How to Prepare for EPSO AD5 2026: Your Study Plan Before Autumn Testing

Now that EPSO has confirmed testing will start in autumn 2026 for the AD5 competition (EPSO/AD/427/26), candidates have a concrete horizon to plan around. The question is no longer whether to prepare — it's how.

This guide gives you a structured approach to the months ahead, covering all six test areas in the order that makes strategic sense.

Know What You're Preparing For

Before planning anything, be clear on the format. The AD5 2026 competition is entirely remote — all tests are taken from home via the TAO platform with remote proctoring. There is no Assessment Centre, no interview, no in-person component.

The six test areas, with their constraints:

• Verbal Reasoning (L1): 35 minutes, min. 10/20 — highest weighted section overall
• Numerical Reasoning (L1): combined with abstract, 30 minutes total, pass/fail
• Abstract Reasoning (L1): combined with numerical, pass/fail only
• EU Knowledge (L2): 40 minutes, min. 15/30 — 30% of preliminary score
• Digital Skills (L2): 30 minutes, min. 20/40 — 30% of preliminary score
• EUFTE Written Test (L2): free-text essay, 40 minutes, min. 5/10 — 15% of final score

Phase 1 — Weeks 1–3: Diagnostic and Foundation

Start with a full diagnostic across all six areas. Most candidates are surprised: their self-assessed weaknesses don't always match their actual scores.

• Complete a timed mock for each section
• Identify your two weakest areas — these get extra time in every phase
• Read the official competition notice carefully — know the exact rules

Phase 2 — Weeks 4–8: EU Knowledge Deep Dive

EU Knowledge has the broadest scope and the slowest learning curve. It covers EU institutions, decision-making procedures, treaties, the EU budget, enlargement, and recent EU affairs. You can't cram this in a week.

Effective approach:

• Use spaced repetition for factual material — review at increasing intervals
• Prioritise: EU institutions, co-decision procedure, Treaty of Lisbon, EU budget structure, recent EU affairs (2024–2026)
• Practice MCQs daily — not to memorise questions, but to identify gaps
• Run 20 EU Knowledge questions alongside 20 Verbal Reasoning questions every session

Phase 3 — Weeks 9–12: Verbal and Numerical Under Time Pressure

For Verbal Reasoning:

• Practice True/False/Cannot Say questions strictly from the text — no outside knowledge
• Aim for 1.5 minutes per question or less
• The trap is overthinking: it's text comprehension, not general knowledge

For Numerical and Abstract Reasoning:

• Numerical: data interpretation from tables and charts, calculator allowed
• Abstract: pattern recognition sequences — pure logic, no knowledge required
• These are pass/fail, but failing eliminates you. Don't neglect them.

Phase 4 — Weeks 13–16: Digital Skills and EUFTE Polish

Digital Skills tests professional digital fluency in an EU context: GDPR, cybersecurity basics, digital communication, and information literacy. It's not about coding.

For the EUFTE essay:

• Practice writing structured responses to EU policy questions in your L2
• The essay is assessed on content knowledge, structure, and language quality
• AI-graded practice feedback helps you identify weaknesses before they cost you points

Final 3–4 Weeks: Full Mock Exams Only

Stop learning new material. Take at least 3 full timed mock exams under realistic conditions — no phone, no interruptions. Use the last two weeks to review wrong answers and check your tech setup for remote proctoring.

The One Thing Most Candidates Get Wrong

They treat EU Knowledge as background reading instead of active practice. The exam tests precise facts, specific procedures, and numerical thresholds. Reading about EU institutions is not the same as answering 30 MCQ questions about them under time pressure.

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