If you’ve ever considered applying for a job at an EU institution, chances are you’ve heard a few rumours about the EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) exams. Some are half-truths, others are just plain wrong... and unfortunately, they stop great candidates from even trying.
It’s time to clear the air. Here are the top five EPSO myths busted, with facts, insider tips, and practical advice.
1. You need years of experience to apply
The myth: “EPSO jobs are only for people with decades of professional experience.”
The truth: The level of professional experience required varies depending on the grade and type of competition. But rest assured, you don’t need nearly as much experience as many people assume – the requirements are clearly defined in each competition and are often more attainable than candidates expect.
Only the AD5 Generalist competition is open to recent graduates with no prior work experience, provided they have at least a bachelor’s degree.
In specialist competitions, for both AST and AD levels, candidates must have some relevant professional experience.
- For AD6+ specialist competitions, a more substantial amount of experience is usually expected, though the exact requirement varies by competition.
- For AST competitions, experience is also necessary, but to a lesser extent than at AD grades – and the educational requirement is generally less demanding, with some profiles accepting a two-year diploma or even completed secondary education
Important: Remember to always consult the Notice of Competition, as this is the official source for eligibility rules, qualifications, and experience requirements
2. The EPSO exams are impossible to pass
The myth: “No one gets through unless they’re a genius.”
The truth: While EPSO exams are demanding, they are designed to be fair and standardised. Success depends on knowing the format and practising with realistic simulations. We know of many candidates passing the first time they sat the exams.
Reasoning skills tests - verbal, numerical and abstract - follow clear logic. Once you learn proven methods (like the 3-step approach for abstract reasoning), your scores can improve significantly. Thousands of candidates succeed every year — not because they’re geniuses, but because they prepared smartly and consistently.
Read our coach Thomas's top tips for passing the reasoning skills test.
3. It’s all about luck
The myth: “You just have to hope for easy questions.”
The truth: EPSO tests use large, standardised question banks to ensure fairness. Luck may influence which written assignment or topic you get, but preparation is the real game-changer.
Practising under exam conditions helps you manage time pressure and approach questions with confidence rather than relying on chance.
4. If you fail once, you’re out forever
The myth: “Failing means you’ll never work for the EU.”
The truth: There’s no lifetime ban. You can apply as many times nd for as many EPSO competitions as you'd like. Many successful candidates pass only after their second or third attempts.
For CAST contract agent roles, you can even re-take the reasoning skills tests after a waiting period. Since January 2025, this waiting period has been reduced to four months for the same or higher Function Group, making it quicker to try again.
Each attempt helps you become more familiar with the process and boosts your confidence for the next round.
5. Only policy experts can apply
The myth: “If you’re not a political science or EU law graduate, you don’t stand a chance.”
The truth: EPSO runs competitions for a wide variety of profiles. In 2025 alone, this includes communication assistants (AST3), lawyer-linguists, secretaries, and building specialists — alongside the highly anticipated AD5 Generalist competition.
For Generlists (AD5), degrees in any field are accepted. EU institutions value diversity of background: IT, economics, science, communication, translation, law, and more are all in demand.
6. You must already live in Brussels or Luxembourg
Myth: “Only people who already live in Brussels or Luxembourg can apply for EPSO jobs.”
Fact: This is not true. EPSO competitions are open to citizens of all EU member states, regardless of where they currently live. You do not need to be based in Brussels or Luxembourg to apply - your location is irrelevant during the application and exam stages.
If you are successful and hired, you will then relocate to where the job is based. Most positions are indeed located in Brussels and Luxembourg, but there are also opportunities in EU agencies across Europe and in EU delegations worldwide.
So don’t let geography hold you back — EPSO is looking for the best candidates across the EU, not just those already in Belgium or Luxembourg.
7. Everyone who gets on the reserve list will be recruited immediately
Myth: “Once you’re on the EPSO reserve list, you’ll automatically get a job offer.”
Fact: Not quite. The reserve list means you are eligible for recruitment, but it is not a job guarantee. EU institutions hire from the reserve list only when vacancies match a candidate’s profile.
Recruitment can happen quickly, or it may take months. We asked our successful candidates what happened after they got on the reserve list. Some were contacted within weeks, while others had to wait much longer depending on institutional needs and budget availability and many of them needed to apply directly to job offers. In fact, the longest wait we heard about was four years after getting on the reserve list.
This is why preparation shouldn’t stop at the exam. Once on the reserve list, you need to stay visible, keep your CV up to date, actively seek out opportunities and be ready for interviews when they arise.
Join our EPO Reserve List Roadmap webinar to hear how successful candidates turned the reserve list into an EU job.
8. You need perfect English or French to pass
Myth: “EPSO exams are only for those fluent in English or French.”
Fact: EPSO competitions are multilingual - all 24 official EU languages are accepted. You must choose two (Language 1 and Language 2), usually at C1 and B2 level. English and French are popular choices because test interfaces, resources, and many institutional documents use them, but they are not the only valid options.
For example, you could sit your reasoning tests in Spanish (L1) and your Written Test in German (L2), as long as you meet the required proficiency levels.
The key is not “perfect English or French,” but strong skills in any two EU languages. EPSO values linguistic diversity.
That said, Language 2 plays a critical role: it is the language in which your written communication skills are tested, through exams such as the EUFTE or the Written Test. Since English is now the main working language of the institutions (with French and, to a lesser extent, German still important), choosing one of these for your Language 2 can be a strategic advantage. Strong written communication in a widely used working language is highly valued and can influence both your exam performance and future work inside the institutions.
9. EU officials earn untaxed, sky-high salaries
Myth: “Working for the EU means huge, untaxed salaries and guaranteed wealth.”
Fact: While EU salaries are competitive, they are far from the “tax-free fortune” people imagine. EU officials pay a specific EU tax and pension contributions, which are deducted directly from their salary. In addition, salaries are based on transparent pay scales published by the European Commission, with rates adjusted according to grade and step.
For example, an entry-level AD5 administrator starts on a salary aligned with their grade — and while allowances for expatriation or family circumstances may apply, these are carefully defined, not automatic bonuses.
EU pay is designed to attract talent from all member states, not to make officials millionaires. It provides a stable and fair income, comparable to senior civil service roles in national administrations. Read our myth-busting article about EU salaries.
The Takeaway
Don’t let misinformation stop you from aiming for an EU career. The EPSO process is transparent, merit-based, and open to a wide range of candidates - including graduates, specialists, and career changers.
With the right preparation, you can turn what looks like a daunting exam process into a clear, achievable goal.
If you have doubts or questions, don'r miss our Ask me Anything Webinar - a chance to ask EPSO experts András Baneth and Luc Gillis directly.