The EPSO AD5 2026 competition (EPSO/AD/427/26) selects Administrators (grade AD5) for a career in the European Union institutions. If you have applied — or are planning to — this guide sets out the full EPSO AD5 2026 timeline: the two-part testing structure, the key 2026 and 2027 dates, the supporting-documents deadline, what each test measures, and how to prepare. Everything here is drawn from the Notice of Competition so you can plan your revision around the real milestones instead of guessing.
EPSO AD5 2026 at a glance
Here are the essential facts about the EPSO/AD/427/26 competition in one place:
| Detail | EPSO AD5 2026 (EPSO/AD/427/26) |
|---|---|
| Competition | EPSO/AD/427/26 — Administrators (AD5) |
| Institutions | European Commission, Parliament, Council and other EU bodies |
| Structure | Two parts: reasoning tests, then EU knowledge + digital skills + written test |
| Part 1 (reasoning) timing | Expected October/November 2026 |
| Part 2 timing | Expected 2027 (successful Part 1 candidates only) |
| Supporting documents deadline | 7 October 2026, 12:00 midday (Brussels time) |
| Test format | Remote, computer-based |
The EPSO AD5 2026 two-part testing structure
The headline change for EPSO AD5 2026 is the two-part structure. Understanding it is the key to planning your preparation, because you only face the specialised Part 2 tests once you have cleared the reasoning tests in Part 1.
Part 1: reasoning tests (verbal, numerical, abstract)
Part 1 is made up of the three EPSO reasoning tests — verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning — all sat on a single day. These tests measure the core cognitive abilities every EU Administrator needs. Part 1 is mandatory for all eligible candidates and is expected to take place in October/November 2026. You must reach the required pass scores to advance to Part 2.
Part 2: EU knowledge, digital skills and the written test
Only candidates who reach the Part 1 pass scores are invited to Part 2, which is expected in 2027. Part 2 has three components: an EU knowledge test, a digital skills test and a written test. These assess the specialised competences needed to work in the EU institutions. Exact Part 2 dates are announced later, to successful Part 1 candidates only.
| Test part | Tests included | Expected timing | To advance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning | October/November 2026 | Reach the pass scores to proceed to Part 2 |
| Part 2 | EU knowledge, digital skills, written test | 2027 (dates announced later) | Open only to candidates who pass Part 1 |
Key EPSO AD5 2026 dates and deadlines
These are the milestones to mark in your calendar for EPSO/AD/427/26. Missing the documents deadline can mean exclusion from the competition regardless of your test scores, so treat it as fixed.
| Milestone | Date / timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting documents deadline | 7 October 2026, 12:00 midday (Brussels time) | Hard deadline. Proof of education and professional experience must be submitted by this date and time; late submissions risk exclusion. |
| Part 1 reasoning tests | Expected October/November 2026 | Verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning, sat on a single day. Invitations typically arrive 2–4 weeks before the session. |
| EU knowledge reference material published | At least two months before the test | The official source material for the EU knowledge test is published on the competition webpage and forms the basis of the questions. |
| Written test reference material published | At least two weeks before the test | The specific background material for the written test is published on the competition webpage. |
| Part 2 tests | Expected 2027 | EU knowledge, digital skills and written test. Exact dates announced later to successful Part 1 candidates. |
What each EPSO AD5 2026 test measures
Knowing what each test assesses lets you target your revision. Here is a quick breakdown of the six tests across the EPSO AD5 2026 competition, with links to our in-depth guides for each.
- Verbal reasoning — comprehension and logical interpretation of written passages. Verbal reasoning guide.
- Numerical reasoning — interpreting data, tables and charts under time pressure. Numerical reasoning guide.
- Abstract reasoning — identifying patterns and logical relationships between shapes. Abstract reasoning guide.
- EU knowledge — the institutions, treaties, policies and how the EU works. EU knowledge guide.
- Digital skills — digital competence based on the DigComp framework. Digital skills guide.
- Written test — structured written communication on an EU-related brief. Written test guide.
How to prepare for EPSO AD5 2026
The gap between now and the Part 1 reasoning tests in October/November 2026 — and then into 2027 for Part 2 — is enough time to prepare thoroughly if you start early. EPSO publishes only sample tests, which show the format but are not a full practice tool, so most successful candidates supplement them with structured practice.
A realistic plan: build speed and accuracy on verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning first, since Part 1 is the gate to everything else. In parallel, start building EU knowledge and practising the digital-skills and written components so Part 2 is not a standing start if you pass Part 1. Consistent, regular practice beats last-minute cramming.
Start practising for EPSO AD5 2026 on Prep4EU — full mock tests, hundreds of practice questions and detailed explanations across every test in the competition.
EPSO AD5 2026 timeline: frequently asked questions
When are the EPSO AD5 2026 tests?
Part 1 reasoning tests are expected in October/November 2026. Part 2 (EU knowledge, digital skills and the written test) is expected in 2027, with exact dates announced later to candidates who pass Part 1.
What is the deadline for supporting documents?
Supporting documents for EPSO/AD/427/26 must be submitted by 7 October 2026 at 12:00 midday Brussels time. This is a hard deadline — missing it risks exclusion.
How many tests are there in EPSO AD5 2026?
Six in total: three reasoning tests in Part 1 (verbal, numerical, abstract) and three tests in Part 2 (EU knowledge, digital skills, written test).
Do I have to pass Part 1 to sit Part 2?
Yes. Only candidates who reach the pass scores in the Part 1 reasoning tests are invited to Part 2.
Is EPSO AD5 2026 sat remotely?
Yes, the tests are computer-based and sat remotely. The exact session date and instructions arrive in the invitation, typically 2–4 weeks before the test.