EPSO AD5 2026: the reasoning tests start in November
EPSO confirmed on 18 September that Part 1 (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning) starts in November 2026, with invitations about 3 weeks before the first session. EU knowledge, digital skills and the essay follow in 2027. 174,922 candidates for 1,490 places: the coming weeks decide who passes Part 1.
Part 1 · reasoning tests
The AD5 reasoning tests start in November 2026
Invitations arrive about 3 weeks before the first session and tell you your test week. The exact date and time follow at least 2 weeks before your test, on the testing platform.
Source: EPSO announcements of 30/06/2026 and 18/09/2026.
4-week plan for the reasoning tests
- Week 1
Diagnose, then verbal reasoning
Take the free diagnostic to see where you lose points, then practise verbal reasoning every day: it has its own 10/20 pass mark and counts for 35% of the final score.
Take the free diagnostic - Week 2
Numerical reasoning: speed with the calculator
10 questions in 20 minutes, so 2 minutes each. Train on tables and charts with the on-screen calculator, and learn to skip a question that is taking too long.
Practise numerical reasoning - Week 3
Abstract reasoning: one minute per question
10 questions in 10 minutes. Learn the recurring pattern types (rotation, counting, alternation), then do timed sets until you stay under a minute.
Practise abstract reasoning - Week 4
Full rehearsal in real conditions
Take the three tests back to back in one sitting, as on test day, and review every mistake. Check that you can log in to your Single Candidate Portal and that your computer meets the proctoring requirements.
See all practice tests
AD5 2026: the essential facts
Competition EPSO/AD/427/26 for generalist administrators (grade AD5) was published on 5 February 2026. Applications closed 10 March with a record-breaking 174,922 candidates — more than triple the 22,644 from the previous AD5 in 2019.
Italy leads with 79,450 applicants (45.4%), followed by Spain (13,796), Germany (11,705), and France (10,939). With only 1,490 reserve list spots, the success rate is below 1%.
Major change: there is no more Assessment Centre. All tests are online and remotely proctored, and they now come in two parts: the reasoning tests first (from November 2026), then EU knowledge, digital skills and the essay in 2027. You can choose any 2 of the 24 official EU languages (L1 at C1, L2 at B2).
AD5 2026 test dates & calendar
5 February — 10 March: Applications (closed)
The notice was published in the EU Official Journal (C/2026/711). 174,922 applications received. Supporting documents must be uploaded by 7 October 2026.
From November 2026: Part 1 — reasoning tests
Verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning in one remotely proctored session on a single day, with candidates spread over several weeks. About 3 weeks before the first session, your invitation gives your test week; the exact date and time appear at least 2 weeks before your test. To pass: at least 10/20 in verbal reasoning and 10/20 in numerical and abstract combined.
2027: Part 2 — EU knowledge, digital skills and essay (EUFTE)
Only for candidates who pass Part 1, on dates still to be announced. EPSO publishes the sources for the EU knowledge test about two months before the test. The essay on EU matters takes 40 minutes in Language 2.
After Part 2: Reserve list
The 1,490 successful candidates are placed on the reserve list (unranked, alphabetical order). EU institutions recruit from this list. Starting AD5 salary: about €6,150 gross per month.
How to prepare effectively
Identify weak spots
Take the free diagnostic test to find your critical areas. With less than 1% success rate, focusing your study where you can gain the most points is essential.
Consistent, targeted practice
30 to 60 minutes a day until your test week. For Part 1, focus on verbal reasoning (10/20 pass mark, and 35% of the final score) and on speed in numerical and abstract reasoning (10/20 combined). EU knowledge and digital skills (25% each) come in 2027.
Simulate real conditions
Practice with the timer on: 35 minutes for verbal, 20 for numerical, 10 for abstract. Getting used to time pressure is essential — especially for abstract reasoning with only 1 minute per question.
The 6 tests you need to pass
5 MCQ tests plus a written essay. Practice the multiple-choice sections with questions updated to the 2026 format.
Verbal Reasoning
20 questions · 35 min · 35% weight
Numerical Reasoning
10 questions · 20 min · pass/fail
Abstract Reasoning
10 questions · 10 min · pass/fail
EU Knowledge
30 questions · 40 min · 25% weight
Digital Skills
40 questions · 30 min · 25% weight
Written Test — EUFTE
Essay on general EU matters, 40 minutes in Language 2. Worth 15% of the final score. Only the top 2,235 candidates advance to this stage.
Frequently asked questions about the AD5 2026 competition
Are AD5 2026 applications still open?â–¼
No, applications closed on 10 March 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time. 174,922 people applied. Now is the time to focus on test preparation.
When will the tests take place?â–¼
EPSO confirmed a two-part format on 30 June 2026 and gave the timing on 18 September 2026. Part 1, the three reasoning tests (verbal, numerical, abstract), is planned to start in November 2026: each candidate sits all three on one day, and candidates are spread over several weeks. About 3 weeks before the first session you receive an invitation in your Single Candidate Portal with your test week; the exact date and time are available at least 2 weeks before your test. Part 2 (EU knowledge, digital skills and the EUFTE essay) takes place in 2027, only for candidates who pass Part 1.
Which tests matter most for ranking?â–¼
Verbal reasoning carries 35% of the final score, EU knowledge 25%, digital skills 25%, and the EUFTE written essay 15%. Important: numerical and abstract reasoning are eliminatory only (combined pass mark of 10/20) — they do not count toward the ranking.
Do I need specific languages?â–¼
You can choose any 2 of the 24 official EU languages. This is a major change: previously, Language 2 was restricted to English, French, or German. L1 requires C1 level, L2 requires B2. Reasoning MCQ tests are in L1, EU knowledge and digital skills in L2. The EUFTE essay is in L2.
How much does EPSO Genius preparation cost?â–¼
The free plan includes 3 tests per day and a full diagnostic. The Pro plan (€19.99/month) unlocks unlimited practice on all 5 MCQ tests, advanced analytics, and spaced repetition. 7-day free trial included.
Is it too late to start preparing?â–¼
No, but the window is short: Part 1 starts in November 2026, so you have a few weeks, not months. 30 to 60 minutes of timed practice a day makes a real difference with a success rate below 1%. Remember the thresholds: at least 10/20 in verbal reasoning and 10/20 in numerical and abstract combined.
174,922 applicants. 1,490 spots. Prepare now.
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