August EPSO rundown: quiet month, busy prep
August tends to be the calm before the storm in the EPSO world. With Brussels easing into its summer slumber, there’s not much official news from EPSO itself. But behind the scenes, candidates are already eyeing a busy September.
While there aren’t many fresh developments, there’s still plenty to prepare for. The application period for the AST3 Communication competition just closed, and other competitions are gearing up for their next stages. Plus, training opportunities are running throughout August to help you prep for what's ahead.
If you’re reading this from a sun lounger... we salute your dedication.
What’s coming up soon
CAST reasoning skills test – 11 September
If you’ve been invited to this round, now’s the time to brush up on verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning. EU Training is running workshops in the last week of August to help candidates refresh and practise.
AD7 Building Specialists competition – Opens 16 September
This competition will open for applications mid-September. EU Training will host a free info webcast on 17 September, walking you through the Notice of Competition and how to best prepare.
Join the Facebook group here.
Lawyer Linguists (CJEU) – Second test day on 17 September
The next stage is the Translation Review test, taking place on 17 September. EPSO has added a tutorial video for this test, so be sure to watch it to get familiar with the format.
Join the EPSO LL Facebook group here.
COM internal competition – Oral tests expected in September
First round results have been released, and interviews and oral presentations are expected to begin in September. If you’re among the candidates progressing, the Oral Test overview workshop on 19 August will be a useful way to get ready.
Join the COM Internal Facebook group here.
AST3 Communication
The application period closed on 29 July, and EPSO has now moved the three profile pages to the "ongoing" section. According to the latest update, the reasoning tests, field-related MCQ test, and EUFTE are expected to take place by the end of October 2025 (indicative) - although we know it's most likely 29 October due to un petit malheur that happened the day applications opened.
Join the EPSO AST3 COMM Facebook group here.
Training & workshops
Even if things are quiet on the EPSO front, August is a great time to prepare:
Oral Test overview workshop – 19 August
Especially helpful for candidates in the COM internal competition or anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the structured interview and oral presentation.
CAST test prep workshops – Last week of August
Reasoning skills sessions will focus on verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning ahead of the 11 September test round.
Check these links above for more upcoming dates and to reserve your spot.
Upcoming EPSO competitions
No changes here since last month, but here's a quick reminder of what's still expected later this year:
October 2025 (date to be confirmed)
- Publication of a competition for secretaries (grade AST/SC1)
- Join the Facebook group here.
Later in 2025 (month and date to be confirmed)
- Publication of a competition for generalist administrators (grade AD5)
- Join the EPSO AD5 Facebook group here
A Luxembourg-specific competition (profile to be confirmed) is expected towards the end of the year.
As always, dates are subject to change, but we’ll keep you updated as soon as anything official is announced.