Verbal, Numerical and Abstract Reasoning
Thinking about applying for an EU job through EPSO? Then you’ve probably heard of the EPSO Reasoning Tests, a battery of tests you need to clear in practically every EPSO competition.
The tests sound simple enough: Verbal, Numerical and Abstract Reasoning. But what do they actually involve, how hard are they, and what’s the best way to prepare?
In this guide, we’ll break down each of the reasoning tests to show you how they’re used in EPSO competitions like the AD5 and CAST and offer practical tips to sharpen your skills. Whether you’re just starting out or revisiting EPSO competitions after a break, this article will help you tackle these tests with confidence.
What are the EPSO Reasoning Tests?
The EPSO Reasoning Tests are computer-based tests that form part of most competitions for EU jobs. There are three of them:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
Each one is designed to assess how well you can make sense of a particular area:
- understanding written information (Verbal Reasoning),
- working with numbers (Numerical Reasoning) and
- spotting patterns and logic (Abstract Reasoning).
You’ll typically take these tests in your Language 1, which is a language you have at least C1 proficiency in but isn’t necessarily your mother tongue (i.e., it could be a language you use professionally).
The number of items and time limit for each test are always detailed in EPSO’s Notice of Competition. For a CAST selection process, you’ll find this information in the Call for Expressions of Interest.
Verbal Reasoning: Can you understand and evaluate written information?
- True,
- False or
- Cannot Say (based only on the information given).
Common traps to avoid:
- Letting your personal opinion influence your answer
- Considering information not stated in the text
- Misinterpreting “cannot say” – this option is correct more often than you think!
- Read critically under time pressure
- Practise spotting the part(s) of the text that are relevant to each statement
- Eliminate incorrect statements – this will make you feel more confident about your answer
- Don’t overthink – stick to the text
Numerical Reasoning: Can you make sense of numerical data?
What you’ll be tested on:
- Percentages
- Ratios
- Per capita values
- Population density
- Speed
- Reading tables, bar charts and line graphs
- Refresh your basic maths skills, especially percentages and ratios
- Get comfortable with mental calculations
- Practise with a strict time limit
Abstract Reasoning: Can you identify logic without words?
This is the one that usually makes candidates panic.
On the Abstract Reasoning Test, you’re shown a sequence of five images and asked to choose a possible next step in the series out of five answer options. It’s a test of pure logic – no language, no numbers, just patterns.
On this test, you’ll have ten items and only ten minutes. This has always been the same across all types of competitions and profiles – but still check the Notice of Competition or Call for Expressions of Interest.
What’s being tested:
- Pattern recognition
- Rule deduction
- Strategic elimination
How to approach it: The 3-Stage Method
- Inventory: Identify the “building blocks,” such as shapes, colours and positions.
- Rule-finding: Spot the logical rules (e.g. figures rotate, number of sides on a shape grows, and colours alternate).
- Elimination: Use the rules to eliminate clearly incorrect answer options.
Many candidates find that learning an analytical method like this speeds up their decision-making and boosts their accuracy.
Extra tip: More and more, candidates need a pass mark of 50% for both the Abstract and Numerical Reasoning Tests combined, so keep that in mind as you prepare.
What’s the pass mark?
It depends on the competition. Some competitions require you to pass each test individually; others set a combined pass mark.
Always check the Notice of Competition or Call for Expressions of Interest for your specific selection process. It’s the only official source of information.
Do scores transfer across all competitions?
No. Although the format and difficulty of the tests remain consistent across many EPSO competitions, your score will not transfer to any other competition – or to a CAST selection process for that matter. You can apply for as many EPSO competitions as you like, but you will have to retake the tests for each one.
Whether you’re applying for an AD5, AST3, CAST or specialist profile competition, the Reasoning Tests are basically the same in terms of content and format, though pass marks and level of difficulty may differ.
This means you have to keep your skills sharp and practise continually. You’re always building skills for any EPSO competition you might apply for in the future.
How are the tests delivered?
The tests are computer-based and online. Testing centres are no longer offered since the selection process overhaul in 2022. An on-screen calculator and scratchpad are available for the Numerical Reasoning Test, but you are not allowed to use paper, pencil, or a physical notepad or calculator.
The reasoning tests are usually the first battery of tests of the day starting at 10 AM. But this could vary with the new EPSO contractor. Generally, all the tests for EPSO competitions are done on the same day: the reasoning tests, field-related MCQ or EU Knowledge, and written test or EUFTE. Translators and lawyer-linguists may have two days of testing, and the types of tests they take differ as well.
Best resources to prepare
You don’t need to do it alone. There are plenty of high-quality resources to help you get started:
- EPSO Sample Questions (Official): eu-careers.europa.eu
- EU Training Practice Platform: 40,000+ questions with explanations.
- Live Training Sessions: Attend interactive, classroom-style reasoning test workshops.
- Webinars: Free and paid webinars by experts to explain methodology.
Tips from successful candidates
- “Don’t just keep practising randomly. Focus on why you got a question wrong.”
- “Timing is everything. Practise with the clock ticking.”
- “Learn the test methodology. Abstract reasoning felt impossible until I followed the 3-step method.”
Final advice: Build reasoning skills like a muscle
Reasoning skills are not about talent. They’re built through practice, repetition and feedback.
Timed tests in ‘exam mode’ help you get used to the real experience. Then go into ‘practice mode’ to review your mistakes and learn the logic behind each answer.
Start slow, track your progress, and stay consistent. Some only need a few weeks of regular practice. Others may need a few months. Once you learn the system for each test and manage to apply it quickly and accurately, you’ll be ready. Grit is the key. You can do it!
The EPSO Reasoning Tests don’t need to be the hardest part of your journey. They can be the part where you gain confidence, learn fast and enjoy cracking the code.