AD5 is coming
And yes, it is dramatic. All eyes are on EPSO's graduate competition launching this week. From platform teething issues to rumours of testing over several days to handle the volume of applicants, there’s plenty of drama a-brewing in EU Careers.
Seven-year itch: The wait is (nearly) over.
- This Thursday, 5 February, EPSO opens the doors to the long-anticipated AD5 graduate competition, the first since 2019.
- Candidate interest is expected to be colossal and will probably break all sorts of records (and the EPSO website).
- There is good reason for all this hubbub: this is the gateway role into an EU career and becoming a permanent official - a coveted position for many EU citizens.
High hopes and heavy pressure: Word on the street is that EPSO is keeping optimistic about this year’s AD5, not just to prove that the reforms are working, but as a shot at moving on from the testing platform chaos of 2023.
- It is estimated that around 50,000 candidates will be flooding EPSO with applications,
- with testing possibly stretched across several days to handle the volume. No details yet on how that will be managed, but we can't wait to get the official details.
- 2027 will mark EPSO’s 25th anniversary. A smooth AD5 exam might just be the perfect gift to itself - if all goes to plan.
Trial by fire: EPSO’s shiny new testing platform, TAO (OAT), had its first real outing on 27 January, during the Building Management Specialists competition. The verdict? A cautiously worded “step in the right direction”, though not without a few singed edges.
- Roughly 2,249 candidates showed up to test day, which sounds solid until you realise that’s just 70% of those invited.
- A 30% no-show rate raises questions. Forgotten passwords? Fear of the platform? Did they simply forget there was an exam that day?
- Of those who did log in, 91% completed all tests, while 9% fell short due either to technical glitches or breaking test rules (yes, stepping away from your desk will get you disqualified).
- EPSO says it will offer retesting in justified cases, and is now reviewing all issues “at full speed”.
Data black hole: Remember the Data management and data knowledge LUX competition? Yeah, we nearly forgot too. EPSO seems to have misplaced the update button. Still no word on how many candidates applied, nor any hint of a test date. Silence isn’t always golden, especially when thousands are waiting.
CAST, ever faithful: While the spotlight’s on AD5, CAST keeps calm and carries on.
- The next round of computer-based tests is set for 25 February.
- No surprises here, same format, same platform, and the usual short notice.
- If you’re CV is in the CAST database, keep a close eye on your inbox.
- Sign up for a workshop in the meantime to keep your reasoning skills fresh.