The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) runs highly competitive exams to recruit staff for the institutions of the European Union. Thousands of candidates apply each year, but before you dive into study materials or register for competitions, one crucial question stands in your way:

👉 Which EPSO role is right for you?

Choosing the right competition is more than just ticking a box it’s the foundation of your entire journey. Preparing for the wrong exam wastes time, energy, and resources. Preparing for the right one increases your chances of success and opens the door to a career that truly fits your skills and ambitions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main EPSO categories AD, AST, CAST, and FG explore what each one involves, and give you practical tips on choosing the best path.

AD: Administrator Roles

Who it’s for: University graduates or candidates with equivalent professional experience.

What the role involves:

Administrator (AD) positions are at the heart of the EU’s policymaking and strategic work. If you’ve ever dreamed of influencing European legislation, working on international agreements, or drafting policies that impact millions, this is where you belong.

Typical AD tasks include:

• Drafting, implementing, and monitoring policies.
• Conducting economic, legal, or scientific analysis.
• Advising decision-makers and contributing to negotiations.
• Coordinating projects that stretch across member states.

Why choose AD?

AD roles are intellectually challenging and highly respected. They require analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to work with complex information. Salaries are competitive, and the work environment is multicultural and fast-paced.

💡 EUKnowledge offers AD-specific preparation packs, from AD200 to AD800, covering verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning questions—all designed to reflect the complexity of these exams.

AST: Assistant Roles

Who it’s for: Candidates with secondary or post-secondary education, often paired with relevant experience.

What the role involves:

Assistant (AST) positions are more operational than AD roles. They provide essential support for the EU’s daily functioning, often in areas such as administration, finance, communications, or IT.

Typical AST tasks include:

• Administrative and clerical support.
• Managing budgets and financial records.
• Assisting in technical or IT projects.
• Coordinating logistics and communications.

Why choose AST?

AST roles are an excellent entry point into EU institutions. They provide career stability, opportunities to grow within the system, and exposure to the inner workings of EU administration. Many candidates see AST as a stepping stone toward future AD roles.

💡 Our AST200, AST400, and AST800 packs are tailored to the reasoning challenges faced in AST exams especially in abstract and numerical reasoning, which trip up many candidates.

CAST: Contract Agents

Who it’s for: Professionals looking for flexible entry into EU institutions without waiting for open competitions.

What the role involves:

The Contract Agents Selection Tool (CAST) is unique because it has no fixed deadlines. Instead, institutions maintain a database of profiles and invite candidates for testing as positions open up. Roles vary widely depending on the profile—administration, finance, IT, project management, and more.

Typical CAST features:

• Flexible recruitment—apply when profiles are open.
• Invitations to tests can come at any time, so readiness is key.
• Roles range from short-term assignments to renewable contracts.

Why choose CAST?

CAST offers a practical way into the EU for candidates who don’t want to wait for the next AD or AST competition. It’s especially attractive for those who want to gain experience quickly or who are open to shorter contract positions.

💡 EUKnowledge provides CAST200, CAST400, and CAST800 packs with a balanced mix of verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning questions. Our platform mirrors the real CAST interface, ensuring you’re prepared when the call comes.

FG: Function Groups

Who it’s for: Candidates with diverse educational and professional backgrounds roles vary depending on the Function Group (I–IV).

What the role involves:

Function Groups (FG) are often associated with contract agents, divided into categories based on qualifications and responsibilities:

• FG I: Manual and administrative support.
• FG II: Clerical support and office roles.
• FG III: Executive and technical roles (e.g., project support, communications).
• FG IV: High-level professional work (e.g., policy, legal, translation).

FG roles are common in EU delegations, support offices, and smaller agencies. They provide valuable opportunities for candidates at different stages of their careers.

Why choose FG?

FG positions are versatile and widespread. They allow candidates to find a role that matches their skills and education level, from clerical support to policy-related work.

💡 At EUKnowledge, our tailored EUKnow100, EUKnow300, and EUKnow600 packages provide the knowledge and reasoning practice required for FG candidates aiming to stand out in their assessments.

So… Which One Fits You?

The right EPSO path depends on:

• Your education level: University graduates may lean toward AD, while those with secondary education may find AST or FG more suitable.
• Your career goals: Do you want to draft policies, provide support, or enter through flexible contracts?
• Your timeline: CAST candidates need to stay “always ready,” while AD and AST candidates can prepare around open competition dates.
• Your strengths: Strong analytical and writing skills are key for AD roles, while organizational ability may shine in AST.

EUKnowledge helps you assess your fit by providing:

• Free sample tests to evaluate your readiness in different categories.
• Role-specific packages designed for AD, AST, CAST, and FG preparation.
• Community engagement to learn from others on the same journey.

Why EUKnowledge is the Smart Choice

In a crowded marketplace of test prep platforms, EUKnowledge offers a complete solution:

1. Expert-built questions that reflect real EPSO standards.
2. Realistic simulations with the same timing, interface, and scoring as the exams.
3. Affordable, flexible packages—from 100-question starter packs to 800-question deep dives.
4. Performance tracking so you know exactly where to focus.
5. Community support through polls, shared questions, and study discussions.

This combination makes EUKnowledge more than just a test bank it’s a partner in your EPSO journey.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right EPSO role is the first step toward your EU career. Whether you see yourself drafting policies as an AD, supporting operations as an AST, entering flexibly through CAST, or finding your niche in FG, your path starts with preparation.

At EUKnowledge, we’ve built a platform that makes this journey less overwhelming and more achievable. From free sample tests to advanced simulation packs, everything is designed to help you learn smarter, track your progress, and build confidence.

🔍 Still unsure?

Take a free sample test today at EUKnowledge.eu and discover which role suits your strengths.

👩‍🎓 Your future in the EU starts here don’t wait, prepare with EUKnowledge.