EPSO AD5 — Frequently Asked Questions
Pass scores, test format, TAO platform, preparation strategy, and how EPSOready works.
What is EPSO AD5?
EPSO AD5 is the entry-level Administrator competition run by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) to recruit officials for EU institutions. The 2026 competition (EPSO/AD/427/26) attracted 174,922 candidates competing for 1,490 reserve list places — an acceptance rate of under 1%.
What tests are included in the EPSO AD5 pre-selection?
Five computer-based tests delivered through the TAO platform: Verbal Reasoning (20 questions, 35 min), Numerical Reasoning (10 questions, 20 min), Abstract Reasoning (10 questions, 10 min), EU Knowledge (30 questions, 40 min), and Digital Skills (40 questions, 30 min). All tests are taken remotely.
What is Language 1 and Language 2 in EPSO?
Language 1 is the EU official language in which you have thorough knowledge (minimum C1 level) — typically your native language. Language 2 must be English, French, or German. Verbal and Numerical Reasoning are taken in Language 1. EU Knowledge, Digital Skills, and the EUFTE essay are taken in Language 2. Most candidates choose English as Language 2.
What is the EUFTE test in EPSO?
EUFTE (EU Free Text Essay) is a written exercise in Language 2, assessed at the Assessment Centre stage — not during the computer-based pre-selection. Only candidates who pass pre-selection and rank highly enough are invited to the Assessment Centre where the EUFTE is taken.
When are the EPSO AD5 2026 tests?
The application deadline for EPSO/AD/427/26 was 10 March 2026 (now closed). Pre-selection tests (CBT) are scheduled for 2026 — exact dates are communicated to registered candidates through their EPSO account. Monitor your EPSO account for all notifications.
How competitive is EPSO AD5?
Extremely competitive. The 2026 competition attracted 174,922 candidates for 1,490 reserve list places. Not all applicants take the tests, but among those who do, only candidates ranking in roughly the top 1–2% of passing candidates advance to the Assessment Centre.
What is the minimum pass score for EPSO Verbal Reasoning?
The individual minimum for Verbal Reasoning is 10 out of 20 correct answers. Scoring below 10 eliminates you from the competition immediately, regardless of your scores on all other tests. This is the most consequential threshold in the pre-selection stage.
What is the minimum pass score for EPSO EU Knowledge?
15 out of 30 correct answers. This is an individual minimum — scoring 14/30 eliminates you even if you achieved perfect scores on all reasoning tests.
What is the minimum pass score for EPSO Digital Skills?
20 out of 40 correct answers. Like EU Knowledge, this is an individual minimum and cannot be compensated by high scores on other tests.
Do Numerical and Abstract Reasoning have separate pass scores?
No. Numerical Reasoning (10 questions) and Abstract Reasoning (10 questions) are assessed together on a combined basis. The combined minimum for EPSO/AD/427/26 is 10 out of 20. Scoring well on one can partially compensate for a weaker result on the other — but the combined score must still reach 10/20.
Is passing the EPSO minimum score enough to progress?
Not in practice. The minimum score eliminates the weakest candidates, but only the highest-ranked passing candidates are invited to the next stage. With 174,922 applicants for 1,490 places, the effective qualifying score is significantly above the stated minimums.
What score do I actually need to qualify?
Based on the structure and competitiveness of comparable EPSO AD competitions: Verbal Reasoning 15–17/20, Numerical Reasoning 7–8/10, Abstract Reasoning 7–8/10, EU Knowledge 22–25/30, Digital Skills 27–32/40. These are estimates — EPSO does not publish cut scores in advance.
How does EPSO calculate the final ranking score?
EPSO applies a weighting formula to the combined scores of all five tests to produce a single ranking score. The exact weighting is published in the competition notice for EPSO/AD/427/26. The weighted total determines your rank relative to all other candidates who passed all minimum thresholds.
What is the TAO platform?
TAO (Testing Assisté par Ordinateur) is the browser-based platform EPSO uses for all computer-based tests. It has a specific interface with a timer, a flagging system that lets you mark questions to revisit, a progress overview, and an on-screen calculator for Numerical Reasoning. Candidates unfamiliar with TAO consistently lose time discovering the interface on exam day.
