New EPSO Competition | Auditors AD7

Applications open: key NoC information, EPSO tests, and how to apply

A new EPSO specialist Notice of Competition has just been published: EPSO/AD/428/26, Administrators (AD 7) in the field of audit. Successful candidates will be placed on a reserve list from which the EU institutions, bodies, and agencies may recruit new administrators, so this is a competition well worth paying close attention to.

With 448 places on the reserve list, this competition stands out immediately. For context, the last comparable auditors’ competition in 2022 offered just 60 places. That is not a marginal increase, it is a clear sign of significant recruitment needs across EU institutions.

For candidates with a background in audit and relevant professional experience, this may be one of the more accessible AD7 opportunities in recent years. We'll help you approach the selection process strategically.

Considering applying? Start with the Notice of Competition

If you are thinking of applying, your first step should be to carefully review the official Notice of Competition.

To help you understand the notice, what to expect and how to prepare effectively, join the dedicated free webcast presented by András Baneth, Europe’s No. 1 EU careers expert and a former EU permanent official himself. He will explain the selection process, the tests, and the best preparation strategy step by step - and answer your questions live.

Join a community of fellow EPSO candidates

It’s a practical space to ask questions, exchange insights, and keep up with the latest EPSO news - join the Facebook group here: Administrators in the field of Audit – EPSO Exams.

Free EPSO Preparation Resources

If you are just getting started, EU Training offers a range of free resources to help you build a solid foundation

• Free practice questions for first-time account registrations on EU Training
• On-demand webinars, covering EPSO fundamentals.
• Tips & Tricks articles:
  • EPSO applications
  • EPSO Reasoning tests
  • EUFTE (written test)
  • Field-Related MCQ (FRMCQ) - coming soon...

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Competition Snapshot

• Open for Applications: 14 April 2026
• Application Deadline: 19 May 2026 at 12:00 (midday), Brussels time
  • ​Applications can be submitted in any of the 24 official EU languages
• EPSO reference number: EPSO/AD/428/26
• Grade: AD7
• Profile: Administrators (AD 7) in the field of audit
• Reserve list places: 448

What will auditors do in EU institutions?

Audit administrators will typically:

• Plan and carry out internal and external audits
• Analyse financial and operational data
• Assess risk management and internal control systems
• Draft audit reports and recommendations
• Contribute to audit methodology and quality assurance
• Work on areas such as financial management, fraud prevention, and compliance

See Annex II in the Notice of Competition for full details.

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

General criteria:

• Be an EU citizen
• Have fulfilled military obligations (if applicable)
• Meet the character requirements for the role

Language requirements 

You must know at least two EU languages.

• Language 1: Minimum C1 level 
• Language 2: Minimum B2 level (must be different from Language 1)

Qualifications & professional experience

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• A university degree (3+ years) plus at least 7 years of relevant experience, OR
• A 4-year degree plus 6 years of experience, OR
• A 5-year degree plus 5 years of experience

In all cases, at least 4 years must be in audit.

Relevant experience may include:

• Audit and internal control
• Financial management or accounting
• Risk management and anti-fraud
• Public policy or programme evaluation
• Consulting, legal practice, or related analytical fields

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EPSO Selection Process | Auditors AD7

1. EPSO APPLICATION

Candidates must apply via the Single Candidate Portal by 19 May 2026 at midday (Brussels time).

A valid ID must be uploaded by the deadline, and supporting documents later (deadline: 30 September 2026).

2. EPSO SELECTION TESTS

All candidates who have validated their applications on time will be invited to sit a series of tests:

a) REASONING TESTS | Language 1

• Pass/fail
• Only those who reach the pass mark will have their Field-related MCQ scored.

b) FIELD-RELATED MCQ | Language 2

• This test is ranked, not just pass/fail
• Only the highest-scoring candidates progress
• Your score determines whether your EUFTE is marked

c) EUFTE | Language 2

• Duration: 40 minutes
• Pass mark: 5/10

Important details:

• Based on a document about general EU matters
• Not a knowledge test, but a written communication test
• The source document will be published in advance

On exam day you will:

• get the assignment (not available before exam day)
• have 40 minutes to write your response to the given assignment
• have access to the document on the day as well, for reference.

3. EPSO EUFTE SCORING + ELIGIBILITY CHECKS

This stage is selective:

• Only top-ranked candidates from the MCQ test are considered
• EUFTE marking and eligibility checks happen in parallel
• The number of candidates assessed is limited (approx. 1.5x the reserve list size)

If you are not ranked high enough, your EUFTE will not be marked.

4. RESERVE LIST

To be included on the reserve list, candidates must:

• Pass all required tests
• Rank among the top MCQ performers
• Meet all eligibility requirements

Key points:

• The reserve list will include 448 candidates
• The list is alphabetical (not ranked)
• Inclusion does not guarantee a job, but makes you eligible for recruitment

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How to Apply

1. Read the Notice of Competition carefully, it is the only legally binding document
2. Prepare your EPSO account and documents in advance
3. Apply via the EPSO website (click on the big blue Apply button)
4. Monitor your candidate account regularly for updates

--> EU Training recommendation: Follow a structured preparation plan early. Waiting until test invitations are sent is usually too late for AD7-level competitions.

Final thoughts

This is a large-scale specialist audit competition (448 places) with a demanding profile and a competitive ranking stage. Strong preparation — especially for the FRMCQ and EUFTE — will make a significant difference.

Wishing you all the best on your EPSO exam.

If you have any questions or need support along the way, feel free to contact the EU Training Customer Support Team, you can expect a response within 24 hours.