DigComp 2.2 (2026): Your EPSO Digital Skills Syllabus

The EPSO/AD/427/26 Notice of Competition explicitly cites DigComp 2.2 as the framework for the digital skills test. If you are preparing for the AD5 competition, this is your syllabus. This guide covers the entire DigComp 2.2 framework — all 5 competence areas, 21 competences, 8 proficiency levels, and the key topics you need to master.

What Is DigComp 2.2?

DigComp 2.2 is the European Digital Competence Framework, published in March 2022 by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC). It defines what every citizen needs to know and be able to do in a digital world.

The framework serves as the basis for the EPSO digital skills test. The questions map directly to DigComp 2.2's competence areas, individual competences, and proficiency levels. Understanding this framework is not optional — it is the syllabus.

DigComp 2.2 builds on earlier versions (1.0 in 2013, 2.0 in 2016, 2.1 in 2017) by adding over 250 new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes. These new examples reflect the digital landscape of the 2020s: artificial intelligence, remote work, misinformation, Internet of Things, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.

The Framework Structure

DigComp 2.2 is organised into three layers:

1. 5 competence areas — the broad domains of digital competence
2. 21 competences — the specific skills within each area
3. 8 proficiency levels — how well you can perform each competence

This structure is the backbone of the EPSO digital skills test. Every question you encounter will map to one of the 21 competences at a specific proficiency level.

The 5 Competence Areas and 21 Competences

Area 1: Information and Data Literacy

This area covers your ability to find, evaluate, and manage digital information and data.

• 1.1 Browsing, searching and filtering data, information and digital content — Knowing how search engines work, using effective search strategies, understanding that search results can be personalised or influenced by algorithms and advertising
• 1.2 Evaluating data, information and digital content — Critically assessing the reliability and credibility of information sources, recognising bias, detecting misinformation and disinformation, understanding that AI can generate plausible but inaccurate content
• 1.3 Managing data, information and digital content — Organising, storing, and retrieving information effectively; understanding different storage options (local, cloud, hybrid) and their trade-offs

Key for EPSO: Expect questions about identifying unreliable sources, understanding how algorithms filter your search results, and recognising the difference between misinformation (unintentional) and disinformation (deliberate).

Area 2: Communication and Collaboration

This area covers how you interact, share, and work with others using digital technologies.

• 2.1 Interacting through digital technologies — Choosing the right communication tools for different purposes, understanding the features of different platforms
• 2.2 Sharing through digital technologies — Sharing content appropriately, understanding licensing, giving proper attribution
• 2.3 Engaging in citizenship through digital technologies — Using digital tools for civic participation, understanding e-government services
• 2.4 Collaborating through digital technologies — Using collaborative tools effectively, managing shared documents, understanding version control
• 2.5 Netiquette — Knowing the norms and conventions of online communication, adapting behaviour to different digital contexts, recognising and responding to inappropriate online behaviour
• 2.6 Managing digital identity — Understanding how your digital footprint is created and managed, protecting your online reputation, knowing how personal data is collected and used across services

Key for EPSO: Data protection questions often draw from this area. Know how digital identity works, what personal data you share when using online services, and how to manage your digital footprint.

Area 3: Digital Content Creation

This area covers creating and editing digital content, from text documents to code.

• 3.1 Developing digital content — Creating content in different formats (text, images, audio, video), understanding different file formats and their uses
• 3.2 Integrating and re-elaborating digital content — Combining and modifying existing content, understanding how to remix and build on others' work appropriately
• 3.3 Copyright and licences — Understanding intellectual property, Creative Commons licences, how copyright applies to digital content, knowing when and how you can reuse others' work
• 3.4 Programming — Understanding the logic behind programming, basic concepts like algorithms, variables, and loops; recognising how software and apps are built

Key for EPSO: Copyright and licensing questions are common. Know the difference between Creative Commons licence types (CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC BY-NC, etc.) and when you can reuse content.

Area 4: Safety

This is consistently the most heavily tested area in EPSO digital skills exams.

