In December 2025, the official 2026 EPSO competition calendar dropped with the biggest list of planned competitions we’ve seen in years. With the new online testing provider now in place, a lot is riding on whether the platform performs smoothly, because if it does, the 2026 timetable might finally stick.
The headline entry-level competition, AD5 Graduates, is planned to open for applications in February 2026. But it’s not the only door: the 2026 calendar also includes a long line-up of other competitions which means more chances to enter the EU institutions this year.
What EPSO exams are
The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) was set up in 2002 to recruit staff for EU institutions. It runs open competitions to create reserve lists of qualified candidates who can then be hired. Our complete guide to EPSO exams explains the history, the types of competitions, and how the recruitment process works.
EPSO exams are conducted online. Every open competition and CAST exam includes the reasoning skills tests (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning). Open competitions also have at least two other tests and these can vary by profile, it can include field-related MCQs, an EU knowledge test, or a type of Written Test, like the EUFTE. Which tests will be used in the competition is only officially confirmed in the Notice of Competition, so always check that document first for the official information, and see our guide to EPSO exams for the full breakdown.
Full list of planned EPSO competitions for 2026
According to EPSO’s “Upcoming opportunities” page, the competitions planned for 2026 are:
- Graduates (AD5): application window expected in the first half of February 2026.
- Secretaries (AST/SC)
- IT experts: AD (IT infrastructure, project management, clouds and networks)
- IT experts: AD (AI, data science, cybersecurity)
- Auditors: AD
- Lawyer‑Linguists (Court of Justice)
- Assistants for Parliamentary body (AST)
- Data management experts (AST)
- Lawyers: AD (competition law, financial/EMU law, litigation law)
- Lawyers: AD (AI law, criminal law, energy law)
- Lawyer‑Linguists for Parliament, Council and Commission (AD)
- International affairs specialists (AD)
- Translators (AD)
- ICT experts: AST (IT infrastructure/clouds/networks, software development, user support)
- Nuclear inspectors (AST)
EPSO has said that months and exact dates could still change.
CAST: another way into EU jobs
Apart from open competitions, EPSO also runs the Contract Agents Selection Tool (CAST). CAST candidates must submit an application through EPSO to join a pool from which institutions can recruit contract staff. Recruiters search through that database to find suitable candidates, and then invite potential hires to sit the CAST reasoning skills test (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning). EPSO has confirmed monthly testing dates for CAST in 2026; the first sessions are planned for:
- 21 January,
- 25 February and
- 31 March.
Further dates will be announced later in the year. Our dedicated CAST article explains how this process works and why it’s a useful back‑door route into an EU career.
How to prepare
1. Start with the Notice of Competition (this is the only “final” version of the exam)
Treat the EPSO calendar as the heads-up, but treat the Notice of Competition (NoC) as the rulebook. The NoC is where EPSO confirms the exact test types, language rules, deadlines, and scoring for your competition and it’s the document you should build your plan around.
2. Build your core first: reasoning skills (always)
Every EPSO competition includes the reasoning skills test, and it is the only test you have to pass for CAST: verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning. Start by making sure you have a steady weekly rhythm for reasoning skills:
- short, timed practice blocks (speed matters)
- mistake review (why you lost points, not just “right/wrong”)
Read our full guide about the reasoning skills and how to start practising.
3) Add the competition-specific parts (only after the NoC confirms them)
Once the NoC is out, you’ll know what sits on top of reasoning. Depending on the profile, that can include things like:
- field-related MCQs for specialist profiles
- an EU knowledge test and/or a digital skills test for the AD5.
- a written test format (e.g., EUFTE or another written assignment type)
- some specialist competitions, like translators, proofreaders and lawyer-linguists, may have language comprehension and translation tests.
Already passed an EPSO exam? Turn your result into a job offer
If you’ve already passed an EPSO competition (or you’re on a reserve list), your focus shifts from “studying” to getting hired. That means tracking real vacancies, targeting the institutions and services that recruit your profile, and applying consistently.
Start with our EU job postings to spot opportunities and build a shortlist.
Then join our Reserve List webinar, where we break down how recruitment actually works and what you can do to increase your chances of being contacted and hired.
FAQs
What EPSO competitions are coming up in 2026? The official list for 2026 includes graduates, secretaries, IT experts (two fields), auditors, lawyer‑linguists, assistants for parliamentary bodies, data management experts, several lawyer profiles, international affairs specialists, translators, ICT experts and nuclear inspectors.
When will the AD5 Graduate competition open? EPSO plans to open applications in the first half of February 2026, although the exact date could change.
How hard is it to get a job through EPSO? Competitions are competitive, many candidates apply, and only those who reach the top of the reserve list get hired. Preparation and understanding the process are essential.
Who can work for the EU institutions? Candidates need strong reasoning skills, basic knowledge of the EU, at least two EU languages, some type of diploma, and for specialist competitions candidates also need professional experience or qualifications relevant to the profile. People from all backgrounds and nationalities can apply - as long as they are an EU citizen.
How do EPSO exams differ from ordinary job tests? They are standardised and regulated, as well as EU-centric. All tests are computer‑based and remotely proctored, with strict rules on identity checks and time management.
Can CAST and traineeships still be used to get into the EU? Yes. CAST offers regular testing dates for contract staff, and traineeships provide useful experience but do not replace passing an EPSO competition.