EPSO/AST/158/26 · AST 3

Data Management
Preparation

Your expertise. A career with European impact.

Build a focused study plan for reasoning, your specialist field and the written test.

Explore preparation →

APPLICATION DEADLINE · 11 NOVEMBER 2026 · 12:00 BRUSSELS TIME

Why choose the EPSO AST 3 competition?

Your experience with data, information or archives can open a new career path within the EU institutions. This competition establishes reserve lists for permanent officials at assistant grade AST 3.

Put your expertise to work

Choose a field aligned with your background and contribute to how the EU collects, organises, analyses and preserves information.

Explore an EU career

Successful candidates enter reserve lists from which EU institutions may recruit permanent officials. Roles are based in Brussels, Luxembourg or Strasbourg.

Choose a specialist route

Three distinct fields allow you to focus on the area that best matches your qualifications and professional experience.

Why choose our preparation packages?

Combine field-related study with practice at the level that suits you: the book on its own, the book with 25 mock exams, or the book with 50 mock exams and 1,500 multiple-choice questions. Add reasoning or written-test support according to your needs.

Understand the method

A complete e-book for Verbal, Numerical and Abstract Reasoning, with structured theory, solving strategies, quick techniques, worked examples and step-by-step solutions.

Learn how to recognise common traps and approach similar questions more efficiently.

Turn knowledge into practice

50 timed online mock exams to practise under time constraints, identify weaker areas and monitor progress.

Available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Romanian and Greek.

Field-Related preparation packages

Choose the level of study and practice that suits your preparation. Contact us to confirm the specialist field covered by the material and arrange your order.

BOOK

Field-Related Book

€100

✓ Field-related preparation book

For candidates who want the book for independent study.

Order the Book →
BOOK + PRACTICE

Book + 25 Mock Exams

€180

✓ Field-related preparation book
✓ 25 mock exams

For candidates who want to combine study with regular practice.

Choose 25 Mock Exams →
EXTENDED PRACTICE

Book + 50 Mock Exams

€250

✓ Field-related preparation book
✓ 50 mock exams
✓ 1,500 multiple-choice questions

For candidates who want a larger bank of practice questions.

Choose 50 Mock Exams →

Reasoning and Written Test packages are available separately below.

Additional preparation: Reasoning & Written Test

Choose focused support for the test skills you want to strengthen. Each option is purchased separately.

REASONING PACKAGE

Learn the method.
Practise under pressure.

€120

✓ Complete Reasoning Skills e-book
✓ Verbal, Numerical & Abstract Reasoning
✓ Strategies, worked examples & detailed solutions
✓ 50 timed online mock exams
✓ Choice of seven languages
✓ E-book and access details by email within 24 hours

For candidates who want structured reasoning study and regular timed practice.

Choose Reasoning Package →
WRITTEN TEST PACKAGE

Write clearly.
Improve with feedback.

€120

✓ 20 written practice assignments
✓ Detailed model answers & guidance
✓ 2 comprehensive case studies
✓ 1 submission for individual assessment
✓ Personalised feedback on your response
✓ Guidance on structure, clarity & relevance

For candidates who want writing practice and individual feedback.

Choose Written Test Package →

These packages cover reasoning and written-test skills. Field-related preparation is separate. For the written-test package, contact us to confirm the AST 3 competition-specific material available before purchase.

Three fields. One focused preparation plan.

Choose the field that matches your qualifications and experience. Candidates may apply for one field only.

01

Data processing, analytics & statistics

Turn complex data into clear insights.

Organise revision around data preparation, quality, statistics, databases and visualisation.
02

Librarianship & information science

Connect people with reliable information.

Map your revision around information resources, discovery, cataloguing and access.
03

Records & archives management

Preserve information throughout its lifecycle.

Focus your revision on records management, archives, digital preservation and traceability.

