The recent AD7 internal competition introduced a new cognitive assessment based on the SHL General Ability Test.
While innovation in selection methods is not inherently problematic, the feedback received from candidates raises important questions about both the implementation of the test and its relevance for assessing experienced officials.
Different practices among the Commission
Generation 2004 has recently been contacted by colleagues regarding their concerns over differing practices across Commission services concerning invitations to CAST selection procedures.
Advancement opportunities for Contract Agents (CAs) are often perceived as limited. Various mechanisms for career progression exist, but they differ considerably in terms of accessibility. Some are automatic, some require significant effort, some depend on available resources, and others are subject to restrictions that make them far less accessible in practice than they appear on paper.
*Update 29.06.2026: all places in this study group have been filled. Registration is therefore closed and register link and the corresponding discount codes are no longer available.*
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to an online study group with follow-up sessions focused on the internal competition tests, including the MCQ test on EU policies and institutions and the Written Test, with a special discount rate for our members.
The training is suitable for candidates preparing for both the AD7 COM/AD/107/2026 and AD5 COM/AD/108/2026 competitions. The programme is delivered in English, and all sessions will be recorded.
Please note that registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, as the number of places is limited.
Continue reading Training offer: Internal Competitions 2026 – Study Group on MCQ + Written Test (EN)
*Update 24.06.2026: all places in this study group have been filled. Registration is therefore closed and register links and the corresponding discount codes are no longer available.*
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you online training with a Study group for cognitive reasoning (numerical, deductive and inductive) test for the COM AD5 Internal competition. There is a special discount rate for our members ONLY and registrations are made on “first come first served basis”.
Continue reading Training offer: AD5 internal competition – Study group for cognitive reasoning
*Update 15.06.2026: you can find here the presentation and the recording of the info session*
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to invite you to a free info session for the AD5 internal competition. You will get tips and tricks on how to fill in the application, as well as advice on how to tackle the different parts of the exam. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the conference.
Continue reading Free conference: AD5 internal competition – 12 June 2026
A new generalist internal competition at AD5 level has been published. The Notice of Internal Competition COM/AD/108/2026 was published on 29 May 2026, with the deadline for applications set for 30 June 2026 at 12.00, Brussels time.
Generation 2004, in collaboration with Yasemos Europeos, is happy to offer you 2 self-study package modalities for the EPSO AD7 Audit competition. There is a special discount rate for our members ONLY.
Continue reading Training offer: EPSO competition AD7 audit – self study exam packages
The publication of the new internal competition COM/AD/106/2026 in the field of Competition and Digital policies once again raises serious questions about the coherence of the Commission’s internal competitions strategy and its approach to talent management.
Continue reading Internal Competition COM/AD/106/2026: Inclusion for Some, Exclusion for Others?
The introduction of the new SHL Interactive G+ cognitive assessment in the recent AD7 internal competition has sparked significant discussion among colleagues across the European Commission. While cognitive testing is not new in EPSO procedures, this specific format represents a substantial evolution in both methodology and scope.