Is there a calculator available in the EPSO tests?
Yes. The TAO platform provides an on-screen calculator for the Numerical Reasoning test. Use it for every calculation — even simple ones. Small mental arithmetic errors under pressure are common; the calculator eliminates them.
Can I flag questions and come back to them?
Yes. The TAO interface includes a flagging system that lets you mark any question and return to it before time expires. Use it actively — if a question is slowing you down, flag it and continue. Never spend more than 2 minutes on any single Numerical Reasoning question.
Are EPSO tests taken online or in a test centre?
The pre-selection computer-based tests (CBT) for EPSO/AD/427/26 are taken remotely — candidates complete them on their own computer at home or in any suitable location. The Assessment Centre stage takes place in person.
What is the Verbal Reasoning True/False/Cannot Say rule?
Each Verbal Reasoning question has exactly three possible answers. True means the passage explicitly confirms the statement. False means the passage explicitly contradicts it. Cannot Say means the passage neither confirms nor contradicts it — there is not enough information to judge. Never use outside knowledge; only the passage counts.
How long does it take to prepare for EPSO AD5?
Most candidates who pass dedicate 40–60 hours of structured practice spread over 6–8 weeks. Reasoning skills (Verbal, Numerical, Abstract) take time to build — cramming in the final days without prior sustained practice rarely produces results.
In what order should I prepare the EPSO tests?
Start with a diagnostic test across all 5 categories to identify your weakest areas. Then focus on Verbal and Numerical/Abstract Reasoning first (weeks 1–5), since these skills take time to build. Leave EU Knowledge for the final 3–4 weeks — it is a memory test, and information memorised too early partially fades by exam day.
What topics does EPSO EU Knowledge cover?
EU history and integration, legal framework and treaties (TEU, TFEU, Charter), EU institutions (Parliament, Council, Commission, Court of Justice, other bodies), legislative and budgetary procedures, Single Market and four freedoms, Economic and Monetary Union, cohesion and structural funds, Area of Freedom Security and Justice, and external relations/CFSP.
What is tested in the EPSO Digital Skills test?
Practical knowledge of digital tools and concepts: spreadsheets (functions, pivot tables, filtering), word processing, data management, online collaboration, cybersecurity awareness, and digital communication. Questions are scenario-based rather than purely factual.
Should I practice with the TAO interface before the exam?
Yes — this is one of the most overlooked preparation steps. Candidates who have never used TAO before their exam waste time discovering the interface during the actual test. Practice using the flagging system, on-screen calculator, timer, and navigation so the interface is second nature on exam day.
What is the best strategy for Abstract Reasoning?
Check the simplest transformations first: rotation, reflection, number of elements, size change, shading alternation. Most sequences follow one or two simple rules. Do not over-analyse — if the pattern is not clear within 45 seconds, use the answer options to eliminate and make your best guess.
Is the free EPSO diagnostic test really free?
Yes, completely free. 25 questions across all 5 EPSO test categories in the exact TAO interface. No account required, no credit card, no email needed. You receive a predicted score for each category and a personalised preparation plan at the end.
How many questions are in the EPSOready free trial?
25 questions: 5 per test category (Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, EU Knowledge, Digital Skills) — the same categories tested in the real EPSO AD5 exam.
Does EPSOready replicate the real TAO interface?
Yes. EPSOready replicates the exact TAO (Testing Assisté par Ordinateur) interface used in real EPSO exams, including the timer, flagging system, on-screen calculator, and navigation layout.
What is included in the Complete EPSO Pack?
1,500+ practice questions across all 5 EPSO AD5 test categories in the exact TAO interface format. Questions are written to match the difficulty, format, and style of real EPSO tests — not generic aptitude questions.
Is the EU Knowledge Course free?
Yes, completely free. The EPSOready EU Knowledge Course has 17 chapters covering all topics tested in EPSO EU Knowledge exams. No account or payment required.
In which languages is EPSOready available?
EPSOready is available in English, French, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, and German — matching the most common Language 2 choices and native languages of EPSO candidates.
Start with a free diagnostic
25 questions in the exact TAO interface. Predicted score per category. No account required.