EPSO AST3 Data Management experts 2026
EPSO has opened a new competition to build reserve lists of Data Management experts at assistant level (AST3), across three fields covering data, information and records management. Here is what is confirmed so far, who is eligible, and how the reasoning tests fit into the selection process.
Key facts (EPSO/AST/158/26)
- Grade: AST 3 (assistant)
- Fields: Data processing, analytics, and statistics · Librarianship and information science · Records and archives management — one field only per candidate
- Application window: 6 October 2026 – 11 November 2026, 12:00 midday Brussels time
- Supporting documents: by 11 March 2027, 12:00 midday Brussels time
The Notice of Competition, with full eligibility rules, duties and the exact test format, had not yet been published at the time of writing. Always check EU Careers directly for the official notice and anything not covered here.
The three fields
You choose one field only when you apply. Based on EPSO's published planning, the three fields are:
- Data processing, analytics, and statistics— working with data to support evidence-based decision-making across the EU institutions
- Librarianship and information science — organising, curating and providing access to information resources
- Records and archives management — preserving and managing institutional records and archives
Detailed duties, required qualifications and professional experience per field will be set out field by field in the Notice of Competition once it is published.
How the selection process is expected to work
EPSO has not yet published the Notice of Competition for EPSO/AST/158/26, so the exact test format isn't official yet. That said, nearly every recent EPSO competition — AST and AD grades alike — opens with the same first stage: computer-based verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests, used as a pass/fail gate before any field-specific assessment. It would be reasonable to expect AST3 Data Management to follow the same pattern, but treat this as a strong likelihood, not a confirmed fact, until EPSO publishes the notice.
Because reasoning tests consistently come first, regardless of your chosen field, they are the highest-leverage area to start practising now, while you wait for the official notice and exact test 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 — these sit outside EPSO's own selection process entirely.
EPSO AST3 Data Management — FAQ
Can I apply for more than one field?
No. You can apply for one field only: Data processing, analytics, and statistics; Librarianship and information science; or Records and archives management. Choose the field that best matches your qualifications and experience before submitting your application.
What tests are part of the EPSO AST3 Data Management selection process?
The Notice of Competition for EPSO/AST/158/26 has not been published yet, so the exact test format is not officially confirmed. In line with virtually every recent EPSO competition, at AST and AD grade alike, the selection is expected to start with computer-based verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests, followed by a field-related test. This will be confirmed once EPSO publishes the Notice of Competition.
What grade is this competition?
AST 3 — an assistant-level grade. This is different from the AD5, AD7 and AD8 competitions (administrator grades) also running in 2026.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close 11 November 2026 at 12:00 (midday) Brussels time.
What's the deadline for supporting documents?
Supporting documents are due by 11 March 2027, 12:00 (midday) Brussels time.
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 are expected to come first, whatever field you choose. Practice with timed EPSO-style questions and instant scoring.