• 4.1 Protecting devices — Understanding malware types (viruses, ransomware, spyware), keeping software updated, using firewalls and antivirus, recognising security threats
• 4.2 Protecting personal data and privacy — Understanding GDPR fundamentals, knowing your data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability), understanding privacy settings, recognising data collection practices
• 4.3 Protecting health and well-being — Understanding ergonomics, managing screen time, recognising risks of technology addiction, being aware of cyberbullying and how to respond
• 4.4 Protecting the environment — Understanding the environmental impact of digital devices and services, knowing about e-waste, energy consumption of data centres, and how to make more sustainable digital choices

Key for EPSO: GDPR, phishing, social engineering, and malware are the most frequently tested topics. Know the six lawful bases for data processing under GDPR, the key data subject rights, and how to recognise common cyber threats.

Area 5: Problem Solving

This area covers using digital tools to solve problems and identifying gaps in your own digital competence.

• 5.1 Solving technical problems — Identifying and resolving common technical issues with devices and software, knowing when and how to seek help
• 5.2 Identifying needs and technological responses — Assessing what digital tools or solutions can address a specific need, comparing alternatives
• 5.3 Creatively using digital technologies — Using digital tools in innovative ways, understanding how technology can automate tasks and improve workflows
• 5.4 Identifying digital competence gaps — Recognising where your own digital skills need improvement, knowing how to stay up to date with technology changes

Key for EPSO: Expect scenario-based questions: "Your colleague cannot open a file format. What do you suggest?" or "Which tool would best solve this workflow problem?"

The 8 Proficiency Levels

DigComp 2.2 defines 8 proficiency levels grouped into 4 tiers. Each level describes increasing complexity of tasks and autonomy:

Foundation (Levels 1–2)

• Level 1: With guidance, can perform simple digital tasks
• Level 2: With guidance and some autonomy, can perform simple digital tasks

Intermediate (Levels 3–4)

• Level 3: On my own, can perform well-defined and routine digital tasks, and address straightforward problems
• Level 4: Independently, and according to my needs, can perform well-defined and non-routine digital tasks, and address well-defined and non-routine problems

Advanced (Levels 5–6)

• Level 5: Can guide others, apply knowledge in different contexts, and address different problems
• Level 6: At the most advanced level, can adapt to others in complex contexts, and propose new ideas and processes

Highly Specialised (Levels 7–8)

• Level 7: Can resolve complex problems with limited definition, and integrate knowledge to contribute to professional practice
• Level 8: Can resolve complex problems with many interacting factors, propose new ideas and processes, and lead others

For EPSO AD5: Most questions target Intermediate (levels 3–4) and lower Advanced (level 5). You are expected to work independently with standard digital tools, recognise appropriate solutions, and guide colleagues. Some questions — particularly on safety and data protection — may test at higher levels.

What DigComp 2.2 Added: The 250+ New Examples

The biggest innovation in DigComp 2.2 compared to earlier versions is the addition of over 250 new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes. These examples reflect emerging topics that are highly relevant for EPSO tests:

Artificial Intelligence and Automation

• Understanding what AI systems are and how they work at a basic level
• Knowing that AI powers features in everyday tools (search engines, recommendations, voice assistants, spam filters)
• Recognising that AI can generate text, images, and other content — and that this content may contain errors or bias
• Understanding that algorithmic decisions can affect individuals (e.g., job screening, credit scoring)
• Being aware that AI systems learn from data, and that biased data leads to biased outcomes

Misinformation and Disinformation

• Understanding the difference between misinformation (false but not deliberately) and disinformation (deliberately misleading)
• Recognising deepfakes and manipulated media
• Knowing how filter bubbles and echo chambers are created by algorithmic content curation
• Understanding that online reviews, ratings, and social media metrics can be manipulated

Remote Work and Digital Collaboration

• Using video conferencing tools effectively and securely
• Understanding cloud storage and collaborative editing
• Managing digital communication across time zones and cultures

