EPSO AD8 ICT competition 2026: AI & Cybersecurity
EPSO is organising a new open competition to establish reserve lists for senior ICT administrators (grade AD8) in two of the most in-demand fields in the EU civil service: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Here is what is confirmed so far, who is eligible, and how the selection process works.
Key facts (EPSO/AD/430/26)
- Grade: AD8 (senior administrator)
- Fields: Artificial Intelligence, or Cybersecurity — one field only per candidate
- Application window: 8 September 2026 – 13 October 2026, 12:00 midday Brussels time
- Identity document upload: by the application deadline, 13 October 2026, 12:00 midday Brussels time
- Supporting documents: by 14 January 2027, 12:00 midday Brussels time
Full eligibility rules, duties and test details are in the Notice of Competition on EPSO's application page — always check it directly for anything not covered here.
Who can apply
You must be an EU national enjoying full rights as an EU citizen, with a thorough knowledge (C1) of one official EU language and a satisfactory knowledge (B2) of another. On top of that, you need one of these combinations of education and relevant professional experience:
- A three-year degree relevant to your chosen field, plus at least seven years of relevant experience
- A four-year degree relevant to your chosen field, plus at least six years of relevant experience
- A five-year degree relevant to your chosen field, plus at least five years of relevant experience
- A three-year degree in another area, plus at least nine years of relevant experience
Exact requirements vary by field (AI vs Cybersecurity) — check the Notice of Competition for the full, binding details before you apply.
What the job involves
Artificial Intelligence
- Designing, building, validating and operating end-to-end AI solutions (technical specialisation)
- Ensuring compliant, defensible and scalable AI use (governance, compliance and enablement)
- Policymaking and policy enforcement in the field of AI
Cybersecurity
- Risk management and security assurance
- Architecture, design and technology
- Security operations and incident response
- Governance, policy and coordination
- Awareness, skills and advisory
This list is not exhaustive — detailed duties are set out field by field in the Notice of Competition.
How the selection process works
The selection process includes online reasoning tests, a field-related test tied to your chosen field, and a free-text essay on EU matters. Tests may run on the same day or across different days — exact dates will only be communicated to applicants, via the Candidate Portal, after the application deadline closes. Candidates may sit their tests in any two of the 24 official EU languages.
As with every AD-grade EPSO competition, the reasoning tests come first and act as a pass/fail gate — regardless of how strong your AI or cybersecurity background is, you need to clear verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning before your field expertise is even assessed. That makes reasoning the highest-leverage area to start practising now, while you wait for exact dates.
After the reserve list
Candidates who succeed are placed on a reserve list. EU institutions and bodies interested in a candidate's profile may then reach out directly for recruitment interviews — usually conducted in English and/or French, sometimes with other languages depending on the recruiting service's needs. These interviews sit outside EPSO's own selection process entirely.
EPSO AD8 ICT — FAQ
Can I apply for both Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity?
No. Candidates may apply for one field only. Choose whichever field best matches your qualifications and experience before submitting your application.
What tests are part of the EPSO AD8 ICT selection process?
The selection process includes online reasoning tests, a field-related test specific to your chosen field (AI or Cybersecurity), and a free-text essay on EU matters. Tests may take place on the same day or across different days.
When will the exact test dates be announced?
EPSO has not yet published exact test dates. They will be communicated to all applicants through the Candidate Portal after the application deadline (13 October 2026) closes.
Which languages can I use for testing?
Candidates may choose any two of the 24 official EU languages for their tests, alongside meeting the C1/B2 language knowledge requirements described in the Notice of Competition.
What happens after the reserve list?
Successful candidates are placed on a reserve list. EU institutions and bodies interested in a candidate’s profile may then contact them directly for recruitment interviews, which are separate from and outside EPSO’s own selection process.
Start practising reasoning tests now
Verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning come first, whatever your field. Practice with timed EPSO-style questions and instant scoring.