# Reclassification

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/glossary/reclassification/
- Published: 2024-02-27T20:55:08+01:00
- Author: Ben

Reclassification of EU institutions’ staff refers to the administrative process 
through which the [grade](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/grade/) of an EU staff
member is increased. Reclassification is the de facto promotion of EU institutions’
staff.

This process is typically done as part of the annual appraisal exercise and is based
on an assessment of the individual’s performance, experience, responsibilities, 
and the fulfillment of certain criteria over time.

‘Reclassification’ is the main way how staff in EU institutions can be promoted 
and their work recognized. In contrast to the private sector, there are strict rules
governing the procedure.

Reclassification usually results in a staff member being promoted to a higher [grade](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/grade/)
within their employment category (Administrator, Assistant, [Contract Agent](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/contract-agent/)),
which usually translates to increased responsibilities and, importantly, a higher
salary.

As an example, an Administrator in [grade](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/grade/)
[AD5](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/ad-5/) could be reclassified to [Grade](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/grade/)
[AD6](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/ad-6/), increasing the person’s [basic salary](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/basic-salary/)
from EUR 5973,44 to EUR 6758,53. A [Contract agent](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/contract-agent/)
in [grade](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/grade/) FG 14 would usually be reclassified
to [grade](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/grade/) FG 15, increasing the person’s
[basic salary](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/basic-salary/) from EUR 4887,55 
to EUR 5529,97.

By default, EU institutions’ staff advance one [step](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/grade/)
in the [salary grid](https://euemployment.eu/european-commission-salary-grid/) every
two years. This increases one’s monthly salary by around 100-200 EUR per month permanently.
Reclassification is a way for managers to reward stellar performance of a limited
amount of staff members and brings with it a higher pay increase.