EPSO AD5 2026 complete guide: amended two-part test format

The EPSO AD5 2026 competition — officially EPSO/AD/427/26 — is the EU's generalist administrator competition at AD5 grade. EU Careers updated the testing procedure on 30 June 2026: testing is now split into two parts.

Key official facts

• Competition: EPSO/AD/427/26, AD5 Graduate administrators
• Application window: 5 February – 10 March 2026, closed
• Candidates: 174,727, according to the official competition page
• Supporting documents deadline: 7 October 2026
• Part 1: verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning, expected as of October/November 2026
• Part 2: EU Knowledge, Digital Skills and EUFTE written test, in 2027 with dates to be announced later

Sources: EU Careers AD5 update and the official Graduate administrators competition page.

Part 1: the reasoning gate

All candidates who submitted a valid application are first invited to the reasoning tests:

• Verbal reasoning
• Numerical reasoning
• Abstract reasoning

Each candidate sits the three tests in a single testing session on one day. Candidates are spread across different dates during the testing period, and invitations will contain the exact date, time and practical details. EU Careers says rescheduling will not be possible.

Part 1 pass marks

• Verbal reasoning: at least 10/20
• Numerical + abstract reasoning: combined score of at least 10/20

Candidates who reach the Part 1 pass marks move to Part 2.

Part 2: the remaining AD5 tests

Part 2 is for candidates who pass Part 1. It covers:

• EU Knowledge test
• Digital Skills test
• Free-text essay on EU matters (EUFTE)

EU Careers says these tests take place in 2027, with dates to be announced later.

How to prepare under the amended format

The amended notice changes the order of preparation. Your highest-intensity work should now be the Part 1 reasoning block: timed verbal, numerical and abstract practice, including combined one-day simulations. At the same time, keep EU Knowledge, Digital Skills and EUFTE warm so you are not starting from zero if you reach Part 2.

Practical preparation checklist

1. Run a baseline diagnostic for verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning.
2. Practise the three reasoning tests together at least once per week.
3. Review every failed reasoning question by trap type, not just by answer.
4. Keep one weekly EU Knowledge or Digital Skills session in the background.
5. Write a short EUFTE outline every 1–2 weeks so the 2027 test does not become a cold start.
6. Check your EPSO account regularly for the Part 1 invitation.

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