1 · Establish a baseline
Complete a mixed diagnostic without pausing. Record accuracy, time and confidence separately so that a lucky answer is not mistaken for mastery.
Independent guide · Updated 13 October 2026
EPSO AD5 2026 preparation guide
A source-checked path through EPSO/AD/427/26: official format, scoring priorities, an interactive diagnostic and a transparent route from 140 free questions to a curated 5,000-question programme and Premium mock exams.
Official update · verified 13 October 2026
Open the official competition page →Competition ongoing; applications closed
EPSO currently lists EPSO/AD/427/26 as ongoing with applications closed. Applications closed on 10 March 2026; 174,727 candidates applied. The supporting-document deadline was 7 October 2026, and the official overview currently gives November 2026 as the indicative testing period. The notice was amended on 30 June 2026. The Single Candidate Portal and individual invitations remain authoritative.
Official format
Know exactly where the ranking points come from
Language 1 is used for reasoning. A different Language 2 is used for EU Knowledge, Digital Skills and EUFTE.
| Test | Items | Time | Pass mark | Language | Final weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 20 | 35 min | 10/20 | L1 | 35% final |
| Numerical reasoning | 10 | 20 min | Combined 10/20* | L1 | Qualifying |
| Abstract reasoning | 10 | 10 min | Combined 10/20* | L1 | Qualifying |
| EU Knowledge | 30 | 40 min | 15/30 | L2 | 25% final |
| Digital Skills | 40 | 30 min | 20/40 | L2 | 25% final |
| EUFTE | Written | 40 min | 5/10 | L2 | 15% final |
* Numerical and abstract reasoning share a combined 10/20 pass mark. They are qualifying and do not add ranking points under the consolidated notice.
Original preparation framework
A four-stage AD5 plan built around the published tests
Move from diagnosis to timed execution instead of accumulating random questions. AD5 Elite's 5,000-question core is curated across five domains with a 20% easy, 55% medium and 25% hard difficulty profile; this is our training design, not an EPSO scoring formula.
2 · Secure the Part 1 gates
Stabilise at least 10/20 in verbal and 10/20 across numerical plus abstract reasoning, then repeat under the published 35 + 20 + 10 minute rhythm.
3 · Build Part 2 depth
Rotate EU institutions, law, budget, policies and procedures with Digital Skills scenarios. Verify knowledge against primary EU sources.
4 · Rehearse the whole process
Use full mock cycles only after the method is stable. Review every error, practise EUFTE structure and convert the result into the next study block.
Quality standard
Use an error taxonomy, not a raw score
Every missed item should produce one corrective action.
- Evidence
- Unsupported inference, missed qualifier or external assumption in verbal reasoning.
- Data
- Wrong unit, denominator, time period or chart reading in numerical reasoning.
- Rule
- Unverified pattern, ignored invariant or premature choice in abstract reasoning.
- Knowledge and judgement
- Institutional confusion, outdated fact or disproportionate digital action.
Quality standard
Questions are selected for relevance, valid answer contracts, explanation quality, thematic coverage and balanced difficulty. Official EPSO notices and candidate invitations always take precedence.
Open the Part 1 reasoning guide →Interactive Part 1 planner
Turn three practice scores into a focused next week
Enter a recent untimed or timed score. This training diagnostic applies the published pass gates; it is not an EPSO result prediction.
- Prioritise verbal evidence and inference because verbal carries 40% of preliminary ranking.
- Protect the combined numerical-and-abstract threshold with alternating timed sets.
- Review each error by cause: knowledge, method, attention or time.
- Finish the week with the official Part 1 rhythm: 35 + 20 + 10 minutes.
Shareable training calculator
Put one practice result into context
Enter a result, duration and personal target. The link stores only these values in its URL so you can save or share the same estimate.
Training accuracy14/20 · 70%
Average pace105 s
Personal target (%)Personal target reached
Educational estimate only. It is not an official EPSO score, pass decision or prediction.
