A reserve list is the published roster of candidates who have passed all stages of an EPSO open competition. EU institutions and agencies draw from these lists to fill permanent vacancies, but inclusion on a reserve list does not guarantee a job offer.
Reserve lists are the final output of an EPSO competition. They are published in the Official Journal of the European Union and stay valid for a defined period, typically one year for generalist AD 5 competitions and up to three years for specialist competitions, although lists are often extended once or twice when demand remains strong. Each list states the function group, grade, profile, languages, and number of laureates; the names are normally listed in alphabetical order rather than by score so that institutions can pick on the basis of fit rather than rank. Once you are on a list, your contact details are kept in the EPSO database and DG HR or agency HR teams can search it whenever a matching vacancy opens. Roughly 60-80% of laureates on AD 5 generalist lists are recruited before the list expires, while specialist lists in scarce profiles approach 100% uptake. Laureates who are not recruited before expiry must sit a new competition; the previous laureate status is recognised by selection boards but does not exempt you from re-applying.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a reserve list stay valid?
- EPSO sets the initial validity period in the notice of competition, usually 1 to 3 years. The appointing authority can extend it once or twice if there is still demand for the profile. After expiry, names are removed from the database.
- Does being on a reserve list mean I have a job offer?
- No. A reserve list makes you eligible to be recruited by EU institutions and agencies. Recruitment happens when a vacancy matches your profile and an HR team contacts you, typically within weeks to months for sought-after profiles, longer for niche ones.
- Can I be on more than one reserve list?
- Yes. You can be on as many reserve lists as you have passed competitions for. Many candidates re-enter EPSO competitions while already on a list to broaden the profile families they qualify for.