What Is the EPSO AD5 Exam? Complete Guide to the Selection Process

The EPSO AD5 competition is the European Personnel Selection Office's main open competition for recruiting administrators (grade AD5) to work in EU institutions. AD5 is the entry-level grade for university graduates.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Be a citizen of an EU Member State with full rights
• Have a completed university degree (at least 3 years of study), diploma by 30 September 2026
• Have thorough knowledge (C1) of one official EU language (Language 1) and satisfactory knowledge (B2) of a different official EU language (Language 2)

No professional experience is required.

The 2026 Selection Process

The AD5 2026 competition (EPSO/AD/427/26) uses a fully remote format. All tests are proctored online via the TAO platform.

Reasoning Tests (Language 1)

• Verbal reasoning (35 min) — logical thinking about written information. Highest weighted section.
• Numerical + abstract reasoning (30 min) — interpreting data and identifying patterns. Pass/fail only.

Knowledge and Skills Tests (Language 2)

• EU knowledge MCQ (40 min) — questions on EU institutions, treaties, and policies.
• Digital skills MCQ (30 min) — digital literacy, data handling, cybersecurity basics.
• EUFTE essay (40 min) — free-text essay on EU matters. Only counted in final ranking.

The Reserve List

The top 1,490 candidates from the final ranking are placed on a reserve list. EU institutions recruit from this list. Being on it is the prerequisite for being considered for a position.

Why Early Preparation Matters

With 174,922 registered candidates, the competition is fierce. Verbal reasoning alone accounts for 35-40% of your score. Reasoning skills reward practice, not memorisation. Starting early gives you time to build these skills progressively.