Roles and progression
Civil Service Grades
Understand the grades, how the competitions differ, what each one is assessed on, and which rung actually fits where you are today.
17 articles in this topic
Guides
AO vs AP: What's the Difference?
The letters look similar and the roles are not. One is a graduate policy entry grade, the other is senior management. Here is how AO and AP actually differ.
How to Choose Which Grade to Apply For
Aim too low and you sell yourself short. Aim too high and the interview exposes the gap. Here is how to choose the grade that actually fits.
Grades and competitions
Administrative Officer (AO): The Graduate Route Explained
A guide to the Administrative Officer competition: the graduate entry route, the stages and how to stand out.
DSP Traineeship Programme 2027: 30 Places on a CO-to-EO Track
The Department of Social Protection traineeship for 2027: 30 places, 12 locations, open at 17 plus, one online test and an interview. Closes 15 September.
HR Managers in the Civil Service: The AP Competition Closing 10 September
publicjobs is recruiting HR Managers at Assistant Principal level: €83,113 to €103,576, four eligibility routes, interviews from October. Closes 10 September.
How Long Does publicjobs Clearance Take After the Interview?
What happens between passing your publicjobs interview and starting the job: clearance, Garda vetting, references, assignment, and how long each step really takes.
RTB Executive Officer 2026: The EO Route That Starts With a CV
The Residential Tenancies Board is hiring Executive Officers on the EO scale. Shortlisting works from a CV and cover letter. Closes 5pm, 5 September.
Garda Vetting for Civil Service Jobs: How Long, and Can It Be Reused?
How Garda vetting works for a publicjobs competition, how long it takes, whether vetting from a previous competition can be reused, and what actually causes a problem.
How Much Does Civil Service Test Prep Cost in Ireland?
What publicjobs test prep actually costs in Ireland, from free resources to subscriptions, and what is worth paying for.
CO vs EO: Which Civil Service Grade Should You Apply For?
A side-by-side of Clerical Officer and Executive Officer: pay, duties, difficulty and which to apply for.
Irish-Language Civil Service Competitions: There Is No Aptitude Test
Irish-language Clerical Officer and Executive Officer competitions run differently to the general campaigns. What candidates report about the format, and why the application form is the real hurdle.
The 2026 Clerical Officer Scoring Error: What Happened and What It Means
More than 12,500 Clerical Officer applicants were given incorrect scores and rankings in 2026. What went wrong, what publicjobs own review found, and what it means for candidates.
Number One on the Panel and Still No Offer: Why That Happens
Being first on a publicjobs panel does not mean a job is coming. Why panels stall, why your county decides your wait, and whether a panel can expire without reaching you.
Which Civil Service Grade Am I Eligible For?
Whether you can apply for CO, EO, AO or HEO comes down to qualifications, residency and age. What each grade requires, and how to choose between them.
Clerical Officer (CO): Full Guide to the Competition
Everything about the Clerical Officer competition: eligibility, the assessment stages, salary and how to prepare.
Executive Officer (EO): What the Competition Involves
A full guide to the Executive Officer competition: the stages, the salary and what sets strong applicants apart.
The publicjobs.ie Application Process, Start to Finish
A start-to-finish walk-through of the publicjobs.ie process, from creating a profile to the job offer stage.