What is CAST Permanent?
CAST Permanent (Contract Agents Selection Tool) is the European Personnel Selection Office's standing recruitment framework for hiring contract agents across all EU institutions, agencies, and bodies. Unlike EPSO open competitions that run periodically and produce reserve lists with expiry dates, CAST Permanent is always open for registration.
The framework replaced the previous system of ad-hoc CAST selection procedures. Under the old system, each vacancy triggered a separate call for expressions of interest, and candidates had to re-apply and re-test for different positions. CAST Permanent simplified this by creating a single, ongoing process.
Here is how it works at a high level: you register once, take computer-based reasoning tests, and if you pass, your profile remains in the CAST database indefinitely. EU institutions and agencies search this database whenever they have contract agent vacancies and contact suitable candidates directly.
Contract agents make up a significant portion of the EU workforce. Many agencies, in particular, rely heavily on contract agents for their core operations. While contract agent positions do not offer the same permanence as official posts (which require EPSO competition success), they provide a genuine path into EU employment with competitive salaries and benefits.
Function Groups
Contract agents are organised into four function groups (FG I through FG IV), each corresponding to a different level of responsibility, educational requirement, and salary range.
| Function Group | Tasks | Education Required | Salary Range (monthly, basic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FG I | Manual and administrative support tasks | Compulsory education | ~1,900 - 3,800 EUR |
| FG II | Clerical, secretarial, office management | Secondary education (or equivalent) | ~2,300 - 4,700 EUR |
| FG III | Executive tasks, drafting, accounting, technical work | Post-secondary education (at least 1 year) or degree | ~2,700 - 5,800 EUR |
| FG IV | Administrative, advisory, linguistic, policy tasks | University degree (at least 3 years) | ~3,600 - 7,900 EUR |
Within each function group, contract agents progress through grade steps that increase their salary over time. Promotion between function groups is not automatic and typically requires applying for a new position at a higher level.
How to Register
Registering for CAST Permanent is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Follow these steps:
- Create an EPSO account — Visit the EPSO website and create your candidate account if you do not already have one. This is the same account used for all EU recruitment procedures.
- Access CAST Permanent — Navigate to the CAST Permanent section on your EPSO account dashboard. The registration is open year-round.
- Select your function group(s) — Choose the function group(s) you are eligible for based on your education level. You can select multiple FGs.
- Choose your profile(s) and domain(s) — CAST Permanent is organised by professional domains (e.g., European Public Administration, Finance, IT, Law, Communication). Select all domains that match your qualifications and experience.
- Complete your application — Fill in your educational background, professional experience, language skills, and any other requested information. Be thorough: this is the profile that recruiters will search.
- Submit — Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation. EPSO will invite you to take the required tests.
There is no deadline to register because CAST Permanent is a rolling process. However, you should register as soon as possible, because you cannot be contacted by institutions until you have passed the tests.
The Tests
After registering, EPSO will invite you to take computer-based tests (CBT) at a Prometric test centre near you. The tests differ slightly by function group:
Tests for FG I, II, and III
- Verbal reasoning — Assess your ability to understand and analyse written text in your chosen language. Multiple-choice questions under time pressure.
- Numerical reasoning — Test your ability to interpret numerical data, tables, and graphs. No advanced mathematics, but speed and accuracy are essential.
- Abstract reasoning — Pattern recognition using shapes and sequences. Tests logical thinking ability independent of language or cultural background.
Additional Test for FG IV
- Competency test — In addition to the three reasoning tests, FG IV candidates take a domain-specific competency test. This assesses your knowledge in the professional domain you selected (e.g., law, finance, IT). The format is multiple-choice.
Pass Marks
Each test has a minimum pass mark, and there is also an overall minimum score across all tests. The exact pass marks can vary and are set by EPSO for each testing period. Generally, you need to score above 50% on each individual test and above a combined threshold across all tests.
After Passing
Once you pass the CBT tests, your profile is added to the CAST database with your test scores. From this point, the process works as follows:
- Your profile is searchable — EU institutions and agencies can search the CAST database by function group, domain, language skills, nationality, and other criteria.
- Institutions contact you — When an institution finds your profile suitable for a vacancy, they will contact you directly (usually by email) to invite you to the next stage of their selection process.
- Institution-specific selection — Each institution runs its own interview and selection process. This typically includes a competency-based interview and may include a written test or practical exercise.
- Job offer — If selected, you receive a formal job offer with details of the position, grade, salary, and contract terms.
