EPSO AD5 Numerical Reasoning Test 2026: Format, Examples & Tips

Numerical reasoning is one of the three Part 1 EPSO AD5 tests (with verbal and abstract), in November. It doesn't measure advanced maths — it measures your ability to read data and reason fast under pressure.

Test format

Usually 10 questions in 20 minutes (about 2 minutes each), multiple-choice, computer-based. Data is shown in tables, charts or percentages, and you find the correct value.

What's actually asked

• Percentages (increases, discounts, variations).
• Ratios and proportions.
• Reading tables and charts (extracting the right figure among many).
• Averages, rates and conversions (currencies, units).

Example (type)

A department has a €240,000 budget. If 35% goes to salaries and 20% of the rest to equipment, how much is left? → 240,000 × 0.35 = 84,000 (salaries); rest = 156,000; equipment = 31,200; €124,800 left. The key skill isn't the calculation — it's setting it up fast.

Tips to answer in time

• Read the question first, then the table: you only hunt for the figure you need.
• Round to rule out absurd answers before calculating precisely.
• Don't get stuck: beyond ~2 minutes, flag it and move on.
• Train mental maths on percentages and proportions — that's what saves seconds.

Practise in real conditions

The best way to improve is timed practice on real-style questions. Take the free test to gauge yourself, and to train all of numerical, full access gives you 500 questions with explained answers.