EPSO is back — and this time, with one of its most anticipated competitions.
If you're keen to understand how to get a job in the EU as a permanent official, the EPSO AD5 Generalist Exam is your way in. Open to graduates from any academic background, this competition offers a gateway into EU policymaking, strategy, administration and more.
If you're considering applying, this guide provides an overview of the exam process, what to expect, and how to prepare effectively. Based on insights from EU Training expert, András Baneth, we break down every stage of the competition to help you plan your approach confidently.
What Is the EPSO AD5 Generalist Competition?
The AD5 competition is the entry point for graduate-level administrator roles within EU institutions. EPSO runs this competition to identify candidates with the potential to develop into policy officers and administrators who can contribute to the work of the EU across various fields.
The last AD5 competition took place in 2019. The Notice of Competition is expected to be announced in July 2025 with more than 1,000 candidates likely to be placed on the reserve list. The Notice of Competition will be the official source of information.
Who can apply? EPSO AD5 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the AD5 competition, you’ll need to meet both general and specific criteria:
General Requirements
- EU Citizenship: You must be a citizen of an EU member state.
- Fulfilled military service requirements (only if it’s required in your country)
- Meet the character requirements
Specific Requirements
- Language Proficiency: You must be proficient (C1 level) in one official EU language and have at least a B2 level in a second EU language.
- Qualifications and work experience: A completed university degree of at least three years (bachelor level) by the deadline and no prior professional experience is usually necessary - but the Notice of Competition will confirm these requirements.
Benefits of Being an EU Official
Aside from contributing to impactful EU projects, EU officials enjoy comprehensive health insurance, access to European Schools for your children (offering education in the official EU languages and your home country’s curriculum), and a competitive salary.
Use our EU salary calculator to estimate your earnings.
The EPSO AD5 Selection Process
EPSO competitions include four main stages, with some variations from previous years. Here's what each involves:
First, you need to submit an application (upload supporting documents at a later date), next do the selection tests, then there’s a round of eligibility checks, and, if all goes well you will end up on the reserve list. EPSO creates the reserve list but they are not involved in recruitment.
1. Submit Application Online
- Apply through the new Single Candidate Portal - EU Login.
- Application submitted in any of the 24 official European languages
- Upload supporting documents by the deadline (usually happens later than application due date)
2. EPSO Selection Tests
2.1. Reasoning Skills Test
This test is part of every EPSO competition and is usually done in your chosen Language 1. It includes three sections:
- Verbal Reasoning – typically 20 questions in 35 minutes
- Numerical Reasoning – typically 10 questions in 20 minutes
- Abstract Reasoning – typically 10 questions in 10 minutes
These are eliminatory tests, meaning you either pass or you fail. Scores are generally not ranked, and the exact pass mark will be confirmed in the Notice of Competition.
The goal of this test is to objectively screen a large number of candidates using standard, unbiased methods from occupational psychology.
For tips on managing your time effectively, and for learning specific methodology which will help increase your speed and score, take a look at the schedule for the reasoning skills workshops with our expert trainers.
2.2. EU Knowledge Test
This test covers a broad range of EU-related topics. The exact format and duration have not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to include:
- Approx. 30 multiple-choice questions
- Approx. 40 minutes
Which topics are covered?
History of the EU is useful background knowledge, but probably won’t be part of the EU knowledge test.
The test may include questions on
- Procedures: Legislative procedures of the EU: OLP, Special legislative procedures, Comitology, Budgetary procedures etc.)
- Institutions such as the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU and European Council, CJEU, EEAS and other institutions, bodies and EU agencies.
- Other topics such as the Euro and Economic governance, Energy policy, Climate Change, External Action and CSDP, Internal Market, Digital Economy, Migration and Asylum, Research, etc.
How to Prepare for the EU Knowledge Test?
Here are some useful resources to help you stay up to date with EU policies, legislation, and institutional structures.
Start with this book: The Ultimate EU Handbook – A well-rounded, accessible guide that covers the essentials of the EU without overwhelming you with too much data.
Other useful resources:
- EU Course. A structured online course made for EPSO candidates. Includes video tutorials, infographics, and quizzes covering EU institutions, decision-making, and key policies. Ideal as a starting point. View the course or you can alternatively find it on spotify and listen to it while on the go.
