CAST exams are one of the two selection processes run by EPSO, and refer to the EU competitions that aim to recruit contract agents. The primary purpose of the competition is to create a pool of eligible candidates who can be called in at short notice if and when a position needs to be filled due to increased workload, covering for maternity leave, or other reasons - in short, a flexible workforce.
This selection process works differently from EPSO competitions in that candidates first upload their application in the CAST database, for which there is no deadline, and when EU institutions need temporary staff, recruiters will search the database for CVs that fit their recruitment needs. Recruiters will then invited the selected candidates to sit the EPSO CBT (Computer-Bsaed Test - Reasoning skills test). Those who reach the pass score on the CBT will then be invited for the job interview.
There are 4 Function Groups (FGi, FGII, FGIII, FGIV). The salary of contract agents depends on which Function Group they are placed in. If it is FGIV, the salary is quite comparable to that of an AD5 official, which can be around 5,000 EUR net per month, depending on various circumstances. Please check the EPSO website for up-to-date salary information.
See also:
Temporary Agent | Contract Agent
Related links:
How to get an EU Job through the CAST selection process | Reasoning Skills Test Training Sessions - Master the EPSO CBTs