How to prepare for EPSO AD5 2026 after the two-part testing amendment

Updated after the 30 June 2026 EU Careers amendment: AD5 2026 preparation now has to follow the official two-part testing order. Reasoning comes first; EU Knowledge, Digital Skills and EUFTE follow in 2027 for candidates who pass Part 1.

Use this plan to prepare in the right order without neglecting the later tests.

The new official sequence

• 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 on dates to be announced later.

Source: EU Careers AD5 update, 30 June 2026.

July–September: make reasoning the priority

Your first objective is to clear Part 1. Each week should include:

• Timed verbal reasoning practice, with strict text-only evidence review.
• Numerical reasoning under calculator and table/chart conditions.
• Abstract reasoning pattern sets, especially under time pressure.
• At least one combined reasoning session so you practise the one-day Part 1 rhythm.

Part 1 threshold targets

EU Careers states that candidates need at least 10/20 in verbal reasoning and at least 10/20 combined across numerical and abstract reasoning to move to Part 2. In practice, train above the minimum so exam-day nerves do not put you at the edge.

Keep Part 2 warm

Do not stop EU Knowledge, Digital Skills or EUFTE entirely. They are still part of the competition for candidates who pass Part 1. A sensible maintenance rhythm is:

• 1 EU Knowledge session per week
• 1 Digital Skills session per week
• 1 EUFTE outline or short writing drill every 1–2 weeks

After Part 1, shift intensity towards these remaining tests for the 2027 sitting.

Do not miss the fixed logistics

• Each candidate will sit all three Part 1 reasoning tests in one testing session on one day.
• Candidates will be scheduled on different dates during the testing period.
• Individual invitations will arrive several weeks in advance.
• Rescheduling Part 1 will not be possible.
• Supporting documents are due by 7 October 2026, according to the official competition page.

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