FGIV and AD8 are different selections
| Point | FGIV RCT-2025-00108 | AD8 RCT-2025-00107 |
|---|
| Status | Contract staff under Article 3(a) CEOS | Temporary staff under Article 2(f) CEOS |
| Published vacancies | 255 | 37 |
| Role level | Standing Corps Officer, basic level | Deputy Section Leader or Head of Operational Horizontal Activity |
| Knowledge topics | EU/Frontex law, EU bodies, rights, ethics, ICT | Same core plus geopolitics, leadership and resource management |
| Knowledge score | 0-10; minimum 3 | 0-10; minimum 3 |
| Wrong answer | minus half the value of a correct answer | minus half the value of a correct answer |
| English | B2; externally administered proficiency test | B2; proficiency test |
| Later assessment | psychometrics, physical, swimming, psychological, interview, medical | psychometrics, physical, swimming, psychological, interview, medical and document confirmation |
The published minimum is only an eligibility threshold. Ranking controls progression. In the FGIV notice, up to 2,200 top scorers reach Stage II and up to 900 reach Stage III, subject to the notice’s tie and additional-invitation rules. In the AD8 notice, up to 250 reached Stage II and up to 100 reached Stage III. Passing with 3/10 did not guarantee a place.
Ranking after Stage II
For FGIV RCT-2025-00108, the published formula is `(knowledge + psychometric) × 60% + (physical + swimming) × 40%`. For AD8 RCT-2025-00107, the weights are 70% and 30%. Psychometrics belong to Stage II; these percentages are not a split between Stage I and Stage II. The psychometric score averages verbal and abstract reasoning; at least 3 points on each test are required. English and psychological assessment are exclusionary requirements. The panel interview contributes separately to the later ranking.
Physical reference for this campaign
FGIV maximum-score thresholds are 50/22 push-ups within 90 seconds and 150/130 seconds of plank, for male/female candidates respectively. AD8 uses different thresholds: 41/16 push-ups and 131/120 seconds. Each physical exercise must score above zero and the physical total must be at least 6 points. Each swimming exercise must also score above zero. These are campaign-specific criteria, not a universal Frontex fitness standard. Consult the exact notice tables and official technique instructions.
Negative marking, calculated
Treat one correct answer as +1, one wrong answer as -0.5, and a blank as 0. If your estimated probability of being correct is `p`, the expected value of answering is:
`p × 1 + (1 - p) × -0.5 = 1.5p - 0.5`
The answer has positive expected value only when `p` is above one third. Use that as a decision rule:
- •Certain or strongly supported: answer.
- •Two plausible choices after eliminating the others: normally answer.
- •Pure guess among three choices: expected value is zero.
- •Pure guess among four or more choices: negative expected value; leave blank.
Check the instructions on test day. The notice says at least three alternatives, not always exactly three.
Knowledge-test workflow
- Read the legal actor: Frontex, host state, Commission, eu-LISA, EUAA, Europol or another body.
- Identify the instrument: EBCG Regulation, Schengen Borders Code, Pact act, Charter, Operational Plan or code of conduct.
- Find the operational verb: verify, refer, report, record, stop, assist or escalate.
- Reject answers that exceed authority, bypass safeguards, or confuse systems.
- Apply negative-marking threshold before submitting.
Evidence and review rights
The selection committee assesses what appears in the application and performance in the required tests and interviews. Unsupported experience cannot be repaired later with an informal email. Frontex allows a feedback/review request. A candidate who believes a decision is adverse may also use the Article 90(2) Staff Regulations complaint route within the stated deadline.
Campaign check
Before studying physical thresholds, candidate caps, weights, contract figures or stage order:
- Download your exact notice and annexes.
- Write its reference number and publication date on your plan.
- Mark every campaign-specific number.
- Recheck the vacancy page before each stage.
Recruitment, operational training and specialisation
Selection tests establish suitability for appointment. The Category 1 Operational Training Programme (OTP) then develops job competence. Frontex's learner rules dated 13 February 2025 describe approximately twelve months, two semesters, module assessments and an Experiential Learning Phase (ELP). Physical training continues throughout. The 2025 FGIV and AD8 notices require attendance and assessment; training and tests use English. Training locations and individual exemptions follow the notice and Frontex instructions.
Do not reuse the six-month duration in the 2019 curriculum as a current promise. Keep the notice's nine-month probation provision separate from the programme timetable; their durations are not interchangeable. Graduation, authorisation for executive tasks and later profile training are distinct controls. A study course provides preparation, while Frontex and competent training institutions assess practical performance.
For your application or interview, explain willingness to learn, receive feedback, complete the ELP and work within the competence gained. Do not claim specialist document, maritime or coercive powers merely because basic training has begun.
Primary sources
