AD5 vs AST vs CAST: Which EU Competition Is Right for You?

Not all EU competitions are created equal. Choosing the wrong competition type wastes months of preparation and can mean competing against candidates who are better matched to the profile. Here is how AD, AST, and CAST differ — and how to decide.

AD (Administrator) — The Policy Track

Grade range: AD5 to AD16

What it is: Administrator positions are the "policy officer" track. AD staff draft legislation, manage programmes, analyse policy, negotiate with member states, and represent the EU externally.

Eligibility:

• University degree (minimum 3 years, though most successful candidates hold a master's)
• AD5 is the entry level — no professional experience required
• AD7 and above require relevant professional experience

The test (format varies by competition):

• Computer-Based Test (CBT): Verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning
• EU Knowledge and Digital Skills (for generalist competitions)
• Some competitions include an Assessment Centre or written exercises (e.g., EUFTE essay). The 2026 AD5 uses a fully remote format with no in-person Assessment Centre.

Salary (AD5 step 1): Approximately EUR 5,800-6,200 net per month in Brussels including expatriation allowance (EU salary is exempt from national tax, subject to lower EU-internal tax)

Competition level: Extremely high. The 2026 AD5 generalist competition attracted nearly 175,000 applicants for approximately 1,490 reserve list positions.

AST (Assistant) — The Support Track

Grade range: AST1 to AST11, AST-SC1 to AST-SC6

What it is: Assistants handle administrative support, financial management, secretarial tasks, HR processes, and technical implementation. AST-SC is specifically for secretarial and clerical work.

Eligibility:

• Post-secondary education diploma (or secondary education + 3 years relevant experience)
• AST3 and above may require professional experience

The test:

• CBT: Similar structure to AD but with different difficulty calibration
• Some AST competitions include a practical skills test (e.g., financial procedures)
• Some competitions include an Assessment Centre (format varies by competition)

Salary (AST1 step 1): Approximately EUR 3,600-3,800 net per month in Brussels including expatriation allowance

Competition level: High, but less extreme than AD5. Typically 5,000-15,000 applicants per competition.

CAST (Contract Agent) — The Flexible Route

Grade range: FG I to FG IV (Function Groups)

What it is: Contract agents are hired on fixed-term contracts (typically 3-6 years, sometimes renewable). They work across all EU institutions and agencies, often in the same roles as permanent staff.

Eligibility:

• FG I: Compulsory education completed (manual and administrative support tasks)
• FG II: Post-secondary education attested by a diploma, or secondary education + 3 years relevant professional experience (clerical and secretarial tasks)
• FG III: Post-secondary education attested by a diploma, or secondary education + 3 years relevant professional experience (executive, drafting, and technical tasks)
• FG IV: University degree of at least 3 years (administrative, advisory, and linguistic tasks)

The test:

• CBT only (verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning)
• No Assessment Centre for the initial selection
• Hiring institution may conduct its own interview

Salary (FG IV step 1): Approximately EUR 4,000-4,600 net per month in Brussels including expatriation allowance

Competition level: Moderate. The rolling nature means less direct competition, but positions can be scarce.

Decision Matrix

Choose AD if:

• You have a university degree and want a long-term policy career
• You are comfortable with a highly competitive process
• You want the highest salary ceiling and career progression

Choose AST if:

• You have a diploma or secondary education with experience
• You prefer administrative, financial, or technical support roles
• You want permanent employment with lower competition than AD

Choose CAST if:

• You want to enter the EU institutions quickly
• You are open to fixed-term contracts
• You want to gain experience before attempting an AD or AST competition
• You are already working near an EU institution or agency

Can You Switch Later?

Yes. Many EU officials started as CAST contract agents, then passed an AD or AST competition to become permanent staff. In fact, internal experience is a significant advantage — you understand the institution, the culture, and the test format.

The Strategic Approach

Apply to everything you are eligible for. There is no penalty for entering multiple competitions, and CAST registration is ongoing. Many successful EU officials applied to 3 or 4 competitions before passing one.