The new digital literacy test

In 2026, EPSO introduced a new test to replace traditional IT skills assessments: the Digital Skills Test based on the EU DigComp framework. This is not a test of software proficiency (Microsoft Office, coding, etc.). It is a test of digital citizenship, information literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and ability to solve problems using digital tools. 40 questions in 30 minutes, weighted at 25% of your final ranking.

The test reflects how EU officials are expected to operate in an increasingly digital workplace: securely handling data, assessing online information reliability, communicating safely, creating accessible content, and managing digital risks. Understanding the DigComp framework and the types of scenarios presented is critical to strong performance.

The DigComp framework: five areas of digital competence

DigComp (Digital Competence Framework for Citizens) identifies five core areas. Each area appears in EPSO's digital skills test:

Each DigComp area accounts for roughly 8 questions on the EPSO test. Expect 2-3 scenarios per area, each scenario followed by 3-4 questions.

Question formats and scenario types

Scenario-based questions

Rather than abstract "what is GDPR?" questions, EPSO presents real workplace scenarios:

• Information evaluation: "You receive an email claiming the EU budget is cut by 50%. You check the sender and sender's website — it appears legitimate. What should you do before sharing this news?"
• Collaboration: "Your colleague asks you to sign an official document digitally using their credentials. What is the security risk?"
• Content creation: "Your DG is publishing a guide on EU funding. Your draft uses only images without alt text. What accessibility issue exists?"
• Security: "A pop-up appears on your work computer saying 'System Update Required — Click Here.' The URL looks slightly different from Microsoft's official domain. What should you do?"
• Problem-solving: "Your team receives 500 emails daily requiring document approval. Which digital approach best automates this workflow while maintaining security?"

Read each scenario carefully. The "correct" answer often depends on recognizing the specific risk, not just choosing a safe-sounding option.

Multiple-choice and prioritization questions

Question formats include:

• Single-select: "Which statement about GDPR is correct?"
• Multiple-select: "Which of the following are valid cybersecurity practices? (Select all that apply)"
• Prioritization: "Rank these cybersecurity measures from most to least important for a work laptop"
• Risk identification: "Identify the security risks in this email exchange" (with dialogue shown)
• Solution matching: "Match each digital problem to the best tool or approach"

Pay close attention to question wording: "Which is correct?" vs. "Which are correct?" changes whether you select one or multiple answers.

Key DigComp competencies to master

GDPR and data protection

Expect 3-5 questions on EU data protection regulations:

• What constitutes personal data (obvious: names, IDs; subtle: IP addresses, cookies, location data)
• When consent is required vs. when processing is lawful without consent
• Data subjects' rights: right to access, right to be forgotten, data portability
• What to do if a data breach occurs
• Processing data for different purposes (collection for one purpose, reuse for another)

Key principle: EU officials are held to high GDPR standards. "We use data but don't store names" is not sufficient protection. Anonymization must be genuine (names removed, plus identifiers that could reverse-identify removed).

Cybersecurity and threat recognition

Expect 3-5 questions on security threats and defenses:

• Phishing emails: recognizing social engineering, suspicious links, urgent language, requests for credentials
• Password security: length, complexity, reuse, storage (never share passwords, never write on sticky notes)
• Malware and ransomware: USB devices, email attachments, suspicious websites
• Public WiFi risks: unsecured networks, VPN usage, avoiding sensitive transactions
• Device security: keeping software updated, disabling unnecessary features, using antivirus

Key principle: If something feels off — unusual sender, rushed deadline, request for password, unexpected attachment — it is probably malicious. Report it, do not open it.

Information reliability and misinformation detection

Expect 2-4 questions on evaluating online information:

• Credibility markers: author credentials, publication source, date, citations, expert consensus
• Misinformation tactics: emotional headlines, lack of sources, isolation from broader context, conspiracy framing
• Deepfakes and synthetic media: recognizing AI-generated or manipulated content
• Bias in algorithms: understanding how search engines and social media filter information
• Fact-checking: how to verify information before sharing it

Key principle: Official EU sources (European Commission, Parliament website, Council documents) are credible. Blog posts, uncited social media claims, and anonymous sources require verification.

