100+ Free CAST Permanent Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CAST Permanent Exam
40
Official Test Questions
EPSO CAST Permanent Call
65 min
Total Test Time
EPSO
10/20
Verbal Pass Score
EPSO
10/20
Combined Numerical + Abstract Pass
EPSO
10 years
Result Validity
EPSO CAST Permanent Call
Free
Exam Fee
EU Careers
CAST Permanent tests 40 MCQs in 65 minutes: 20 verbal (pass 10/20), 10 numerical + 10 abstract (combined pass 10/20). Tests are free, taken in Language 1, and results last 10 years for same or lower function groups.
Sample CAST Permanent Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CAST Permanent exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Passage: The European Union's cohesion policy aims to reduce economic, social, and territorial disparities across member states. By directing funding toward less developed regions, the policy seeks to support infrastructure projects, job creation, and business competitiveness. While critics argue that the policy creates dependency in receiving countries, proponents emphasize that it helps integrate the single market, ultimately benefiting wealthier member states through increased trade opportunities. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?
2Passage: Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), businesses must obtain explicit consent from individuals before processing their personal data for targeted marketing. While the regulation has enhanced user privacy across the Union, compliance costs have placed a significant financial burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Consequently, some SMEs have reduced their digital marketing activities, while larger corporations have absorbed these costs without altering their promotional strategies. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
3Passage: Although the European Union has made significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy, its reliance on natural gas imports remains a key vulnerability. During periods of low wind and solar generation, gas-fired power plants are often utilized to meet electricity demand peaks. Some policymakers argue that expanding domestic gas production is necessary for energy security, whereas environmental groups maintain that any new fossil fuel infrastructure undermines the EU's 2050 climate neutrality target. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?
4Passage: The European Commission's youth employment initiative has placed thousands of young graduates into traineeships across Europe. The program provides financial grants to host organizations to offset training costs, provided the organizations offer a structured curriculum. However, an independent audit revealed that 15% of participating organizations did not offer the required structured training, using trainees instead for routine administrative tasks. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
5Passage: European agricultural subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have historically favored large-scale industrial farms over smallholders. In recent reforms, the EU introduced eco-schemes that reward farmers for environmentally friendly practices such as crop rotation and organic farming. While these schemes are voluntary, agricultural economists predict that smallholders will adopt them at higher rates than large farms. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?
6Passage: The European Union's emissions trading system (ETS) operates on the cap and trade principle, where a ceiling is set on total greenhouse gas emissions. Companies receive or buy emission allowances within this limit and may trade them. By gradually lowering the cap, the EU ensures total emissions decrease. Critics note that during economic downturns, industrial activity slows, causing allowance prices to collapse and reducing incentives for green investment. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
7Passage: In 2023, EPSO reformed the CAST Permanent selection procedure by removing field-related tests from the standard reasoning battery. Shortlisted contract-agent candidates now sit only verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning tests administered in their chosen Language 1. Recruiting services may still organise additional interviews or job-specific assessments after EPSO's reasoning tests. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?
8Passage: Under CAST Permanent rules, a candidate who passes the EPSO reasoning tests receives results valid for ten years from the publication date in their EPSO account. These results apply to the same function group and to lower function groups across all profiles. A candidate who fails must wait four months before being invited again for reasoning tests for the same or a higher function group. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
9Passage: The European Central Bank sets key interest rates to maintain price stability in the euro area. When inflation exceeds the 2% target, the ECB typically raises interest rates to cool economic activity. Conversely, during periods of low inflation or recession, the ECB may lower rates to stimulate borrowing and investment. Commercial banks pass these rate changes on to consumers through mortgage and loan pricing. Question: Which of the following is logically supported by the passage?
10Passage: The Schengen Area allows passport-free travel between participating EU member states and associated countries. However, temporary border controls may be reintroduced during serious threats to public policy or internal security. In recent years, several member states have invoked this provision citing migration pressures and terrorism concerns. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
About the CAST Permanent Exam
EPSO CAST Permanent is the selection procedure for EU contract agents (function groups I–IV). After pre-selection by a recruiting service, shortlisted candidates sit three computer-based reasoning tests in Language 1: verbal (20 questions, 35 minutes), numerical (10 questions, 20 minutes), and abstract (10 questions, 10 minutes). Since the 2023 overhaul, field-related tests are no longer part of the standard EPSO reasoning battery. Successful results remain valid for 10 years for the same and lower function groups.
Assessment
20 verbal + 10 numerical + 10 abstract reasoning (multiple choice)
Time Limit
65 minutes total (35 + 20 + 10)
Passing Score
Verbal: 10/20 minimum; numerical + abstract combined: 10/20 minimum
Exam Fee
Free (EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office))
CAST Permanent Exam Content Outline
Verbal Reasoning
Evaluate statements using only information in short passages — logical inference, not general knowledge.
Numerical Reasoning
Interpret tables, charts, and statistics; calculate percentages, ratios, and trends quickly.
Abstract Reasoning
Identify patterns in shape sequences, rotations, and symbol progressions.
How to Pass the CAST Permanent Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Verbal: 10/20 minimum; numerical + abstract combined: 10/20 minimum
- Assessment: 20 verbal + 10 numerical + 10 abstract reasoning (multiple choice)
- Time limit: 65 minutes total (35 + 20 + 10)
- Exam fee: Free
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CAST Permanent Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What tests are in EPSO CAST Permanent?
Shortlisted candidates sit three EPSO reasoning tests: verbal (20 questions, 35 minutes), numerical (10 questions, 20 minutes), and abstract (10 questions, 10 minutes). Field-related tests were removed from the standard battery in 2023.
What are the pass scores for CAST Permanent?
You must score at least 10/20 on verbal reasoning and a combined 10/20 on numerical and abstract reasoning. Both thresholds must be met to succeed.
How long are CAST Permanent results valid?
Results remain valid for 10 years from the publication date in your EPSO account, for the same function group and lower function groups across all profiles.
What happens if I fail the CAST Permanent reasoning tests?
You cannot be re-invited for reasoning tests for the same or a higher function group for six months. During that period you may still be invited for a lower function group if pre-selected again.
Which language are CAST Permanent tests taken in?
All three reasoning tests are taken in Language 1 — any of the 24 official EU languages at minimum C1 level. Language 2 must be English, French, or German at B2, different from Language 1, and is assessed separately by recruiting services during interviews or further tests.
How do I get invited to CAST Permanent tests?
You must first apply to CAST Permanent and be pre-selected (shortlisted) by a recruiting service. EPSO then invites you to book a test appointment, typically about ten days before the test date.