- Consultancies: Some consultancies like Publyon, Lanzcape etc. give analysis of policies as soon as they come out. Check their website & Linkedin
- John Harper Publishing: Besides the handbook, they offer a wide range of EU-related titles.
- European Legislative Observatory: Get detailed updates on ongoing legislation, including handy summaries.
- Legislative Train Schedule: Offers simplified, real-time updates on key EU legislative priorities.
- European Parliament Research Service: Excellent site on EU Legislation in Progress and a database with ready-made analyses you can use.
- EU Policy Briefings: 18 briefings are available on EU Training — 2 of them are free to access.
- EU Press Corner has a searchable database which you can use as an ultimate cheatsheet as the press releases also serve as summaries, FAQs, and infographics.
- EURACTIV & Politico: Both provide high-quality policy briefings and daily/weekly newsletters.
- Think Tanks: Bruegel, EPC, Epicenter... offer insightful publications on various topics.
2.3. EUFTE - Essay on General EU Matters
The EUFTE (Free-text Essay on EU Matters) is a type of written test introduced by EPSO to assess candidates' written communication skills.
Duration: Probably 40 minutes
Two weeks prior to the exam, EPSO provides a background documenton related to general EU matters. At the test, candidates must write a response to a task based on the document, demonstrating their ability to structure information logically, write concisely, present the subject matter clearly, tailor their writing to the intended audience and purpose, and effectively use the provided information - in other response, your response will be assessed for Written Communication Skills.
Want to learn more? Sign up for the EUFTE Insights Webinar.
+1 Digital Skills Test
The Digital Skills Test is a new test, but one that has not been used since it was introduced in 2023 as part of the updated selection process. According to the EPSO website it is designed to assess basic computer skills, such as cybersecurity awareness. While it may be introduced in other competitions, it is unlikely to be included in the AD5 Generalist selection process due to the language barriers and current implementation status.
3. Eligibility Checks
EPSO conducts eligibility checks, many times in parallel to scoring the exams, to ensure candidates meet both the general and specific requirements outlined in the Notice of Competition. This includes verifying documents such as proof of EU citizenship, language knowledge, and a completed university degree.
4. Scoring System & Reserve List
The scoring system remains to be confirmed in the Notice of Competition. However, based on recent competitions we can guess that it will go something like this:
- You must pass the Reasoning Skills Test
- You must be amongst the highest scoring on the EU Knowledge test
- Only those who are among the highest scoring will have their EUFTE assessed and their eligibility checked
The candidates who score highest on the EU Knowledge Test, reach the pass mark on the EUFTE and pass eligibility checks will be placed on the Reserve List until all the places are filled
The final reserve list is not ranked but in alphabetical order. Being on this list means you're eligible to be recruited, but it's not a guarantee, institutions will contact you if your profile matches their needs.
How to prepare to the EPSO AD5 Generalist Exam
In addition to our courses, workshops, and training sessions, EU Training also offers a wealth of free preparation materials. Our Tips & Tricks section is packed with practical guidance, strategy advice, and insights from past competitions to help you navigate each stage of the EPSO selection process with confidence.
To make your preparation even more effective, try our free AI-powered Preparation Planner. It creates a personalised, step-by-step study plan tailored to your schedule, learning style, and the specific tests you’ll face—helping you stay focused and on track from day one.
EPSO AD5 Generalist FAQs Covered in the Video
The EU Training team also addressed some frequently asked questions:
- How many people apply to the EPSO AD5 generalist competition? They’re expecting to have tens of thousands applicants, but only a small percentage reach the reserve list.
- Can I apply if I’m finishing my degree this year? Yes, as long as you graduate before the deadline.
- Is work experience necessary? No, this is a graduate-level entry role.
- Do I need to live in Brussels or Luxembourg? Most jobs are based there, but recruitment can lead to different institutions across the EU.
- Is internship experience considered part of work experience? - need to be obtained after the degree or paid internship.
- How can you increase your chances of getting a job from the reserve list? We have a complete webinar about this topic with various tactics and tips on how to get hired from the reserve list.
The Big Question: Should You Apply?
The AD5 competition is a unique opportunity to kickstart a career in the European Union. Although the selection process is rigorous, with the right preparation and understanding of the process securing a place on the reserve list will become a reality.
If you're motivated to work in a multicultural setting, contribute to European policies, and grow professionally, the 2025 EPSO Generalist Administrators competition is the perfect starting point.
Watch the full recording here for an in-depth look at this upcoming EPSO competition: