EPSO competitions
The EU's open competitions for permanent posts in the European Commission, Parliament and other institutions.
- Who sits it
- Graduates (AD) and secondary/vocational leavers (AST) from any EU country.
- When it happens
- Any time after the required qualification; competitions are announced through the year.
- Preparation time
- 6 to 18 months, including language preparation.
- How often
- Several competitions per year by profile.
- Cost
- Free to apply.
What the exam is like
Computer-based reasoning tests, then an assessment centre with case studies, group work and interviews — all in at least two EU languages.
Stage by stage
1
Create an EPSO account and apply to a notice of competition
2
Computer-based verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests
3
Talent screener on your qualifications
4
Assessment centre
5
Placement on the reserve list
6
Recruitment by an institution from that list
How the mark is used
Ranked; only the top candidates reach the reserve list, and being on it does not guarantee a job offer.
Careers that need it
Civil Servant / Policy Officer
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalHR Officer, Public Administration
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalLocal Government Manager
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalMunicipal Social Services Officer
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalPrimary School Teacher
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalProtocol & Institutional Relations Officer
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalPublic Procurement Officer
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalSenior Civil Administrator
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalSocial Worker
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalTax Administration Officer
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.
OptionalUrban Planner
The route into the same kind of work inside the EU institutions.