Independent guide · Updated 7 September 2026

EPSO AD5 2026 preparation guide

A source-checked path through EPSO/AD/427/26: official test format, scoring priorities, practical study methods and a transparent route from 140 free Discovery questions to Premium mock exams.

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.

TestItemsTimePass markLanguageFinal weight
Verbal reasoning2035 min10/20L135% final
Numerical reasoning1020 minCombined 10/20*L1Qualifying
Abstract reasoning1010 minCombined 10/20*L1Qualifying
EU Knowledge3040 min15/30L225% final
Digital Skills4030 min20/40L225% final
EUFTEWritten40 min5/10L215% 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.

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.

Discovery · free

Build method and diagnose gaps

  • 140 complete topic questions
  • All five objective-test domains
  • No payment required
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  • 14,100-question preparation programme
  • 10 non-overlapping full mock cycles
  • EUFTE Workshop and advanced review tools
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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.

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Reasoning · Language 1

EPSO 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.

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Reasoning · Language 1

EPSO 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.

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Reasoning · Language 1

EPSO 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.

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Part 2 · Language 2

EPSO 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.

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Part 2 · Language 2

EPSO 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.

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Part 2 · Language 2

EPSO 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.

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Premium preparation

EPSO 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.

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EPSO/AD/427/26

EPSO 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.

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Clear answers

EPSO 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.

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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.