The EPSO AD5 competition for administrator-level posts in European institutions resumes after a seven-year hiatus, following various setbacks. Private coaching companies like EU Training and ORSEU Concours have been aiding candidates during this period. The competition is highly competitive, with a low pass rate and significant financial incentives for successful candidates. Coaching services are seen as beneficial, but raise questions about fairness in a supposedly merit-based system. Differences in candidate demographics and motivations are noted, particularly among those from southern and eastern Europe.