EPSO AST/SC study plan
EPSO AST/SC · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Numerical reasoning & Verbal reasoning
Diagnose baseline speed and accuracy by completing one timed numerical set and one timed verbal set under strict exam timing, recording per-question seconds and error type
Build a personal arithmetic toolkit by drilling percentages, ratios, fractions-to-decimals and rule-of-three calculations until each is done mentally without notes
Set up an error log with three columns (question type, cause of error, corrected method) and log every wrong answer from this week onward
Practise reading a short passage for main idea and author stance before looking at the answer options, on at least ten passages
Your checkpoint
A one-page baseline scorecard showing numerical and verbal accuracy percentages, average seconds per question, and a ranked list of your five weakest question types
Numerical reasoning
Solve percentage-change, discount and compound-growth problems using a single multiplier method rather than step-by-step arithmetic
Convert word problems into equations before calculating, writing the equation on paper for every question in the set
Drill data-interpretation items with tables and charts by extracting only the two or three figures actually needed
Cut average time per numerical question by at least fifteen percent compared with the week 1 baseline while keeping accuracy above seventy percent
Your checkpoint
A timed numerical mock result sheet with per-type accuracy and a written note on which two calculation shortcuts saved the most time
Verbal reasoning & Numerical reasoning
Classify verbal items into inference, assumption, main-idea and detail types and apply a distinct answering routine to each
Eliminate answer options that overstate, generalise or import outside knowledge, and justify each elimination in one line
Complete numerical reasoning under a hard per-question time cap, skipping and returning to long items
Review the error log and re-solve every logged numerical question from scratch without looking at the previous solution
Your checkpoint
A verbal strategy sheet listing your routine for each of the four item types, plus a re-solved error-log set with at least eighty percent now correct
Abstract reasoning
Identify the common transformation rules in abstract sequences: rotation, reflection, addition and subtraction of elements, movement of a single element, and alternation
Solve series questions by testing one rule at a time and writing the rule down before choosing an answer
Practise matrix and odd-one-out items by comparing rows and columns systematically rather than by impression
Reduce time spent staring at a figure by imposing a thirty-second decision limit per item before moving on
Your checkpoint
A rule catalogue of at least ten transformation patterns, each with your own hand-drawn example and a one-line recognition cue
Abstract reasoning & Verbal reasoning
Combine two rules in a single abstract item and verify the answer against both rules before selecting
Work verbal passages of increasing length while keeping total reading time within budget
Practise distinguishing what a passage states from what it merely implies, marking each answer option as stated, implied or unsupported
Complete a mixed verbal and abstract session to train switching between verbal and visual reasoning modes
Your checkpoint
A mixed mock of verbal and abstract items with a written post-mortem identifying your three most frequent reasoning traps
Situational judgement / organisational skills
Map the competency framework behind situational judgement items: prioritising, organising, delivering quality, communicating and integrity
Rank response options by effectiveness and justify the ranking against the stated competencies rather than personal preference
Practise items that involve conflicting deadlines and limited resources, writing the decision criterion before reading the options
Identify the option type that is usually least appropriate, such as ignoring a problem, escalating without attempting a fix, or bypassing procedure
Your checkpoint
A personal decision checklist of six questions to apply to every situational item, tested against at least twenty practice items with written justifications
Situational judgement / organisational skills & Numerical reasoning
Answer situational items under time pressure and compare your ranking with the reasoning you wrote beforehand
Handle items about giving feedback to a colleague or manager, focusing on evidence, timing and channel
Revisit numerical weak spots from week 2 and re-drill the two lowest-accuracy question types
Simulate a full-length mixed session covering all four domains to rebuild stamina and pacing
Your checkpoint
A full-length timed mock across all four domains with a score breakdown per domain and a list of the three remaining weaknesses
Verbal reasoning & Abstract reasoning
Re-run your weakest question types from every domain at exam pace, aiming for steady accuracy rather than perfection
Review the error log end to end and confirm each corrected method is now automatic
Rehearse exam-day logistics: timing checkpoints, when to skip, and how to reset after a difficult item
Complete two short mixed sessions on separate days to confirm consistency rather than a single lucky result
Your checkpoint
A final readiness report comparing week 1 and week 8 accuracy and average time per question in all four domains, with a go or no-go judgement
Milestones
Week 2: Numerical accuracy at or above seventy percent with average time per question at least fifteen percent faster than the week 1 baseline
Week 4: Abstract reasoning accuracy at or above sixty-five percent, and every wrong abstract item assigned a named rule from your catalogue
Week 6: Situational judgement justifications reference the competency framework in at least eighty percent of reviewed items
Week 8: Full-length mock completed within time in all four domains, with each domain at or above the target score you set in week 1 and no domain below sixty percent