This page answers the general questions about EU competitions: what EPSO does, who can apply, how a selection procedure unfolds. Every answer is backed by an official page listed at the bottom, with its verification date.
The precise parameters of a competition or test (number of questions, durations, thresholds) are covered in the FAQ of their dedicated page; questions about subscriptions and payment live on the pricing page.
The European Personnel Selection Office. Its mission is to meet the recruitment needs of the EU institutions, bodies and agencies by selecting candidates through selection procedures; actual recruitment is handled by each institution's services.
The general conditions of a typical notice of competition: being a citizen of an EU Member State, enjoying full rights as a citizen, having fulfilled any applicable military service obligations, and knowing at least two official EU languages. Each notice then adds its own qualification and experience requirements.
By creating an EPSO account, the main tool for communications during a procedure, then applying online within the window set by the notice of competition. In case of doubt, the notice published in the Official Journal always prevails.
The database of the laureates of a competition, from which recruiting services shortlist. Being on it does not guarantee recruitment, but EPSO indicates that on average half of laureates are recruited within seven months. Lists are generally valid for one year, three years for specialist competitions, with possible extensions.
Remotely: EPSO has made remotely proctored online testing its delivery mode for all its competitions. Practical instructions and technical requirements are sent with the invitation to the tests.
The competition model reformed in 2023 aims for procedures completed in around six months, with tests grouped into a single testing session. The actual duration varies from one competition to another.
Permanent officials, administrators (AD) and assistants (AST and AST/SC), recruited through competitions; contract agents in function groups FG I to FG IV, recruited via the CAST selection; and temporary agents. Seconded national experts and trainees complete the picture.
In waves: EPSO publishes an indicative planning of upcoming procedures and updates it during the year. Our calendar page tracks these announcements, with their official dates and the status of each competition.
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