After the reasoning tests, every recent EPSO specialist competition has a second stage that is about your field, not your general ability. It is the stage that ranks you, and the one most candidates prepare for last. Here is how it worked in two competitions we have read in full, what EPSO says about the two kinds of field test, and how to prepare.
The two competitions we can describe exactly
Both the audit competition, EPSO/AD/428/26 (AD 7), and the data management competition, EPSO/AST/158/26 (AST 3), used the same structure:
| Stage | Format | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning tests | Verbal, numerical, abstract. Pass mark 10 of 20 in verbal, and a shared 10 of 20 for numerical and abstract | Language 1 | Pass or fail |
| Field-related multiple-choice test | 30 questions, 40 minutes, pass mark 15 of 30 | Language 2 | Ranks candidates |
| EU free-text essay (EUFTE) | 40 minutes, pass mark 5 of 10 | Language 2 | Pass or fail, for top-ranked candidates only |
The essay is marked, and eligibility checked, for a limited number of the best-ranked candidates, in principle no more than one and a half times the number of places. Tied candidates can push that number up.
Multiple-choice or written: two kinds of field test
EPSO's own description of its specialist competitions names two forms. One is the field-related multiple-choice questionnaire, which tests knowledge and skills for the field. The other is a field-related written test, which assesses written communication and knowledge of the field, working with documents EPSO provides. Different competitions use one or the other: the 2023 competition for crisis management and for migration and internal security, EPSO/AD/403/23, used a written test.
This is why you cannot decide the format of your preparation from the title of a competition. The notice says which test applies, and the invitation letter confirms it.
What this means for your preparation
- The ranked test is in your second language. In both competitions above it was sat in Language 2, the one declared at B2. Choose your two languages with that in mind, and read the field vocabulary in that language.
- Passing the reasoning tests earns you nothing but access. Aim for a safe pass, not a perfect score, and spend the saved hours on your field.
- Your daily work is the syllabus. A 30-question test in 40 minutes leaves about 80 seconds a question. It rewards knowledge you already use. Read the duties listed in the notice for your field and fill your gaps.
- Rehearse the essay once. Forty minutes on an EU topic in your second language is short. A pass of 5 out of 10 is the aim; nothing more is gained by a higher mark.
For how scores turn into a ranking, see the scoring guide. For the reasoning gates, start with the 8-week plan.
Whatever the field, the first stage is the same set of reasoning tests. EU Testing has a free 5-question sample for each of verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning, so you can see the formats before you decide to train more. Try the free samples →
Frequently asked questions
What is the field-related test in an EPSO competition?
A test on the field of the competition, taken after the reasoning tests. In recent competitions it was a multiple-choice test of 30 questions in 40 minutes with a pass mark of 15 out of 30, and it ranked the candidates who passed.
Is the field-related test in my first or second language?
In EPSO/AD/428/26 and EPSO/AST/158/26 it was in Language 2, the language declared at B2. The reasoning tests were in Language 1.
What is the EU free-text essay?
A 40-minute written test on EU matters in Language 2, marked pass or fail at 5 of 10, and marked only for a limited number of top-ranked candidates in the two competitions described here.
Do all competitions use a multiple-choice field test?
No. EPSO also uses a field-related written test in some competitions, and EPSO/AD/403/23 used one. The notice states which applies.
Do reasoning-test scores count towards my ranking?
In the two competitions described here, no: the reasoning tests had to be passed but did not add to the ranking, which came from the field test.
Formats as in the notices of EPSO/AD/428/26 and EPSO/AST/158/26, and EPSO's description of its specialist competitions. Check the notice of the competition you apply to. As on 4 November 2026.