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EPSO News

EPSO news

EPSO announces changes in prose, on its own pages, without a changelog. A test format moves, a deadline shifts, a competition splits into two rounds — and the only way to know is to have been reading that week.

This section is the record of what actually changed and when: the competition calendar as it stands, the new competition model and what it replaced, how scoring and ranking are computed, and the moment the Commission switched the cognitive test in its internal competitions.

The rule here is narrower than elsewhere on the site: nothing is published on the strength of a press report. If EPSO has not said it, the article says that EPSO has not said it — which, on questions like the AD5 2026 exam date, is the honest answer and the useful one.

10 articles

SHL assessment platform interface on mobile devices (image: SHL)
EPSO News

The Commission Quietly Changed Its Internal Competition Test — Here's the Full Breakdown

The 2026 COM internal competitions (AD7, AD5, AST3) now open with an adaptive SHL cognitive assessment: 24 interactive questions in 36 minutes, pass mark at the 60th percentile. Everything we verified about the new format — and how to get ready.

SHL assessment platform interface on mobile devices (image: SHL)
EPSO News

The SHL Cognitive Test in the Commission's Internal Competitions: A Complete Guide

A detailed, verified guide to the adaptive SHL cognitive assessment that now opens the European Commission's internal competitions (AD7, AD5, AST3): the format, the interactive item types, how it is scored, and how to prepare — with a training platform that simulates it, live now on EU·Now.

Planning of dates and deadlines for the 2026 EPSO competitions
EPSO News

EPSO 2026 competition calendar: all competitions and deadlines

All EPSO 2026 competitions: AD5 (1,490 posts), AD7 ICT and Audit, CAST Permanent and announced competitions. References, vacancies, deadlines and test dates. Updated 2026.

European Union flags in front of the European Parliament
EPSO News

EPSO Competition 2026: the complete guide for Italian candidates

Everything you need to know about the EPSO 2026 competition: AD5 (1,490 positions), AD7 ICT, tests, deadlines, requirements, salaries, and how to prepare. Updated 2026.

A diagram showing the old and new EPSO competition models side by side
EPSO News

The New EPSO Competition Model: What Changed and What It Means for You

EPSO reformed its competition model in 2023-2024. The new format has fewer stages, new test types, and different scoring rules. Here is everything you need to know about how it works.

A ranking chart showing candidate scores arranged from highest to lowest
EPSO News

How EPSO Scores and Ranks Candidates: The Complete Scoring System Explained

Understanding how EPSO calculates your score and ranks you against other candidates is critical. Learn about minimum thresholds, weighted scores, and how the reserve list is built.

TAO test platform interface shown on a laptop screen
EPSO News

EPSO AD5 2026 Exam Date: What We Know (and What EPSO Hasn't Said)

174,922 candidates applied for EPSO AD5 2026 — and EPSO has not announced an exam date. Here is everything officially confirmed, what is likely, and what to do while you wait.

European Parliament building — where EPSO-selected officials work
EPSO News

79,450 Italian Candidates Applied for EPSO AD5: Why Preparation Matters More Than Ever

Italy sent 79,450 candidates to EPSO AD5 2026 — approximately 45% of all applicants. Italy already exceeds the Commission's geographical guiding rate (~11.2%), so Italian candidates need to score significantly above average. Here's how.

Schuman roundabout area near EU institutions in Brussels
EPSO News

EPSO Competition Calendar 2026: What's Open, What's Coming, and How to Prepare

The full EPSO 2026 competition calendar — AD5, CAST, specialist profiles, AST, and more. Status, expected timelines, and what you can start preparing for today.

European Parliament building
EPSO News

174,922 Candidates Believe in an EU Career — And So Should You

The 2026 EPSO AD5 Graduate competition drew a record 174,922 applicants for 1,490 reserve list places. Here's what the numbers reveal — and how preparation gives you a real edge.