AST1-AST11 Permanent Official

AST Competitions (Assistants)

Executive support, technical assistance, financial management. Permanent positions requiring post-secondary education. The bridge between support staff and administrators.

Overview

Assistant (AST) competitions recruit professionals for executive support, technical implementation, financial management, and administrative coordination. AST spans grades AST1 to AST11 and represents the mid-tier of permanent EU staff.

Entry typically requires secondary education plus a relevant vocational qualification, or post-secondary education. AST3 is the most common entry grade for candidates with professional experience.

A key advantage: AST officials at grade AST5 (step 2) and above can apply for internal certification to transition to the AD career track — offering a genuine path to senior positions.

Entry Requirements

EU citizenship with full civic rights
Secondary education diploma (minimum)
Post-secondary diploma or relevant vocational qualification preferred
AST3: relevant professional experience required
Two official EU languages at specified levels

Selection Tests

Computer-based MCQ tests (eliminatory, pass/fail threshold)
E-tray exercise (assessment phase)
Competency-based interview
Two field-specific tests
EUFTE written communication assessment
Assessment phase conducted in Language 2

Typical Roles

Financial management and budgetary control
Human resources and personnel administration
IT systems and technical support
Document management and archives
Communication and public relations support
Research assistance and data analysis

Salary & Benefits

AST1 Step 1: approx. EUR 3,700/month gross. AST3 (with experience): EUR 3,397+/month. Same benefits package as AD: expatriation allowance, family allowances, healthcare, EU pension.

Try the simulator Competition Programs

Other competition tracks

AD Competitions (Administrators) AST/SC Competitions (Secretaries & Clerks) CAST Permanent (Contract Agents)

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