Whether you are applying for AD5, AD7 or AST3, the selection process is demanding and competitive. The exact details differ by grade, but the overall structure is now familiar: candidates face a cognitive assessment, an EU Knowledge multiple-choice test, a Written Test and, later in the process, an Oral Test.
The practical takeaway is simple: you need a structured preparation plan.
You cannot prepare properly by reading random EU documents, saving articles “for later” and hoping it all comes together on test day. You need to know what each test is assessing, where ranking matters, and how to practise under realistic conditions.
This guide will help you focus on the preparation that matters most.
Start with the structure
The 2026 COM internal competitions include several stages. Candidates first need to pass the cognitive assessment stage, then move on to the EU Knowledge MCQ and Written Test. Candidates who continue later in the process will also face the Oral Test.
What you need to work on:
- reasoning and cognitive test technique
- EU Knowledge
- structured analysis and written communication
- oral presentation and interview skills
But you also need to prioritise. At this stage, the EU Knowledge MCQ and Written Test deserve serious attention because they are key filters in the competition process.
Your main preparation base
The most practical place to start is the COM Internal Competition prep package.
The package gives you targeted practice for the two areas that require structured, exam-style preparation:
- EU Knowledge MCQ practice - core EU topics, including EU institutions, Commission powers and procedures, decision-making, governance and policy priorities.
- Written Test simulation - get the documents when you start the simulation, identify what matters, organise your answer and write clearly in a professional Commission-style format.
EU Knowledge resources
- FREE - articles and briefings
- EU Policy Briefings - 2 are free, 19 total - designed to make complex EU topics easier to understand
- EU Course - Each of the 12 modules is tailored to provide not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical insights, making them ideal for both beginners and those with prior knowledge of the EU.
Build your knowledge base as you practice, and see how it helps improve your speed and score.
The Written Test
Besides doing an actual simulation, you may also want to watch the Case Study Insights webinar. Yes, the recording is older. It was recorded in 2019. But that does not make it useless.
The reason it is still relevant is that the core methodology has not gone out of date. The current COM internal Written Test still requires many of the same underlying skills: analysing a dossier, selecting relevant information, structuring a clear answer, writing concisely and staying focused on the task.
Think of this webinar as written-test methodology training, not as a “latest update” webinar, it can still be a useful companion to your Written Test simulation.
If you chose to get an evaluation with your written test simulation - remember that the turnaround is usually five business days. If your test date is very close, send in your evaluation as soon as possible and contact EU Training customer support to ask whether an expedited review may be possible.
The feedback is where a lot of the value sits. It can show you whether you performed well in the competencies assessed.
The Oral Test
The Oral Test comes later in the competition, but it should still be on your radar.
It includes an oral presentation, questions and answers, and a structured interview. Candidates are assessed on motivation and key competencies such as self-management, working together, learning as a skill, oral communication and intrapreneurship.
At this stage, your priority should be getting through the earlier tests. But once you know you are moving forward, start thinking about how to prepare.
You will need to practise:
- giving a clear and structured presentation
- answering questions under pressure
- showing motivation without sounding generic
- linking your answers to the competencies being assessed
Oral Test workshops and personal coaching can be useful later in the process, especially once candidates know they have reached that stage.
A simple preparation plan
Here is a realistic way to organise your preparation.
First: understand the competition
Read the Notice of Competition carefully. Check the test structure, languages, pass marks, eligibility requirements and supporting document rules.
Do not rely on memory or assumptions from previous competitions.
Then: start timed practice
Begin with the COM Internal prep package and complete EU Knowledge MCQ practice under timed conditions.
Review every mistake. The review is where you learn.
Next: build your EU Knowledge
Use EU Course, policy briefings and free resources to strengthen weak areas.
Do not simply read. Turn topics into questions and test yourself.
Then: complete a Written Test simulation
Do it under proper time pressure. No pausing. No rewriting for hours afterwards.
The goal is to see how you perform in realistic conditions.
Then: submit your evaluation immediately
Send your written simulation for evaluation as early as possible. Use the feedback to adjust your structure, clarity and time management.
Finally: prepare for the Oral Test when the time comes
Once you are closer to the oral stage, move into presentation practice, interview preparation and competency-based examples.