Prepare for the EPSO AD5 reasoning tests
Part 1 of the 2026 graduate administrator competition is three reasoning tests. EPSO plans to start them in November 2026. Practice all three with original questions at EPSO’s timings.
Updated
Verbal, numerical and abstract · Worked answers · One EPSO pass
Cities are often warmer than the surrounding countryside, especially at night. This “urban heat island” effect occurs because materials such as asphalt and concrete absorb heat during the day and release it slowly, while buildings and traffic produce additional heat. Fewer trees and green spaces also mean less shade and less cooling from evaporation.
City authorities can reduce the effect by planting trees, creating parks and green roofs, and using lighter-colored surfaces that reflect more sunlight.
Which of the following statements is correct?
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The Part 1 reasoning tests
The notice for competition EPSO/AD/427/26 – Administrators (AD 5) sets these tests, taken in your language 1 and proctored remotely. To go through to Part 2 you need both pass scores.
| Test | Questions | Time | Pass score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 20 | 35 minutes | 10/20 |
| Numerical reasoning | 10 | 20 minutes | 10/20 combined with abstract reasoning |
| Abstract reasoning | 10 | 10 minutes | 10/20 combined with numerical reasoning |
Verbal reasoning also counts toward your ranking. Numerical and abstract reasoning are pass or fail only and share one pass score of 10 out of 20, so a strong score in one can make up for a weaker score in the other. Source: notice of competition EPSO/AD/427/26, Table 2.
Timed tests and drills
Drills give feedback after every answer. The timed tests save feedback until the end, then show every question with a worked explanation.
Full Part 1 practice
All three tests with EPSO’s timings, in the order the notice lists them, each with its own clock. Results apply EPSO’s pass scores.
Verbal reasoning test
Twenty passages. Choose the one statement each passage supports.
Numerical reasoning test
Tables and charts with five answer options. Percentages, ratios, conversions and projections.
Abstract reasoning test
Five figures in a series. Choose the one that comes next.
Verbal reasoning drill
Six passages with an explanation of every statement after each answer.
Numerical reasoning drill
Six data questions with the full working after each answer.
Abstract reasoning drill
Six series with the rule explained after each answer.
One EPSO pass covers full Part 1 practice, the three timed tests and every drill replay.
Verbal reasoning
Read a short passage and choose the one statement it supports. Learn to spot statements that go beyond the text.
Verbal reasoning guideNumerical reasoning
Work from tables and charts: percentage change, ratios, shares, currency conversion and projections.
Numerical reasoning guideAbstract reasoning
Find the rule behind five figures and pick the one that comes next. Track each change separately.
Abstract reasoning guideTimeline and what comes next
- EPSO received 174,727 applications for this competition, which seeks 1,490 successful candidates.
- Supporting documents are due by October 7, 2026 at noon, Brussels time.
- Part 1 is planned to start in November 2026. About three weeks before the first testing session, candidates receive an invitation letter in their Single Candidate Portal account with the week of their tests. The exact date and time appear on the testing platform at least two weeks before the test.
- Candidates who pass Part 1 take Part 2 in 2027, in language 2:
| Test | Format | Pass score |
|---|---|---|
| EU knowledge test | 30 questions in 40 minutes | 15/30 |
| Digital skills test | 40 questions in 30 minutes | 20/40 |
| Free-text essay on EU matters (EUFTE) | 40 minutes, scored 0 to 10 | 5/10 |
How the scores are combined
| Test | Preliminary combined score | Final combined score |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 40% | 35% |
| Numerical and abstract reasoning | Pass or fail only | Pass or fail only |
| EU knowledge | 30% | 25% |
| Digital skills | 30% | 25% |
| EUFTE | Not included | 15% |
Sources: notice of competition (Tables 2–6), EU Careers testing update and EPSO applicant figures.
Learn the methods first
The study guide covers each test type, how to pace 35, 20 and 10 minutes, and how the combined numerical and abstract pass score changes your strategy.
Read the EPSO study guideUse EPSO’s own samples too
Our practice is in English. EPSO sets the reasoning tests in your language 1, and EU Careers publishes sample tests you can use to see the official testing interface.
EU Careers sample testsCommon questions
What is in Part 1 of the EPSO AD5 competition?
Part 1 is three multiple-choice reasoning tests taken in your language 1: verbal reasoning (20 questions in 35 minutes), numerical reasoning (10 questions in 20 minutes) and abstract reasoning (10 questions in 10 minutes). EPSO holds and proctors the tests remotely.
What score do I need to pass the EPSO reasoning tests?
You need at least 10 out of 20 in verbal reasoning and at least 10 out of 20 across numerical and abstract reasoning combined. A strong numerical score can make up for a weaker abstract score, and the other way around.
Do the reasoning test scores count toward the ranking?
Verbal reasoning does: it makes up 40% of the preliminary combined score and 35% of the final combined score. Numerical and abstract reasoning are pass or fail only and are not part of the ranking.
When are the AD5 2026 reasoning tests?
EPSO says Part 1 is planned to start in November 2026. About three weeks before the first testing session, candidates receive an invitation letter in their Single Candidate Portal account giving the week of their tests. The exact date and time are available on the testing platform at least two weeks before the test.
What comes after the reasoning tests?
Candidates who pass Part 1 are invited to Part 2 in 2027: an EU knowledge test (30 questions in 40 minutes, pass score 15/30), a digital skills test (40 questions in 30 minutes, pass score 20/40) and a free-text essay on EU matters (40 minutes, pass score 5/10), all in language 2.
Is this practice in my language?
Our questions are in English. EPSO sets your reasoning tests in the language 1 you chose in your application, and EU Careers publishes official sample tests in the EU languages. Practicing in the language you will use is worthwhile, especially for verbal reasoning.
What is free, and what does an EPSO pass include?
The study guide, the section guides and the interactive examples are free. If your account includes free first attempts, you can try each of the three drills once. An EPSO pass covers full Part 1 practice, the three timed tests and unlimited drill replays for the period you choose. It is specific to EPSO practice.
Are these real EPSO questions?
No. Every question is original and written in EPSO’s published format. Game Assessment Prep is independent and is not affiliated with EPSO or the EU institutions.
Applying to the European Commission through another route? See our European Commission guide.
Already Commission staff and sitting an internal competition? Those use a different test, an adaptive numerical, inductive and deductive reasoning assessment. See our European Commission SHL test guide.
Original independent preparation. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) or any EU institution.