EPSO blog — page 2
EPSO AD5 vs CAST: Which Should You Apply For?
Permanent official via AD5 or contract agent via CAST? Tests, timelines, salary logic and career paths compared — and why the real answer is often both.
EPSO CAST 2026: Tests, Profiles & How to Pass
How CAST Permanent really works: the three reasoning tests, function groups FG II–IV, the 10-year validity rule and the strategy that gets you recruited.
EPSO EUFTE Written Test: Format, Document Types & Strategy
The EUFTE written test explained: 40 minutes, Language 2, the 5 official evaluation anchors, the 5 document types EPSO assigns, and a template for each.
EPSO Preparation 2026: The Complete Guide
Every EPSO test explained — formats, pass marks, scoring weights and a 12-week preparation plan. For AD5 generalist, AD7/AST specialist and CAST candidates.
EPSO Reserve List: What Actually Happens After You Pass
Passing an EPSO competition puts you on a reserve list — not in a job. How institutions recruit from the list, what you control, and how to get contacted.
12 Free EPSO Practice Resources That Actually Help (2026)
Free EPSO practice tests, official sample material, planning tools and study sources — 12 resources worth your time in 2026, and what each one is best for.
TEU vs TFEU: Which Treaty Does What?
The two founding treaties of the EU, told apart in five minutes — same legal value, different jobs, and the mapping every EPSO EU Knowledge candidate needs.
DigComp 3.0 Explained: The Complete Guide to the EU Digital Competence Framework (and What Changed from 2.2)
DigComp is the EU's official framework for digital skills. This complete, plain-language guide explains what it is, where it came from, how it's structured, and everything that changed in the new DigComp 3.0 (2025) versus DigComp 2.2. Verified against the official JRC source.
How to Register with EPSO: Your First Steps to an EU Career (Beginner's Guide)
Never applied to the EU before? This is the very first step. We explain every acronym in plain language and walk you through creating your account — EU Login, EPSO Account, the Single Candidate Portal — using a CAST contract-agent application as a worked example. Verified against official EU sources.
AD5, AD7, AST or CAST: which EPSO competition is right for you
AD5, AD7, AST, AST-SC or CAST: requirements, salaries, contract types and selection process compared. The guide to choosing the right EPSO competition. 2026 verified.
EPSO 2026 competition calendar: all competitions and deadlines
All EPSO 2026 competitions: AD5 (1,490 posts), AD7 ICT and Audit, CAST Permanent and announced competitions. References, vacancies, deadlines and test dates. Updated 2026.
EPSO Digital Skills: the guide to the test and the DigComp framework
The EPSO Digital Skills test (40 questions, 30 minutes) is based on DigComp: 5 areas and 21 competencies. What to actually study and how to prepare. Verified 2026 guide.
EUFTE: how to pass the EPSO competition written test
EUFTE (Free-Text Essay on EU matters): the EPSO written test in 40 minutes. Real format, what is assessed, the five official criteria and the preparation method. 2026 Guide.
EPSO Verbal Reasoning: the complete guide to the highest-weighted test
How the EPSO Verbal Reasoning works (AD5 2026): real format, 20 questions in 35 minutes, distractor traps and the answering method. Verified guide.
EU official salary: the complete guide for those dreaming of Bruxelles
How much does an EU official earn? Real salaries for AD5, AST and AD7 in Bruxelles: gross, net, allowances and career progression. Official data updated 2026.
EPSO Competition 2026: the complete guide for Italian candidates
Everything you need to know about the EPSO 2026 competition: AD5 (1,490 positions), AD7 ICT, tests, deadlines, requirements, salaries, and how to prepare. Updated 2026.
Mastering the EPSO Data Protection Specialist Competition
Expert guide for the Data Protection specialist competition, covering GDPR, EUDPR and FRMCQ preparation.
ECB Graduate Programme vs EPSO Economist: Two EU Pipelines
Two different routes into EU economist careers. ECB Graduate Programme (PhD, Frankfurt, 2-year contract) vs EPSO AD6 (Master's, Brussels, permanent).
EPSO Lawyer vs Lawyer-Linguist: The Difference Explained
Lawyer-linguist and Lawyer specialist competitions are two different EU careers. Eligibility, tests, language regime, and which one fits your profile.
EPSO Specialist Competitions 2026: Complete Guide
Every open and announced EPSO specialist competition for 2026. IT, Law, Audit, Economics, EEAS, Building, Communication, HR — places, eligibility, links.
EPSO Audit Competition 2026: 448 Places, AD7 Guide
EPSO/AD/428/26 — the largest Audit competition ever, 448 places vs 60 in 2022. Eligibility, FRMCQ syllabus, scoring, AD vs AST audit roles.
EPSO Building Management 2026: 411 Places, 4 Fields
EPSO/AD/425/25 — 411 AD7 places in Project Mgmt, Architecture, Electrical, HVAC. Eligibility, 2,000 m² floor, FRMCQ, scoring, AD vs AST.
EPSO Communication Specialist (AST3): Graphic, Social & Web Routes
EPSO/AST/157/25 — 435 AST3 places across Graphic Design, Social Media, Webmaster. Eligibility, FRMCQ, EUFTE, why no AD parallel exists.
EPSO Economist Competition: AD6 Cycle & ECB Alternative
EPSO/AD/402/23 — 970 economist places across 3 fields. Eligibility, FRMCQ, eight recruiting DGs, and how ECB Graduate Programme differs.