EPSO blog — page 3
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.
EPSO External Relations & EEAS Careers: AD7 Routes
No standalone diplomat competition — EU diplomats via specialist NoCs and Member State secondments. EPSO/AD/382/20, mobility, AD vs AST.
EPSO HR Recruitment: 2016 AST Legacy & CAST FG IV Path
No EPSO AD HR competition exists. Last specialist: EPSO/AST/139/16 (2016, 51 places). Current routes: CAST FG IV, AD5 generalist, TA roles.
EPSO IT Specialist Competitions 2026: AD7 Routes & Tests
EPSO is recruiting 1,020+ IT and data professionals in 2025-26. Eligibility, FRMCQ test structure, scoring, and how AD7 ICT differs from AST.
EPSO Law Specialist 2026: AD7 Lawyer Routes & 6 Fields
First substantive EPSO Law NoCs since 2019. AI Law, Criminal Law, Energy Law and three classic fields. Eligibility, FRMCQ structure, AD vs AST.
EPSO Abstract Reasoning: Pattern Types, Strategies, and How to Improve Fast
Abstract Reasoning is one of the five EPSO AD5 tests. Learn the 7 core pattern types, time-saving strategies, and how to train your visual logic for the EU exam.
EPSO AST Competitions: The Complete Guide to EU Assistant Careers
AST competitions offer a realistic path into EU institutions for candidates without a university degree. Learn the requirements, test format, salary range, and how AST careers compare to AD positions.
EPSO Secretarial Competitions (AST/SC): Roles, Requirements, and How to Get In
EU institutions recruit secretarial and clerical staff through AST/SC competitions. Learn what the role involves, the entry requirements, the test format, salary expectations, and why this career path deserves more attention.
10 Common Mistakes That Eliminate EPSO Candidates — and How to Avoid Them
Most EPSO failures are not caused by lack of intelligence — they are caused by avoidable errors in preparation and exam strategy. Here are the 10 mistakes that eliminate the most candidates.
EPSO Eligibility Requirements: The Complete Checklist Before You Apply
Before you start preparing for EPSO, make sure you are eligible. This guide covers nationality, degree requirements, language rules, and the most common application errors that disqualify candidates.
EPSO Exam Anxiety: How to Stay Calm and Perform Under Pressure
Exam anxiety affects most EPSO candidates — and it costs points. Learn evidence-based techniques to manage stress, maintain focus under time pressure, and perform at your best on test day.
EPSO and Languages: Which Language 2 Gives You the Best Advantage?
Your Language 2 choice affects your EPSO exam performance and your career in EU institutions. Learn how English, French, and German compare — and how multilingualism shapes your EU career prospects.
The New EPSO Competition Model: What Changed and What It Means for You
EPSO reformed its competition model in 2023-2024. The new format has fewer stages, new test types, and different scoring rules. Here is everything you need to know about how it works.
How to Prepare for EPSO While Working Full-Time: A Realistic Guide
Most EPSO candidates have jobs, families, and limited time. Here is a realistic framework to prepare effectively with just 5-7 hours per week — without burning out.
How EPSO Scores and Ranks Candidates: The Complete Scoring System Explained
Understanding how EPSO calculates your score and ranks you against other candidates is critical. Learn about minimum thresholds, weighted scores, and how the reserve list is built.
EPSO Specialist Competitions: What They Are, Who They're For, and How to Prepare
EPSO specialist competitions recruit experts in fields like law, economics, IT, and audit. Learn how they differ from generalist exams, what the field-related MCQs test, and how to build a targeted preparation strategy.