Start free
140 complete questions in Discovery Access
Discovery is a substantial five-domain diagnostic pathway. It does not include the full mock exam cycles, which remain Premium.
Build method and diagnose gaps
- 140 complete topic questions
- All five objective-test domains
- No payment required
Complete the full programme
- 5,000 curated-question preparation programme
- 10 non-overlapping full mock cycles
- EUFTE Workshop and advanced review tools
Preparation library
One clear guide for every candidate question
Use the specialist pages for format, technique and verified next steps—not copied questions or vague promises.
Part 1 · Language 1
EPSO AD5 reasoning tests: format, scores and study plan
Part 1 combines three computer-based reasoning tests in your chosen Language 1. Verbal reasoning carries ranking weight; numerical and abstract reasoning are qualifying tests with a combined pass mark.
Read guide →Reasoning · Language 1EPSO AD5 verbal reasoning: 20 questions in 35 minutes
The verbal reasoning test measures whether you can draw conclusions from a supplied passage. For EPSO/AD/427/26 it contains 20 questions in 35 minutes and materially affects ranking.
Read guide →Reasoning · Language 1EPSO AD5 numerical reasoning: method, timing and practice
Numerical reasoning contains 10 questions in 20 minutes. It is assessed together with abstract reasoning against a combined 10/20 pass mark.
Read guide →Reasoning · Language 1EPSO AD5 abstract reasoning: patterns, rules and speed
Abstract reasoning contains 10 questions in 10 minutes. Its score combines with numerical reasoning for a 10/20 pass mark, so a fast, consistent scanning routine matters.
Read guide →Part 2 · Language 2EPSO AD5 EU Knowledge test: syllabus and source strategy
The EU Knowledge test contains 30 questions in 40 minutes, has a 15/30 pass mark and contributes to both preliminary and final ranking.
Read guide →Part 2 · Language 2EPSO AD5 Digital Skills test: domains and preparation
The Digital Skills test contains 40 questions in 30 minutes, has a 20/40 pass mark and contributes to both preliminary and final ranking.
Read guide →Part 2 · Language 2EPSO AD5 EUFTE: written communication preparation
EUFTE is a 40-minute written communication test in Language 2. The official notice sets a 5/10 pass mark and a 15% final-ranking weight.
Read guide →Premium preparationEPSO AD5 mock exams: when and how to use timed simulations
AD5 Elite provides 10 non-overlapping mock exam cycles in Premium access. Discovery Access contains 140 topic questions, but it does not include the full mock cycles.
Read guide →EPSO/AD/427/26EPSO AD5 2026 dates, deadlines and official updates
Dates and instructions can change or be candidate-specific. Treat the consolidated notice, your EPSO account and your invitation as authoritative; use preparation sites only as navigation aids.
Read guide →Clear answersEPSO AD5 2026 FAQ: tests, languages, access and preparation
This FAQ separates official competition facts from AD5 Elite product access, so candidates can plan without confusing free practice, Premium simulations and EPSO instructions.
Read guide →Source policy
Official sources remain authoritative
AD5 Elite is independent and is not affiliated with EPSO or an EU institution. Dates, eligibility and operational instructions can change or be candidate-specific. Always follow your EPSO account and invitation.
Quick answers
EPSO AD5 2026 FAQ
What is included in the free Discovery Access?
Discovery Access includes 140 complete practice questions: 28 verbal, 28 numerical, 28 abstract, 28 EU Knowledge and 28 Digital Skills questions.
Are the mock exams free?
No. AD5 Elite's 10 full, non-overlapping mock exam cycles are Premium. They are not included in the 140-question Discovery Access.
Which languages are used for EPSO AD5 tests?
Reasoning is taken in Language 1 at minimum C1. EU Knowledge, Digital Skills and EUFTE are taken in a different Language 2 at minimum B2.
Is AD5 Elite an official EPSO service?
No. AD5 Elite is an independent preparation platform. The official notice, EPSO account and candidate invitation always take precedence.