Accessibility and inclusive digital design

Expect 1-3 questions on creating accessible content:

• Alt text for images: why it matters (screen readers, SEO, broken images)
• Document accessibility: proper heading hierarchy, color contrast, readable fonts, plain language
• Multimedia: captions for videos, transcripts for audio, descriptive transcripts
• Plain language: avoiding jargon, short sentences, active voice
• Inclusive design: avoiding assumptions about user abilities, testing with diverse users

Key principle: EU institutions are required by law (Directive 2016/2102) to make digital content accessible. This is not optional — it is a legal mandate.

AI literacy and algorithmic decision-making

Expect 2-4 questions on artificial intelligence in the workplace:

• How AI systems work: training data, pattern recognition, limitations
• AI bias: biased training data leading to biased predictions (hiring algorithms, credit scoring)
• Transparency and explainability: "black box" AI systems that cannot explain decisions
• AI for productivity: when AI tools are appropriate, when human judgment is necessary
• Ethical AI: avoiding harm, ensuring fairness, maintaining human oversight

Key principle: AI is a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. High-stakes decisions (hiring, benefits determination) require human review of AI recommendations.

Time management strategy: 40 questions in 30 minutes

You have roughly 45 seconds per question on average. Scenarios take longer to read; single-fact questions take less. Allocate time strategically:

• Read scenario once, carefully (60-90 seconds for a multi-part scenario)
• Answer related questions (30-45 seconds each)
• Flag uncertain answers and return if time permits
• Never spend more than 2 minutes on a single question

If a scenario confuses you, skip it and return later. Answering 35 questions confidently is better than struggling through 40 with low accuracy.

Common mistakes

Over-interpreting security concerns

Some candidates believe every action is a security risk. "Using your work laptop at home on WiFi" is not inherently unsafe — many EU officials work remotely. The risk is accessing sensitive data over unsecured networks. Know the difference between legitimate concerns and paranoia.

Confusing "legal" with "ethical"

A data processing might be legal (with consent or lawful basis) but still ethically questionable. EPSO tests both legal compliance and professional judgment. "Can we do this?" is different from "Should we do this?"

Assuming tools solve problems

A question might ask, "How should your team manage cybersecurity?" A wrong answer is "Buy an expensive antivirus suite." A correct answer is "Train staff on phishing, enforce strong passwords, keep systems updated, and monitor for threats." Technology alone is insufficient without human awareness.

Ignoring regulatory context

EU regulations (GDPR, eIDAS Directive, Accessibility Directive) are not negotiable. Questions testing regulatory knowledge expect you to know key requirements, not just general principles.

Preparation plan

Week 1: DigComp framework familiarization

Read the EU DigComp documentation (available free on the DIGCOMP website). Understand the five areas, the three proficiency levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced), and example competencies within each area. This is your knowledge foundation.

Week 2: Regulatory and technical knowledge

Study GDPR essentials: what is personal data, when consent is required, individuals' rights, breach notification. Study cybersecurity basics: password policies, phishing tactics, device security, malware types. Use EU official resources (GDPR text, ESMA cybersecurity guidance).

Week 3-4: Practice scenarios

Complete mock digital skills tests focusing on scenario comprehension. For each wrong answer, identify: Did I misread the scenario? Did I lack the knowledge? Did I misunderstand the question? Adjust your preparation accordingly.

Final week: Timed full tests

Take 2-3 complete 40-question / 30-minute tests. Aim for 75%+ accuracy (30/40 or better). Review wrong answers in detail. Your target is internalized knowledge, not guessing.

Why digital skills matter

Digital skills account for 25% of your final ranking — the same weight as EU knowledge. Yet many candidates under-prepare for it, viewing it as "just IT knowledge." This is a mistake. Digital skills tests judgment, awareness, and ability to identify risks — all essential for EU staff. Preparing thoroughly for this test yields high returns relative to effort invested.