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EPSO Selection Processes

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) acts as the HR department for the European Union, responsible for selecting suitable candidates for various roles within EU institutions.

Types of Selection Processes

EPSO manages two main recruitment channels:

  • EPSO Competitions: For selecting permanent officials.
  • CAST: For recruiting contract agents.

EPSO Competitions

Notice of Competition

Every EPSO competition starts with a Notice of Competition, published in the Official Journal of the EU (EUR-Lex). This document details the number of reserve list positions, eligibility criteria, the tests involved and their scoring, job responsibilities, and much more.

How to Participate

Follow this simplified guide to join an EPSO competition:

  1. Create an account on the EPSO website.
  2. Apply for a competition for which you meet the eligibility criteria.
  3. Complete the selection process by taking the required exams as outlined in the Notice.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet both general and specific requirements:

  • General: Must have EU citizenship, fulfill any military service requirements (if applicable), and meet character standards.
  • Specific: Typically, candidates need to demonstrate proficiency in at least two EU languages (or three for certain profiles, such as translators) and meet diploma and work experience standards specified in the Notice.

Application Process

Once you apply via your EPSO account, remember that after finalizing your application, no further changes can be made. You might also be required to submit additional supporting documents by a secondary deadline, as specified in the Notice.

EPSO Tests

EPSO exams are conducted online and remotely proctored. Generally, all tests for a competition are held on the same day (with exceptions for translators). The language(s) for the tests are specified in the Notice.

For Generalist Candidates (EPSO AD5)

  • Computer-Based Test (CBT) covering verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning.
  • EU Knowledge Test provided on the EPSO website.
  • Digital Skills Test.
  • Written Test (EUFTE) to evaluate written communication skills.

For Specialist Candidates

  • CBT covering verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning.
  • Field-Related Multiple Choice Test (MCQ) combining subject-specific and EU policy-related questions.
  • For higher-level candidates (AD6 and above) and AST profiles, a Written Test (EUFTE) is also required.

For Translators

  • CBT covering verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning.
  • Additional tests such as Language Knowledge, Language Comprehension, and Translation Tests may be required.

Additional Testing Details

The CBT is pass/fail, with the pass mark specified in the Notice. The EU Knowledge Test and Field-Related MCQ are ranked, with only the highest scorers passing. The Written Test assesses your ability to communicate in writing based on a document provided by EPSO.

Eligibility Checks and Reserve List

After testing, your application is verified against supporting documents. If you pass and meet all criteria, you are placed on a reserve list from which EU institutions may recruit.

CAST – Contract Agents Selection

The CAST process is an ongoing selection procedure without fixed deadlines. It creates a pool of eligible candidates who can be called upon for temporary contracts, such as covering maternity leave or sudden workload increases.

Eligibility for CAST

Like EPSO competitions, CAST candidates must meet general requirements (EU citizenship, military service, character standards) along with specific criteria like language proficiency and relevant qualifications.

CAST Application Process

The steps for CAST include:

  1. Create an EPSO account.
  2. Find an open job vacancy on the “Open for Application” page.
  3. Submit your application via the vacancy page.
  4. Undergo pre-selection, including the EPSO CBT and possibly additional interviews or tests by the hiring entity.

EPSO CBT for CAST Candidates

The online, remotely proctored CBT for CAST includes verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning tests. Candidates must achieve the required pass mark (as specified in the official Notice). Successful scores remain valid for ten years for the same or lower function groups. To apply for a higher function group, you must retake the exam. Failure to meet the pass mark for a higher group means you cannot be shortlisted for that group for six months, though you may still be considered for a lower group.

Function Groups for CAST

CAST candidates are divided into four function groups:

  • FGI: Manual and administrative support tasks.
  • FGII: Clerical, secretarial, and office management tasks.
  • FGIII: Executive tasks, drafting, accountancy, and related technical functions.
  • FGIV: Administrative, advisory, linguistic, and other technical tasks.