How the online test works
What to set up before your AD5 test, and what happens on the day
When you’ll know your date
EPSO plans to start the AD5 reasoning tests in November 2026. You don’t choose your date and you can’t reschedule it.
Your invitation arrives in your EPSO account about 3 weeks before the first session and gives you the week only. Make sure you can log in to your account now.
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Invitation in your EPSO account | About 3 weeks before the first session. It gives the week. |
| Exact date and time | On the testing platform, at least 2 weeks before your test |
| The test | One session on one day, with all three reasoning tests |
The testing platform
You sit the test at home on your own computer. It runs on a platform called TAO, and a browser extension called Proctorio watches you through your camera and microphone.
Install Proctorio in Chrome or Edge and complete EPSO’s technical check before the deadline in your invitation. EPSO has also published a tutorial video on the testing procedure.
The computer you need
Use the computer you’ll test on for every check. A work laptop usually won’t do, as you need administrator rights to install the software.
| Item | What EPSO asks for |
|---|---|
| Device | A desktop or laptop less than 10 years old. Phones and tablets don’t work. |
| System | Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, or Ubuntu 18.04 or later |
| Browser | Chrome or Edge, with the Proctorio extension |
| Permissions | Administrator rights on the computer |
| Camera and microphone | Both required |
| Internet | A stable connection, Wi-Fi or wired, with no VPN running |
| Security software | Antivirus and firewall turned off during the test |
| Screen | One screen only |
Your desk and room
You must be alone in a quiet, well-lit room where nobody will interrupt you. Stay in camera view the whole time and don’t speak or read aloud.
Your ID must show your name and photo on the same side, and it must be easy to read on camera when you check in.
Allowed
- Laptop and charger
- One screen
- Mouse, keyboard and mousepad
- Your ID (required)
- Tissues
- A drink in a container with no label
Not allowed
- Mobile phone
- Docking station
- Other people or pets in the room
- Headphones or earbuds
- Pen and paper
- Books or notes
What to do before the day
Do these as soon as your invitation arrives, so you have time to fix any technical problem.
- Log in to your EPSO account and find the invitation letter.
- Check that your computer meets every requirement above, and that you have administrator rights on it.
- Install Proctorio and complete the technical check before the deadline.
- Watch EPSO’s tutorial video.
- Check your ID shows your name and photo on the same side.
- Pick the room you’ll use and clear the desk.
- Practise with timed tests and without pen and paper, as you won’t have either on the day.
If something goes wrong
Your invitation letter explains how to report a problem during the test. Read that part before the day, so you know who to contact and by when.
EPSO can exclude you for cheating or for recording the test.
After the test
EPSO scores Part 1 and then sends you your results. If you clear both pass marks, you go on to Part 2 in 2027.
Questions about the online test
- Can I choose or change my test date?
- No. EPSO gives each candidate a date and time, and you can’t reschedule. You see your slot on the testing platform at least 2 weeks before your test.
- Can I take the EPSO test on a work laptop?
- Usually not. You need administrator rights to install Proctorio and turn off your antivirus and firewall, and work computers rarely give you those.
- Can I use pen and paper during the test?
- No. Writing materials, books and notes are not allowed on your desk.
- Can I take the test on a tablet or phone?
- No. EPSO only supports desktop and laptop computers less than 10 years old.
- What ID do I need?
- A valid ID with your name and photo on the same side, clear enough to read on camera at check-in.
Taken from EPSO’s testing page, its AD5 announcements of 30 June and 18 September 2026 and the amended notice of competition, checked in October 2026. Your invitation letter is the authoritative source and overrides anything on this page.