria: who can apply?

At this stage, the exact eligibility criteria are not yet official.

What is already safe to say is that AD7 specialist competitions usually require relevant educational background and several years of professional experience. The Notice of Competition will confirm the exact degree requirements, work experience threshold, language rules, and any field-specific eligibility conditions.

The selection process

The exact exam structure is not official yet. The Notice of Competition will tell candidates exactly which tests apply, how they are scored, and what the stages are.

Still, candidates should expect that reasoning tests may form part of the process, such as:

  • verbal reasoning
  • numerical reasoning
  • abstract reasoning

There may also be field-related testing and possibly a written test component. The only safe position for now is this: wait for the Notice of Competition for the exact selection procedure.

Salary and benefits of an AD7 official

AD7 is a higher administrator grade for specialist profiles. Official EU careers information states that administrators can be recruited directly at AD6 or AD7 for specialist roles, and recent EU-agency vacancy notices show AD7 basic monthly salary starting around €7,876 before allowances, with the final amount depending on step and personal situation. EU officials may also receive allowances depending on eligibility, such as expatriation and household-related benefits.

Use our salary calculator for a rough estimate.

How to prepare while waiting for the Notice

While waiting for the Notice of Competition, candidates can already do useful prep work:

  • update all your information in your SCP (Single Candidate Portal) and EPSO profile
  • start practising verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning
  • review the kind of IT experience that best matches one of the four announced fields
  • avoid guessing too much about the final test structure until the Notice is published

Start with these free resources:​

Stay updated

Update your EU Training profile so you receive the most important updates, including discount codes and competition news.

Choose which EPSO competition in your EU Training profile to stay updated.

You should also join the Facebook group to follow updates and discussions as soon as the Notice of Competition is published.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for more than one field?

That is not confirmed yet. In many specialist competitions, candidates can apply to only one field, but the Notice of Competition will be the official rule.

What is the difference between AD5 and AD7 for IT?

AD5 is the usual entry level for graduates. AD7 is a higher specialist grade and usually requires relevant educational background plus several years of professional experience. The official EU careers site explicitly distinguishes AD5 as entry-level and AD6–AD7 as specialist recruitment grades.