The first two stages generally take place at various locations in the Member States. The third stage, an oral exam, is usually held in Brussels. Selection is strictly on merit and can take a number of months from launching the competition to the completion of the oral exam. The Commission keeps its selection procedures under review and changes may be made from time to time. Successful candidates are placed on a reserve list and are appointed to posts as vacancies arise.
Reserve lists are valid for a limited period of time.
This is generally long enough for most successful candidates to obtain a job. The CVs of successful candidates circulate inside the Commission and you will be approached directly about a job. Successful candidates are not guaranteed recruitment to the Commission, since this depends on the number of posts which fall vacant. Next steps If you are interested in a career as a permanent official, you can subscribe directly to the Official Journal to receive the issues which contain notices of competitions for all institutions. In addition to the recruitment of permanent civil servants through open competitions, the Commission also recruits a limited number of specialist temporary agents on short-term contracts, mainly in categories A and B. Openings may arise in any area of the Commission's work.