How to know which competitive exam to study based on your profile and circumstances

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  • There are competitive exams for every level of education: from those without qualifications to university students.
  • Key factors to consider when choosing include vocation, requirements, difficulty, frequency, and job prospects.
  • Some competitive exams are held every year and offer more chances of getting a position.
  • Your personal situation (dedication, mobility, motivation) determines which opposition you can best face.

Choosing which competitive exam to take can be a real dilemma. With so many options available, varying levels of difficulty, and requirements, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Moreover, it's not just about passing an exam, but about finding a profession within the public sector that you feel comfortable with in the long run.

If you're thinking about taking a competitive public service exam but are overwhelmed with uncertainty about which path to choose, this article is for you. Here, we explain in detail what factors you should consider when choosing your ideal exam, what types exist according to studies, which exams are most frequently offered, and which ones are best suited to different profiles and personal situations.

Why is it so important to choose the right opposition?

Your decision will shape not only the coming months or years of your studies, but also your professional life once you secure a position. Preparing for an administrative assistant position is not the same as preparing to become a judge, police officer, or teacher. The level of effort , the preparation required , your future lifestyle , and even your location can change dramatically. Choosing wisely from the start will save you time, frustration, and the likelihood of dropping out.

Types of competitive examinations according to level of education

One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: what qualifications do I currently hold? Depending on this, you'll be eligible for certain competitive exams. Remember that if you have a higher qualification, you can also access exams at lower levels. Let's review them by group:

Competitive exams without studies

For those without formal education, there are Professional Groups (formerly Group E), also known as APF . These typically do not require even a secondary school diploma. Positions in this group are usually related to functional tasks without academic qualifications . Some examples:

  • Watchman (Health)
  • Junior
  • Various jobsGardeners, cooks, cleaners, operators, security guards

Competition is high, since no formal qualifications are required, resulting in a large number of applicants.

With Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO)

With a high school diploma (ESO), you can now access many competitive exams in the C2 group. These exams are designed for basic administrative or customer service tasks. Some very common ones are:

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Civil Guard (Guardia Civil)
  • Service Assistant
  • Judicial aid

This group is one of the most varied and popular.

With a high school diploma or equivalent

From here you can access group C1, which comprises the competitive examinations with the greatest administrative responsibilities. Access is granted with qualifications such as:

  • Bachelor
  • FP Intermediate Degree
  • Assistant Technician
  • University entrance exam for people over 25 years of age

Some examples of C1 positions:

  • Administrative
  • National Police (Basic Scale)
  • Tax Agent
  • Procedural Processing

With Higher Level Vocational Training

This level allows access to Group B, characterized by specialized technical positions. The profiles are diverse and depend directly on the modules completed . Examples:

  • Child educator
  • Social Integrator
  • Computer Technician
  • Graphic designer, if there are associated calls for proposals

You can also apply for positions in groups C1 and C2.

With a university degree

These applicants have access to all lower-level competitive examinations, in addition to Group A, the most demanding. Within Group A, we distinguish:

  • A1: Requires Degree, Bachelor's, Higher EngineeringThis includes positions such as:
    • Tax Inspector
    • Juez, Tax law
    • State Attorney
  • A2: Requires diploma, technical engineering degree or equivalent qualifications:
    • Tax Technician
    • Procedural Management
    • Primary Education Teachers

If you have a university degree, you can apply for all competitive exams, even those at low levels like C1 or C2, although the competition will be greater.

Main sectors of competitive examinations and associated profiles

A second fundamental step in choosing is to identify the professional sector that interests you or fits your profile: Knowing how to structure your preparation can greatly facilitate this process.

Administration and documentation

If you enjoy organization, documents, and dealing with citizens, this could be the field for you:

  • Administrative Assistant (level C2)
  • Administrative (level C1)
  • Procedural Management and Processing
  • Library and Archives Management

Justice

For profiles related to Law or people with a vocation related to the defense of fundamental rights:

  • Judicial aid
  • Procedural Processing
  • Procedural Management
  • State Attorneys

Health

In this sector, there are competitive exams with varying levels of requirements. You can focus on:

  • Caretaker (without formal education or with secondary education)
  • Nursing Assistant (C1)
  • Nurse (university degree)
  • Medical Doctor (Medical Degree)

Education

Check the competitive examinations for the public education system:

  • Primary and Early Childhood Education Teachers (Teacher Training Degree)
  • Secondary School Teachers (Bachelor's Degree + Master's Degree in Teacher Training)
  • Caretakers or staff of educational centers with ESO (C2)

State Security Bodies and Forces

For those who value a vocation of service, physical effort, and teamwork:

  • National Police and Civil Guard
  • Enlisted soldiers and sailors
  • Fire Department
  • Local police

They require physical tests, in addition to the theoretical ones.

Finance and public management

If you're good with numbers or interested in taxation and economic control:

  • Tax Agent (C1)
  • Tax Technician (A2)
  • Inspector (A1)

Other sectors

  • PostIt requires ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) and is offered quite regularly.
  • AENAInteresting positions at airports, such as administrative technician.
  • Computer Technology: from technicians to IT systems management.

Complete Guide to the EPLER Method for Competitive Exams: Master Your Study