How many answer options does each EPSO AD5 test section have?
In EPSO AD5 2026 the number of answer options is not the same in every section: verbal reasoning has 4 options (A–D), numerical reasoning has 5 (A–E), abstract reasoning has 5 (A–E), EU knowledge has 4 (A–D) and digital skills has 4 (A–D).
Last updated 28 August 2026. Every figure on this page links to its official source.
Candidates usually assume every EPSO section is a four-option multiple choice. It is not, and the difference matters: a five-option item changes what a guess is worth and changes how elimination should be run. This is the per-section breakdown for EPSO/AD/427/26.
Answer options by section
One correct answer per item in every section.
- Verbal reasoning — 4 options (A–D).
- Numerical reasoning — 5 options (A–E).
- Abstract reasoning — 5 options (A–E).
- EU knowledge — 4 options (A–D).
- Digital skills — 4 options (A–D).
Source: EPSO/AD/427/26, Official Journal C/2026/711 of 5 February 2026
What each section is
The AD5 2026 competition tests six things: verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning, EU knowledge, digital skills, and a free-text essay on EU matters (EUFTE). The first three are Part 1; the last three are Part 2.
The EUFTE is the one component that is not multiple choice — it is written prose, so no option count applies to it.
Sources: EPSO/AD/427/26, Official Journal C/2026/711 of 5 February 2026 · EU Careers — “AD5 Graduates selection process: how you are assessed”
Why the five-option sections are harder than they look
On a four-option item a blind guess is worth 1 in 4. On a five-option item it is 1 in 5, and eliminating one option still leaves you at 1 in 4 — where the verbal candidate started. Numerical and abstract reasoning are both five-option sections, and they are also the two where candidates most often run out of time and guess.
The abstract reasoning test gives ten questions in ten minutes — sixty seconds an item, against five options.
Source: EPSO/AD/427/26, Official Journal C/2026/711 of 5 February 2026
Related questions
How many answer options does each EPSO AD5 test section have?
In EPSO AD5 2026 the number of answer options is not the same in every section: verbal reasoning has 4 options (A–D), numerical reasoning has 5 (A–E), abstract reasoning has 5 (A–E), EU knowledge has 4 (A–D) and digital skills has 4 (A–D). One correct answer per item. Source: notice of competition EPSO/AD/427/26, Official Journal C/2026/711.
How many answer options does EPSO verbal reasoning have?
Four options, labelled A to D, with one correct answer.
How many answer options does EPSO numerical reasoning have?
Five options, labelled A to E, with one correct answer.
How many answer options does EPSO abstract reasoning have?
Five options, labelled A to E, with one correct answer.
Which sections are in the EPSO AD5 2026 competition?
Verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning in Part 1; EU knowledge, digital skills and the free-text essay on EU matters (EUFTE) in Part 2.
How long is the EPSO abstract reasoning test?
Ten questions in ten minutes — sixty seconds per item. Source: notice of competition EPSO/AD/427/26, Official Journal C/2026/711.
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PassEPSO is not EPSO, EU Careers, the European Commission or any EU institution, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. The notice of competition published in the Official Journal of the European Union and the messages in your EPSO account are the only authoritative sources for dates, eligibility and format.