EPSO CAST FG IV — Function Group IV
Contract agent roles for graduates. Pass once, enter the EU recruitment database.
20,000
Typical applicants
500
Typically hired
~2.5%
Pass rate
6 wks
Recommended prep
What is the EPSO CAST FG IV competition?
Contract agent roles for university graduates. Pass once and join a database valid for 3 years — EU institutions recruit directly from it.
Requirements
University degree. EU citizen. CAST is a permanent rolling selection — not a one-off competition.
Target audience
University graduates seeking flexible or temporary EU roles
What roles does CAST FG IV open?
Why do most candidates fail?
CAST FG IV attracts large numbers of applicants because passing requires no assessment center — just the CBT. However, the CBT quality threshold is still the same as regular competitions: the gate system, strict time limits, and the same question formats apply. Many candidates underestimate CAST because they perceive it as "easier" — and fail.
CBT modules for CAST FG IV
Every module below is a mandatory gate — a weak score in any one eliminates you.
Verbal Reasoning
True, False, or Cannot Say — under time pressure
Numerical Reasoning
Data tables, charts, and percentage calculations
Abstract Reasoning
Pattern recognition across 7 visual formats
How the CAST FG IV is scored
Verbal ≥ 50% (mandatory gate). (Numerical + Abstract) average ≥ 50% (mandatory gate). Pass the CBT and you enter the CAST database for 3 years. Institutions recruit directly from the database — no separate assessment center.
Recommended study plan
Based on the CAST FG IV structure and typical difficulty level.
6 wks
Recommended weeks
80
Questions / week
3
Mock exams
Verbal Reasoning
Top priority
Diagnose before you study
Start with 20 untimed questions in each required module. Your error patterns tell you where to focus — not your perception of what is hard.
Aim for 80 reviewed questions per week
Reviewing wrong answers matters more than volume. One hour of reviewed practice beats two hours of passive question-doing.
Run timed sessions from week 3
The gate system rewards speed as much as accuracy. Practice every module under real time pressure — not just in comfortable study conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the CAST FG IV competition.
What is the CAST permanent database?↓
CAST (Contract Agent Selection Tool) is a permanent, rolling selection system. Instead of a one-off competition, EPSO holds CAST selections periodically, and successful candidates are placed in a database that EU institutions search when they need contract staff. Your name remains in the database for three years after passing.
What is the difference between CAST and a regular EPSO competition?↓
A regular competition (like AD5) leads to a reserve list from which institutions make permanent civil service offers. CAST leads to a contract agent database — positions are typically 1–6 year contracts, often renewable. CAST also has no Assessment Center: passing the CBT is sufficient to enter the database.
Who can apply for CAST FG IV?↓
University graduates (Bachelor's degree or higher) who are EU citizens. FG IV is for graduate-level contract roles. If you have post-secondary but not university education, apply for FG III instead.
How long is a CAST FG IV selection valid?↓
Three years from the date you pass. After three years, you must re-apply and pass a new CAST selection to re-enter the database. Some candidates apply every three years to maintain their database eligibility.
Which institutions recruit from the CAST database?↓
Most EU institutions and bodies use CAST: the European Commission, Parliament, Council, Court of Justice, European External Action Service, EU agencies (EASA, EMA, Europol, Frontex), and others. Institutions search the database independently and contact candidates directly.
Practice CAST FG IV now — free
20 questions per module, no credit card required. Adaptive difficulty, instant explanations, and a real percentile score.
20 questions free · No card required
Also prepare for
EPSO AD5
The most competitive entry-level EU competition. 174,922 applied in 2026 — a record.
View guide→EPSO AST3
EU assistant roles in administration, finance, HR, and secretarial support.
View guide→EPSO CAST FG III
Contract agent selection for post-secondary graduates. No assessment center.
View guide→