The waiting period between passing the tests and being contacted can vary enormously. Some candidates hear from institutions within weeks; others wait months or even longer. The speed depends on factors including your profile, the demand in your domain, your language skills, and your location preferences.
Your profile remains in the CAST database indefinitely, so there is no need to re-register or re-test unless EPSO changes the framework. However, you should keep your EPSO account and profile updated with any new qualifications, experience, or language skills.
Salary Ranges
Contract agent salaries follow a structured grid based on function group and grade step. Below are indicative basic monthly salaries (before allowances) for the entry step of each grade within each function group:
| Function Group | Grades | Entry Salary (Step 1) | Maximum Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| FG I | 1 - 3 | ~1,900 EUR | ~3,800 EUR |
| FG II | 4 - 7 | ~2,300 EUR | ~4,700 EUR |
| FG III | 8 - 12 | ~2,700 EUR | ~5,800 EUR |
| FG IV | 13 - 18 | ~3,600 EUR | ~7,900 EUR |
These are basic salaries before allowances. Contract agents receive the same system of allowances as other EU staff, including:
- Expatriation allowance — 16% of basic salary for those working outside their country of nationality
- Household allowance — For those with a spouse or registered partner
- Dependent child allowance — Per child
- Education allowance — Contribution toward children's schooling
EU salaries are exempt from national income tax. Instead, staff pay an internal EU tax that is generally lower than most national tax rates. For a detailed salary breakdown, visit our EU salary guide.
Contract Duration
Contract agent employment terms vary depending on the institution and the nature of the position:
- Initial contract — Typically ranges from 6 months to 3 years. Some institutions start with a shorter probationary contract of 6 to 12 months.
- Renewal — Initial contracts can usually be renewed once, for a total maximum of 6 years at the European Commission. Some agencies have different rules.
- Indefinite contracts — After the maximum renewal period, some agencies and bodies offer conversion to an indefinite contract. This is especially common at decentralised agencies, where contract agents form the core workforce.
It is worth noting that time spent as a contract agent counts toward your EU service record. If you later pass an EPSO competition and become a permanent official, your contract agent experience can be considered for grade classification and step-in-grade.
Tips for Success
- Register for all relevant profiles — The more profiles and domains you register for, the more visible you are in the database. If your background covers multiple domains, register for all of them. There is no penalty for having a broad registration.
- Keep your EPSO account updated — Add new qualifications, language certificates, and professional experience as you acquire them. Recruiters search by keywords and qualifications, so an outdated profile may not surface in their searches.
- Respond quickly to contacts — When an institution contacts you about a vacancy, respond within the deadline (often just a few days). Slow responses can result in lost opportunities, as institutions move quickly to fill positions.
- Prepare for interviews too — Passing the CBT tests is only the first hurdle. The institution-specific interview is where the real selection happens. Prepare competency-based answers using the STAR method. See our EU interview tips guide.
- Consider location flexibility — If you are open to working in locations beyond Brussels and Luxembourg (such as Parma, Warsaw, Valletta, or other agency seats), your chances of being contacted increase significantly.
- Network with current contract agents — They can tell you which agencies are hiring, what the work culture is like, and how the selection process works in practice at specific institutions.
- Do not give up after one round of tests — If you do not pass the CBT tests on your first attempt, you can retake them after a specified waiting period. Use the time to practice and improve your scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hear back after passing the tests?
There is no standard timeline. Some candidates are contacted within a few weeks; others wait several months. It depends on the demand in your domain, your language profile, and your location preferences. Keep your profile updated and continue monitoring EU job postings for direct application opportunities in the meantime.
Can I retake the CAST tests if I fail?
Yes. If you do not achieve the minimum pass marks, you can retake the tests after a waiting period (typically six months). There is no limit on the number of attempts. Use the waiting period to practice intensively with sample tests.
Do I need to speak French to get a contract agent position?
Not necessarily, but it helps considerably. English is sufficient for many positions, especially at agencies located outside Brussels. However, French is a significant advantage for positions at the European Commission and other Brussels-based institutions. The more EU languages you speak, the more attractive your profile becomes to recruiters.
Can I register for multiple function groups?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements for more than one function group, you can and should register for all of them. For example, if you have a university degree, you can register for FG III and FG IV. This maximises your visibility in the database.
Is CAST Permanent the only way to become a contract agent?
CAST Permanent is the primary framework, but some institutions occasionally publish individual contract agent vacancies on their websites. These may have their own selection procedures. However, for the vast majority of contract agent positions, CAST Permanent is the entry point.