100+ Free EPSO AST/SC Practice Questions
Pass your EPSO Secretaries/Assistants Open Competition (AST/SC) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Abstract reasoning. A series alternates between two transformations: step 1 reflects the figure horizontally, step 2 rotates it 180 degrees, step 3 reflects horizontally again, and so on. Which transformation applies at step 6?
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Key Facts: EPSO AST/SC Exam
20 Q / 35 min
Verbal Reasoning Test
EPSO / EU Careers
10 Q / 20 min
Numerical Reasoning Test
EPSO / EU Careers
10 Q / 10 min
Abstract Reasoning Test
EPSO / EU Careers
DigComp
Digital Skills Framework
EPSO Notice of Competition
EUR 0
Application Fee
EPSO
Online
Computer-Based Testing
EPSO (since 2022 overhaul)
The EPSO AST/SC competition selects secretaries and assistants for the EU institutions. Core MCQ tests are verbal reasoning (20 questions, 35 minutes), numerical reasoning (10 questions, 20 minutes), and abstract reasoning (10 questions, 10 minutes), plus EU knowledge and DigComp digital-skills MCQ tests. There is no application fee, and the typical verbal pass mark is 10/20.
Sample EPSO AST/SC Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your EPSO AST/SC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Verbal reasoning. Passage: "The European Union's Erasmus+ programme funds study, training, and volunteering abroad. In its current funding period the programme's budget was almost doubled compared with the previous one. Erasmus+ is open not only to students but also to teachers, trainers, and youth workers." Based ONLY on the passage, which statement is true?
2Verbal reasoning. Passage: "A recent report noted that remote sensing satellites can detect changes in vegetation cover. The report did not specify how frequently the satellites pass over any given area." Which conclusion can be drawn from the passage alone?
3Verbal reasoning. Passage: "All members of the committee who attended the morning session also attended the afternoon session. Some members who attended the afternoon session did not attend the morning session." Which statement must be true?
4Verbal reasoning. Passage: "The new archiving policy requires that paper documents be digitised within thirty days of receipt. Documents marked 'confidential' must additionally be logged in a restricted register before digitisation." Which action is required for a confidential paper document?
5Verbal reasoning. Passage: "The survey found that respondents in coastal regions reported higher satisfaction with public transport than respondents in inland regions. No data were collected on rural versus urban differences." Which statement is supported?
6Verbal reasoning. Passage: "If a meeting room is booked, a confirmation email is sent automatically. The IT department received no confirmation email for Room B today." Assuming the system works as described, what follows?
7Verbal reasoning. Passage: "The grant scheme prioritises applications from small enterprises. Medium-sized enterprises may apply but are funded only after all eligible small-enterprise applications have been assessed." Which statement is true?
8Verbal reasoning. Passage: "Researchers observed that the migratory birds arrived two weeks earlier this year than the ten-year average. They attributed this partly to milder spring temperatures but cautioned that a single year does not establish a trend." Which conclusion is best supported?
9Verbal reasoning. Passage: "The library extended its opening hours on weekdays but kept weekend hours unchanged. Borrowing of physical books rose, while use of the online catalogue stayed level." Which statement is supported by the passage?
10Verbal reasoning. Passage: "No applicant who failed the language test was admitted to the second stage. Some applicants who passed the language test were nonetheless not admitted to the second stage." Which statement must be true?
About the EPSO AST/SC Exam
The EPSO Secretaries/Assistants (AST/SC) open competition is the European Personnel Selection Office's recruitment procedure for office-management and clerical staff in the EU institutions. Candidates sit computer-based multiple-choice tests covering verbal reasoning (20 questions in 35 minutes), numerical reasoning (10 questions in 20 minutes), and abstract reasoning (10 questions in 10 minutes), alongside an EU knowledge MCQ test and a digital-skills MCQ test based on the DigComp framework. The competition also includes a field-related short-text questionnaire and an EU-matters written test (EUFTE), which are not multiple-choice. There is no application fee, the reasoning tests are taken in the candidate's first language, and all testing is done online following EPSO's move away from physical test centres.
Questions
40 scored questions
Time Limit
About 65 minutes for the reasoning tests (35 + 20 + 10), plus separate EU knowledge and digital-skills MCQ tests
Passing Score
Verbal reasoning typically 10/20; numerical and abstract combined typically 10/20; digital skills typically 20/40; exact marks set in each Notice of Competition
Exam Fee
No application fee (European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), via online computer-based testing)
EPSO AST/SC Exam Content Outline
Verbal Reasoning
Short passages with statements to judge as supported, not supported, or undetermined based solely on the text
Numerical Reasoning
Tables and data requiring percentages, ratios, averages, and basic operations, with an on-screen calculator
Abstract Reasoning
Figure sequences governed by a logical rule that candidates must identify to select the next figure
EU Knowledge
EU institutions, the ordinary legislative procedure, treaties, the single market, and main EU policies
Digital Skills (DigComp)
Information/data literacy, communication/collaboration, content creation, safety, and problem solving
How to Pass the EPSO AST/SC Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Verbal reasoning typically 10/20; numerical and abstract combined typically 10/20; digital skills typically 20/40; exact marks set in each Notice of Competition
- Exam length: 40 questions
- Time limit: About 65 minutes for the reasoning tests (35 + 20 + 10), plus separate EU knowledge and digital-skills MCQ tests
- Exam fee: No application fee
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
EPSO AST/SC Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPSO AST/SC competition?
It is the European Personnel Selection Office's open competition to recruit secretaries and assistants for the EU institutions. Candidates sit computer-based multiple-choice tests in verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning, plus EU knowledge and digital-skills tests, and the procedure also includes non-MCQ components.
How many questions and how long are the reasoning tests?
Verbal reasoning has 20 questions in 35 minutes, numerical reasoning has 10 questions in 20 minutes, and abstract reasoning has 10 questions in 10 minutes. Together the three reasoning tests run to roughly 65 minutes, sat in the candidate's first language.
How much does it cost to apply?
There is no application fee to enter an EPSO competition. Candidates only need a computer and internet connection for the online tests, and any third-party preparation materials are optional.
What score do I need to pass?
Pass marks are set in each Notice of Competition. Verbal reasoning is typically 10/20, numerical and abstract reasoning are often combined at 10/20, and the digital-skills test is typically 20/40. Always check the specific notice for your competition.
What does the digital-skills test cover?
The digital-skills test is a multiple-choice test based on the DigComp framework, covering five areas: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, safety, and problem solving. It assesses everyday digital literacy rather than specialist IT expertise.
Are all parts of the competition multiple-choice?
No. The reasoning tests, EU knowledge test, and digital-skills test are multiple-choice, but the field-related short-text questionnaire and the EU-matters written test (EUFTE) are not. This practice bank focuses on the MCQ components.
Is the exam taken online or at a test centre?
EPSO discontinued physical test centres after its 2022 overhaul, so the computer-based tests are taken online. Candidates complete them under remote proctoring within the timeframe set by EPSO.
Can I reuse my scores for another competition?
No. Test results apply only to the competition in which they were obtained and do not transfer. You must take the tests again for each competition you apply to.