Data and Privacy

• Understanding how personal data is collected through cookies, trackers, and device fingerprinting
• Knowing how targeted advertising works
• Understanding what metadata is and why it matters for privacy
• Being aware of privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default principles

Internet of Things (IoT) and Emerging Technologies

• Understanding how connected devices (smart home, wearables) collect and share data
• Recognising the security risks of IoT devices
• Being aware of how emerging technologies (blockchain, VR/AR) work at a basic level

Accessibility and Inclusion

• Understanding digital accessibility principles (text alternatives, screen reader compatibility)
• Knowing how to make digital content accessible to people with disabilities
• Being aware of the digital divide and barriers to digital inclusion

How to Prepare for the EPSO Digital Skills Test

Step 1: Master the Framework Structure

Know the 5 areas and 21 competences by heart. When you see a question, you should be able to identify which competence it tests. This helps you eliminate wrong answers — if a question is about Area 4 (Safety), an answer about content creation is unlikely to be correct.

Step 2: Prioritise High-Weight Areas

Based on the framework and past EPSO patterns, focus your study time on:

1. Area 4: Safety — especially GDPR, cybersecurity threats, and phishing
2. Area 1: Information and data literacy — especially evaluating sources and recognising misinformation
3. Area 2: Communication and collaboration — especially data protection and digital identity
4. Area 3: Digital content creation — especially copyright and licences

Step 3: Learn the AI and Emerging Technology Examples

DigComp 2.2's new examples on AI are very likely to appear. You do not need technical expertise, but you should:

• Understand what AI is at a conceptual level
• Know where AI appears in everyday tools
• Recognise that AI output needs human verification
• Understand algorithmic bias and its consequences
• Know the basics of the EU AI Act (risk-based classification)

Step 4: Study GDPR Thoroughly

Data protection is the single most testable topic. Know:

• The 7 GDPR principles (lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality, accountability)
• The 6 lawful bases for processing (consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public task, legitimate interests)
• Data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, objection)
• The role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO)
• When a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is required

Step 5: Practise With Framework-Mapped Questions

Generic IT knowledge is not enough. You need practice questions that map directly to DigComp 2.2 competences and test the specific scenarios the framework describes. EPSO Genius generates digital skills questions aligned with DigComp 2.2, covering all 5 areas and all proficiency levels relevant to EPSO.

Quick Reference: All 21 DigComp 2.2 Competences

Area 1 — Information and Data Literacy:

• 1.1 Browsing, searching and filtering data, information and digital content
• 1.2 Evaluating data, information and digital content
• 1.3 Managing data, information and digital content

Area 2 — Communication and Collaboration:

• 2.1 Interacting through digital technologies
• 2.2 Sharing through digital technologies
• 2.3 Engaging in citizenship through digital technologies
• 2.4 Collaborating through digital technologies
• 2.5 Netiquette
• 2.6 Managing digital identity

Area 3 — Digital Content Creation:

• 3.1 Developing digital content
• 3.2 Integrating and re-elaborating digital content
• 3.3 Copyright and licences
• 3.4 Programming

Area 4 — Safety:

• 4.1 Protecting devices
• 4.2 Protecting personal data and privacy
• 4.3 Protecting health and well-being
• 4.4 Protecting the environment

Area 5 — Problem Solving:

• 5.1 Solving technical problems
• 5.2 Identifying needs and technological responses
• 5.3 Creatively using digital technologies
• 5.4 Identifying digital competence gaps

The Bottom Line

DigComp 2.2 is the official framework for the EPSO AD5 digital skills test. It is not a general IT knowledge exam — it tests specific competences at specific proficiency levels as defined by this framework. Candidates who study the framework systematically, understand its structure, and practise with questions mapped to its 21 competences will be significantly better prepared than those relying on general digital knowledge alone.

Focus on the areas that matter most: safety and data protection, evaluating information, understanding AI at a practical level, and knowing your rights and responsibilities in a digital world. The framework is your roadmap — follow it.