Guide for EU Careers

Working in European institutions or agencies

Our guide for EU Careers is designed to help future candidates understand every stage of the journey to working for the European Union. Whether you are discovering EU careers for the first time or preparing to enter an EPSO competition, this comprehensive guide brings together all the essential information you need to navigate the system, understand job opportunities in EU institutions and prepare effectively for selection tests.

Working in European institutions or agencies

Start your career in European Union institutions or agencies and join a truly multicultural workplace at the heart of Europe.

EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) organises competitive exams to recruit EU citizens with proficiency in at least two official EU languages. A good level of French and English are especially valuable in Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg.

ORSEU Concours provides expert guidance on every step of the selection process, with practical tips and tailored online test preparation.

Explore diverse opportunities: internships for students, entry-level roles for graduates, and career progression for experienced professionals in the EU civil service. Prepare strategically and access official EPSO resources to boost your chances of success in the EU job market.

Discover the various EU staff categories.

Discover the opportunities in our video series "Working in European institutions".

Different competitions and selection procedures

Working for the European institutions and agencies is possible under several types of employment: civil servant, contract agent, or temporary agent.

Each status has its own selection procedure, eligibility criteria, and recruitment path. Below is a clear overview to help you understand the major differences and find the right opportunity for your EU career.

Civil Servants: Recruitment Through EPSO Competitions

Civil servants are recruited through EPSO competitions, which are organised by job category:

  • Secretary (SC)
  • Assistant (AST)
  • Administrator (AD)

The official notice of competition, published on the EPSO-EU Careers website, is the key reference document. It includes all essential details:

  • Eligibility conditions
  • Job profile and tasks
  • Selection tests and assessment methods
  • Scoring rules

Candidates who successfully pass all stages of the competition are placed on a reserve list, which EU institutions use to fill permanent positions.

Contract Agents: CAST Permanent (CAST-P) Selection

Most contract agents are recruited through the CAST-P (Contract Agent Selection Tool – Permanent) procedure.

  • CAST = Contract Agent Selection Tool
  • “P” = Permanent availability since 2017

CAST-P offers various functional fields and levels, enabling candidates with different backgrounds to apply.

Unlike civil servants, contract agents usually receive fixed-term contracts, although renewals or long-term opportunities are possible depending on the institution.

Temporary Agents: Recruitment Based on Immediate Needs

Temporary staff are recruited directly by EU institutions and agencies according to their specific needs.

Opportunities are published on the EPSO website, where you can browse:

  • Temporary positions
  • Specialist profiles
  • Short-term assignments

This type of contract is often used for expertise in a specific field or to fill urgent operational needs.

Learn More About EU Competitions and CAST

Explore additional resources to understand the differences between roles and selection procedures:

Click here to see the major differences in the selection of an EU official vs CAST

Open and upcoming competitions

EPSO publishes all open and upcoming job opportunities on its official EU Careers website. In the "Work for the EU" section, you will find:

  • Internships
  • Temporary contracts
  • Permanent positions
  • CAST selections
  • Administrator and Assistant competitions
  • Graduate and specialist profiles

This section is updated regularly and is the best source to explore new opportunities in the EU institutions.

Preparing for the selection tests

Preparing effectively for the EPSO selection tests is essential to succeed in any EU competition or selection procedure. Each competition may include different assessments, but the notice of competition remains the key reference document, outlining the exact tests, scoring rules, and evaluation criteria.

Below is an overview of the tests most commonly used in EU competitions and how to prepare for each of them.

Reasoning Tests: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning

These core tests appear in nearly all EPSO selections. Candidates must reach the minimum pass mark in each test to continue in the process.

To maximise your score, it is crucial to:

  • Understand how each reasoning test works
  • Practise regularly with realistic exercises
  • Use reliable preparation tools

We provide a range of books, online courses, and online test simulations designed specifically for EPSO competitions.

EU Knowledge test

The EU Knowledge Test may appear in AD5 competitions and certain internal competitions. It evaluates your understanding of:

  • EU functioning
  • EU institutions
  • EU policies and decision-making procedures

To help you prepare, we offer three packs of 150 EU knowledge questions, covering all major topics you need to master.

Written Test in EU Competitions

The written test is now included in most EPSO competitions and assesses your ability to analyse information, structure ideas, and communicate clearly.

Our online course and our Case Study book provide targeted training to help you understand the expectations, develop the right methodology, and practise with realistic examples.

Oral Interview Preparation

Many competitions conclude with an oral interview, where assessors evaluate your competencies, motivation, and professional behaviour.

Our book “How to Succeed in a Job Interview” helps you prepare for:

  • Competency-based (STAR) questions
  • Motivation questions
  • Job-specific scenarios
  • Additional tests such as role plays or case discussions

Additional Resources

For more insights on how to prepare efficiently, read our blog article:

👉 “7 tips to prepare successfully for European competitions”

ORSEU Concours selection:

Useful links

In this section, you will find a collection of essential links and official resources to support your preparation for EPSO competitions and deepen your understanding of the European Union. These trusted sources will help you stay informed about upcoming selection procedures, EU policies, and institutional news — all of which are valuable when preparing for the EPSO tests and interviews.

Here, you can access:

  • The EPSO website and its official Facebook and Linkedin pages for announcements, job opportunities, and competition updates
  • Reliable platforms such as Euronews and the European Union website to follow EU developments and understand how the institutions operate
  • ORSEU’s own social media pages — Facebook, Instagram, and our YouTube channel— where we share expert advice, tips, and resources to help you succeed in your EU career journey

These links provide authoritative, up-to-date information and are ideal starting points for anyone preparing for EU competitions or seeking to learn more about careers within the European institutions..