Permanent staff
The EU institutions select permanent staff through open competitions advertised on our website.
A Notice of Competition accompanies each open competition, providing all details about the job profile sought, duties, eligibility criteria and selection procedure.
To apply, all candidates must create an EPSO account, which is the main tool for receiving notifications and communications during a selection procedure.
A Selection Board, appointed for each competition, evaluates candidates throughout the process.
There are two types of competitions, Generalist competitions and Specialist competitions, which are announced in all EU official languages.
Generalist competitions are open to graduates from all fields and no professional experience is required. Successful candidates may be recruited as administrators at grade AD5.
Specialist competitions are for specific fields and generally require professional experience for most profiles. They are open to both graduates and non-graduates. Successful candidates may be recruited as administrators starting at grade AD6 or as assistants starting at grade AST 3, or higher.
There are several steps to a selection procedure, each with a variety of tests and other methods assessing core competencies and professional skills:
Generalist competitions
- Reasoning skills tests (verbal, numerical and abstract)
- EU knowledge test
- Digital skills test
- Written test
Specialist competitions
- Reasoning skills tests (verbal, numerical and abstract)
- Field related test
- Written test
All tests will be conducted exclusively online, using remotely proctored tests, on a single day. For more info about the EPSO tests please visit the dedicated page.
The selection procedure is designed to establish a reserve list of successful candidates.
Whenever recruitment needs arise, the EU institutions search for suitable candidates in the reserve list and invite the ones who best fit the vacant position to a job interview.
Depending on the competition, the selection procedure for permanent EU staff may last from a few months to several months.
You can also find out more about EPSO tests, including "EPSO tests: myths and facts", in our FAQs section.