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EPSO blog — page 4

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EPSO News

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

174,727 candidates applied for EPSO AD5 2026. EPSO has split testing in two: the reasoning tests are planned to start in November 2026 and the rest follows in 2027. Here is what is official, what is still unknown and what to do now.

Digital skills and technology concept for EPSO preparation
Preparation

EPSO Digital Skills Test 2026: The Complete Guide to What Actually Gets Tested

The Digital Skills test is brand new in EPSO AD5 2026 — 40 questions, 30 minutes, based on the EU's DigComp framework. No historical questions exist. This guide covers exactly what EPSO tests, how deep it goes, and how to prepare.

Study desk with notes and a laptop — EPSO preparation
Preparation

EPSO Numerical Reasoning: A Complete Guide for Humanities Graduates

If your degree is in law, political science, languages, or humanities, EPSO's Numerical Reasoning test is your biggest risk. This guide builds your skills from the ground up — no maths background needed.

Europa building, seat of the European Council in Brussels
EU Careers

EPSO Reserve List: What Actually Happens After You Pass?

Passing the EPSO competition puts you on a reserve list — not in a job. Here is exactly how recruitment from reserve lists works, how long it takes, and what geographical balance guiding rates mean for candidates.

Curved wooden wall of the European Parliament with EU flag projection
Preparation

EPSO EU Knowledge Test: What to Study and How

Complete guide to the EPSO EU Knowledge test. Covers institutions, legislative procedures, treaties, policies, and the best study approach for AD5 2026 candidates.

Study materials for EPSO numerical reasoning preparation
Preparation

EPSO Numerical Reasoning: Strategies That Actually Work

Proven EPSO numerical reasoning strategies: read data tables fast, dodge distractor columns, and manage the clock. Practical tips for AD5, CAST and AST candidates.

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

79,343 Italian Candidates Applied for EPSO AD5: Why Preparation Matters More Than Ever

Italy sent 79,343 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.

Grand Place in Brussels at dusk
EU Careers

Working in Brussels: What to Expect as an EU Official

What life in Brussels actually looks like as an EU official — neighborhoods, salary, international community, work-life balance, and why thousands of professionals call it home.

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.

Flat lay of a laptop, a smartphone, a padlock, a USB stick and a cable
Preparation

EPSO Digital Skills Test: The 5 DigComp Fields Explained

The EPSO digital skills test covers 5 DigComp competence areas. Here's what each field tests, what kind of questions to expect, and how to prepare efficiently.

European Economic and Social Committee building facade in Brussels
EU Careers

The 7 EU Institutions: What Each One Does (and Why It Matters for Your Exam)

A clear, exam-focused guide to the 7 EU institutions — what each does, where they sit, and how they interact. Essential knowledge for the EPSO EU Knowledge test.

Person studying at a café with notes and laptop
Preparation

EPSO Verbal Reasoning: How to Read Like an Examiner

Master the EPSO verbal reasoning test with examiner-level reading strategies. Learn how to decode passages, spot distractors, and manage your 35 minutes like a pro.

Grand Place in Brussels — the heart of the European capital
EU Careers

€7,137/Month + Lifelong Job Security: What an EU Career Actually Pays

Beyond base salary: expatriation and household allowances, pension rights, and total pay that can top €23,000/month at senior grades. The full EU pay breakdown.

Berlaymont building, European Commission headquarters in Brussels
EU Careers

CAST Permanent: Your Always-Open Door to EU Institutions

Unlike open competitions, CAST Permanent has no deadline. With 111,125 candidates and 190,014 applications in the database (end-2024) across the four Function Groups, it's the most accessible entry point to an EU career. Here's how it works.

Blank planning grid with a few marked sessions on a wooden desk, next to a pencil and glasses
Preparation

Your 12-Week EPSO AD5 Study Plan: A Week-by-Week Guide for 2026

A structured 12-week study plan for the EPSO AD5 2026 competition. Covers all five test types with clear weekly goals, time estimates, and the reasoning behind each phase.

EPSO TAO platform overview showing the exam interface
Test Platform

10 Things Nobody Tells You About the EPSO TAO Platform

Discover the hidden features, overlooked tools, and insider tips about the EPSO TAO testing platform that most candidates miss. Master these 10 secrets and walk into your exam with confidence.

TAO test platform interface shown on a laptop screen
Test Platform

EPSO's New Test Platform (TAO): The Complete Guide for Candidates

EPSO switched to the TAO testing platform in January 2026. Here's everything you need to know to feel confident on exam day — including powerful tools most candidates overlook.

Clock and study materials on a desk
Preparation

EPSO Test Day: Minute-by-Minute Time Management Strategies

Concrete time management techniques for each EPSO AD5 test type. Learn how to allocate seconds per question, use the 3-pass method, and execute under pressure on the TAO platform.

Young woman studying for EPSO exam in a café
Preparation

How Preparation Makes the Difference in EPSO Competitions

174,727 candidates are pursuing an EU career through EPSO AD5 2026. Euronews (February 2026) reports, citing vendor data, that structured preparation makes you 40% more likely to succeed. Here's the proven framework.

European Parliament building
EPSO News

174,727 Candidates Believe in an EU Career — And So Should You

The 2026 EPSO AD5 Graduate competition drew a record 174,727 applicants for 1,490 reserve list places. Here's what the numbers reveal — and how preparation gives you a real edge.