EPSO has confirmed it: the AD5 Graduate Administrators 2026 competition will be run in two separate stages. The three reasoning tests come first, later in 2026, and the remaining tests follow in 2027. For the tens of thousands of candidates in this competition, it is the clearest timeline we have had so far — and a real opportunity if you use it well.
Here is exactly what was announced, what it means, and what to do next.
Stage 1 — the reasoning tests (October/November 2026)
The first stage covers the three classic EPSO reasoning tests:
- Verbal reasoning
- Numerical reasoning
- Abstract reasoning
Each candidate sits all three on the same day. Because the number of applicants is so high, testing is spread across several days — so do not expect everyone to take them on a single fixed date. You will receive an official notification several weeks beforehand with your individual test date, technical instructions, and the practical details for the day.
The pass marks that decide everything
Stage 1 is a gate. To advance, you must hit the minimum scores set in the Notice of Competition:
- Verbal reasoning: at least 10/20
- Numerical + abstract reasoning combined: at least 10/20
Miss either threshold and the competition ends there. These figures come from the current Notice of Competition — EPSO can amend it, so always confirm against the official text. You can read the notice in the EU Official Journal via EUR-Lex, which is the binding source for rules, eligibility and scoring.
Stage 2 — the remaining tests (first half of 2027)
Candidates who clear the reasoning stage are invited to the rest of the AD5 battery:
- EU Knowledge (multiple-choice)
- Digital Skills test
- EUFTE — the free-text essay on EU matters
These are expected in the first half of 2027. Exact dates have not been confirmed and will be communicated by EPSO later.
Why this split is good news for you
A two-stage structure changes how you should plan. You no longer have to peak on everything at once. The reasoning tests are months away, and they are the most trainable part of the whole competition — systematic practice moves scores fast. Then, only if you pass, you invest in EU Knowledge, Digital Skills and the EUFTE essay, with a clear runway into 2027.
The candidates who treat this gap as preparation time, not waiting time, are the ones who end up on the reserve list.
What to do now
- Lock in the reasoning tests first. Verbal, numerical and abstract are your immediate priority for autumn 2026. Train to clear the pass marks comfortably, not just barely.
- Watch the official channels. Keep an eye on your EPSO Single Candidate Portal, the official AD5 competition page, and EPSO's announcements for your individual test date.
- Check the binding rules. Pass marks and eligibility live in the Notice of Competition on EUR-Lex — always trust the official text over any summary.
- Plan Stage 2 for early 2027. Once reasoning is behind you, shift to EU Knowledge, Digital Skills and EUFTE.
Prepare with EPSOHQ
EPSOHQ covers every test in this competition — thousands of verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning questions for Stage 1, plus EU Knowledge, Digital Skills practice and a dedicated EUFTE essay trainer for Stage 2. Start now while the clock is on your side.
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