EPSO AST3 Data Management: the tests and how to prepare
EPSO opened this competition on 6 October 2026: 964 reserve-list places across three fields. Every applicant sits verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests, a field-related test and a written essay. You must pass the reasoning tests before anything else is marked.
What is the AST3 Data Management competition?
Competition EPSO/AST/158/26 was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 6 October 2026 (C/2026/4963). It will create reserve lists of assistants at grade AST 3 for the EU institutions, in three fields. You can apply for one field only. Applications close on 11 November 2026 at 12:00 midday, Brussels time.
To apply you need EU citizenship, one official EU language at C1 level and a second one at B2, and either a post-secondary diploma of at least two years in an area relevant to your field followed by three years of relevant professional experience, or a secondary-school diploma giving access to post-secondary education followed by six years of relevant experience. The list of accepted diplomas differs by field: check the notice of competition.
423
places
Data processing, analytics and statistics
243
places
Librarianship and information science
298
places
Records and archives management
The 5 tests of EPSO/AST/158/26
Everyone who submits an application on time is invited to the tests: there is no pre-selection on CV. The tests are taken remotely, with online proctoring. EPSO says they will very likely all take place on the same day; the date has not been announced yet.
| Test | Questions | Time | Pass mark | Language | On EPSO Genius |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 20 | 35 min | 10/20 | Language 1 | |
| Numerical reasoning | 10 | 20 min | 10/20 combined | Language 1 | |
| Abstract reasoning | 10 | 10 min | 10/20 combined | Language 1 | |
| Field-related multiple-choice test | 30 | 40 min | 15/30 | Language 2 | |
| Free-text essay on EU matters (EUFTE) | – | 40 min | 5/10 | Language 2 |
Source: notice of competition EPSO/AST/158/26, OJ C/2026/4963
EPSO Genius covers the three reasoning tests, in the format set by the notice (20 questions in 35 minutes, 10 in 20 and 10 in 10), in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. We do not offer practice for the field-related test or for the essay: for those, work from the list of duties in the notice and from the documentation EPSO publishes before the test date.
Key dates
6 October – 11 November 2026: applications
Apply online from your EPSO candidate account and upload a copy of your identity card or passport by 11 November 2026, 12:00 midday Brussels time. You choose your field and your two test languages in the application form; nothing can be changed after the deadline.
Tests: date to be announced
EPSO will publish the test date on the competition page and in the candidate account. The reasoning tests are in language 1; the field-related test and the essay are in language 2.
11 March 2027: supporting documents
Diplomas and proof of professional experience must be uploaded by 11 March 2027, 12:00 midday Brussels time.
Marking and reserve lists
The reasoning tests are marked first, as pass or fail. Candidates who pass are ranked on their field-related test score. The essay is marked and eligibility is checked only for the top of that ranking, in principle up to 1.5 times the number of places. Results are sent to candidates at the end of the competition.
How to prepare for the reasoning tests
Find your level first
The free diagnostic gives you a score per reasoning test in about 15 minutes, without an account. It also contains EU knowledge and digital skills questions, which are not part of this competition: ignore those two scores.
Clear the pass marks, then move on
Reasoning scores do not count towards your ranking. You need 10/20 in verbal and 10/20 for numerical and abstract combined. Train until you clear both with a margin under time pressure, then put your remaining time into the field-related test, which decides the ranking.
Train at exam pace
Abstract reasoning leaves one minute per question, numerical two minutes, verbal 1 minute 45 seconds. Practise with the timer on and with the same on-screen tools as EPSO's test platform: calculator, notepad, answer elimination and review screen.
The reasoning pack: €45, one payment
Practice is free up to 10 questions a day. If you want more, the reasoning pack is the one CAST candidates use: the three reasoning tests of this competition and nothing you do not need.
Reasoning Pack
€45One payment · VAT included
- Unlimited verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests
- Timed exam mode: 20 questions in 35 minutes, 10 in 20, 10 in 10
- Step-by-step explanation for every answer
- Lifetime access, 14-day money-back guarantee
EU knowledge and digital skills are not in this competition, so they are not in the pack. They are in the Pro plan. See the Pro plan
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for EPSO/AST/158/26?â–¼
EU citizens with one official EU language at C1 level and a second at B2, and either a post-secondary diploma of at least two years in an area relevant to the chosen field plus three years of relevant professional experience, or a secondary-school diploma giving access to post-secondary education plus six years of relevant experience. The accepted areas of study are listed per field in the notice of competition.
How many places are there?â–¼
964 in total: 423 for data processing, analytics and statistics, 243 for librarianship and information science and 298 for records and archives management. Being on a reserve list does not guarantee recruitment.
What are the pass marks for the reasoning tests?â–¼
10/20 in verbal reasoning, and 10/20 for numerical and abstract reasoning combined (10 questions each). A weak numerical score can be offset by a strong abstract score, and the other way round. If you miss either pass mark, the competition ends for you and your other tests are not marked.
Do the reasoning tests count towards the final ranking?â–¼
No. They are pass or fail. The ranking is based on the field-related multiple-choice test only (30 questions, 40 minutes, pass mark 15/30). The essay must reach 5/10 but does not change the ranking.
In which language are the tests?â–¼
The reasoning tests are in your language 1; the field-related test and the essay are in your language 2. You choose both among the 24 official EU languages when you apply: at least C1 level in one and at least B2 in the other.
When are the tests?â–¼
EPSO has not announced a date yet. It has said that the tests will very likely all take place on the same day, remotely. The date will be published on the competition page and in the candidate account.
Clear the reasoning pass marks first
Free diagnostic: 25 questions, about 15 minutes, no account. Then 7 days of unlimited practice and 10 free questions a day with a free account.
Take the free diagnostic testFree forever · No credit card required