Prepare for every test

01

Reasoning tests

Verbal · Numerical · Abstract

Build accuracy, recognise patterns and practise under timed conditions.
02

Field-related test

Knowledge in your chosen field

Use the official Notice as your revision map. Practise applying knowledge and reviewing errors.
03

Written test

Free-text essay on EU matters

Practise clear structure, relevant arguments and concise writing under time pressure.

Start with your reasoning foundation

Explore our reasoning e-books and timed practice resources. Combine a regular study routine with an error log to track progress.

View the reasoning preparation package →

Browse preparation e-books →

Your next steps

Check your eligibility

Compare your education, professional experience and language knowledge with the exact requirements for your chosen field in the official Notice.

Read the official Notice →

Build your weekly plan

Start with a reasoning baseline. Map your field-specific revision and schedule regular writing practice. Review progress and repeat difficult topics.

Your questions, answered

Which Field-Related package should I choose?

Choose the Book (€100) for independent study, Book + 25 Mock Exams (€180) for study with practice, or Book + 50 Mock Exams (€250) for extended practice with 1,500 multiple-choice questions. Confirm the field covered by the material with us before ordering.

Who is this competition for?

Professionals whose qualifications and experience match one of the three fields: data processing, analytics and statistics; librarianship and information science; or records and archives management.

Is AST 3 the same as AD 7 or AD 8?

No. AST 3 is an assistant grade. AD competitions concern administrator grades and have different eligibility requirements and duties. Always consult the Notice for this specific competition.

Can I apply for more than one field?

No. Candidates may apply for one field only. Compare the duties and eligibility criteria before choosing.

Do I need a university degree?

The official eligibility summary provides routes through relevant post-secondary education plus professional experience, or secondary education giving access to post-secondary studies plus longer experience. Check the precise diploma and experience requirements for your field in the Notice.

What language knowledge is required?

The official eligibility summary requires thorough knowledge of one official EU language at C1 level and satisfactory knowledge of another at B2 level. Consult the Notice for the detailed language rules for testing.

What tests should I prepare for?

The selection process includes reasoning tests, a field-related test and a written test. Use the official Notice to confirm formats, time limits, pass marks and ranking rules.

Why practise reasoning if I already have professional experience?

Professional expertise and timed reasoning measure different skills. Practising verbal, numerical and abstract questions helps you develop a consistent method and manage time.

What does the €120 Reasoning package include?

The Reasoning Skills e-book and 50 timed online mock exams. The e-book covers all three reasoning areas with theory, strategies, worked examples and detailed solutions.

Does this package include the specialist field-related test?

No. The displayed Reasoning Skills package covers verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning. Choose a separate Field-Related option: Book (€100), Book + 25 Mock Exams (€180), or Book + 50 Mock Exams with 1,500 multiple-choice questions (€250). Contact us to confirm which specialist field the material covers.

Is written-test preparation included?

No. Written-test preparation is a separate service. You can explore our dedicated written-test preparation and individual feedback option.

Which languages are available for the package?

English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Romanian and Greek. Select your preferred language on the product page.

How and when will I receive my materials?

After purchase, the e-book and personal online mock access details are sent to your registered email address within 24 hours.

How should I organise my study?

Take a timed baseline test, study the method for your weakest areas, then alternate targeted revision with mock exams. Keep an error log and include specialist revision and writing in your weekly plan.

Where can I confirm the application deadline and eligibility?

Use the official EPSO competition pages and Notice of Competition. They are the binding sources for dates, qualifications, professional experience and test rules.

Does success guarantee a job?

No. Successful candidates are placed on a reserve list. Recruitment depends on the needs and decisions of the EU institutions.

Explore written-test preparation and feedback →

Your expertise. Your plan. Your next move.

Take the next step towards focused EPSO AST 3 preparation.

Explore preparation materials →

Official EPSO competition information →

Epsoexams is an independent preparation provider and is not affiliated with EPSO or the European Union institutions. Revision themes above are study guidance; consult the official Notice for the binding requirements.