Army Tests

What is an army aptitude test?

The army aptitude test is actually a series of different psychometric tests, designed to assess everything from your numerical and logical reasoning, to your ability to remember key instructions and follow rules and processes.

The test is timed because being able to work quickly and calmly under pressure is one of the most important skills you can bring to the army. As well as this, you’ll need to show an ability to think logically, solve problems, analyse complex information and think critically.

Once you’ve completed all the tests you’ll be given your final score, which will be used to determine whether you move onto the next stage of the process.

The format of the army aptitude test

You will sit the army aptitude test on a computer and at your nearest Army Careers Centre.

All of the answers to the questions you’ll be asked are multiple-choice. The test is designed to be challenging to ensure only the best people make it through the recruitment process, so practice and preparation beforehand is important.

Before you start, you’ll watch a short presentation on the test format and get to try out a few practice questions to ensure you feel comfortable with the equipment and process.

Once the test is finished, you’ll be given your overall score, otherwise known as your GTI (General Trainability Index).

If you passed, you’ll also be given a list of roles that your results indicate you would be suited to. The better you score, the more possibilities open up – which is why practising is so important.

Army cognitive test

The army cognitive test includes five different sub-sections (you can read about each one in more detail below):

• Error detection
• Orientation
• Number fluency
• Word rules
• Deductive reasoning

Overall, each section is putting your speed, accuracy and ability to think logically to the test.

The best way to prepare is simply to practice as many cognitive ability questions and tests as you can.

Error detection test

In the error detection test you’re being assessed on your ability to quickly and accurately process information, to prove you’re comfortable spotting important mistakes.

The questions usually take the form of a series of different symbol combinations. Your job is to try and memorise as many as you can, so you’re able to answer questions on what you’ve just seen.

This is exactly the kind of test that really does require practice, since it doesn’t come naturally to everyone.

To give yourself the best possible chance of success on the day, read more about how to prepare for error detection tests.

Orientation test

The orientation section is all about showing the strength of your logic and spatial awareness.

The questions will give you rules to memorise, before asking you to solve problems with those rules in mind. As a result, the questions are designed to test your memory, mental agility and ability to think logically under pressure.

As with every section of the test, practice is important if you want to give yourself the best possible chance of success. Spatial reasoning questions will help you get to grips with a similar type of challenge and will ensure your speed and accuracy improves.

Number fluency test

Part memory test and part maths test, the number fluency section is crucial to perform well in, as numerical ability is deemed as essential for any army recruit.

The questions will ask you to look at a numerical rule, memorise it, then apply it to the question to find the correct answer.

You can improve your aptitude for the number fluency test by practising numerical reasoning questions – they’ll help you familiarise yourself with the question format, strengthen your mathematical ability and boost your speed.

Word rules test

You’ll be given different sets of three words and asked to find the rule that governs those words in order to select the correct answer.

The point of this part of the test is for the examiner to get a closer look at your general literacy and comprehension skills,and how you can apply these skills under tight time pressure.

Brushing up on your verbal reasoning skills is a great way to prepare yourself for the word rules test at home.

Deductive reasoning test

Deductive reasoning tests measure your ability to take information, process it and make logical deductions based on what you’ve read — a vital skill for all army recruits.

This test doesn’t require any specific prior knowledge, but the slightly abstract nature of the questions can confuse people. As such, it’s vital you don’t encounter it for the first time when taking your army aptitude test.

Army literacy test

Designed to put your reading and writing skills under scrutiny, the army literacy test helps to ensure that all recruits are comfortable with basic reading and writing that may be required as part of the job role.

Comprehension tests are the best way to prepare for this section of the test. You can also read passages of books or texts and ask someone to quiz you on what you’ve taken in. Both are great ways to ensure you brush up on the necessary skills to pass this section of the army aptitude test.

Army numeracy test

Nearly every role within the army requires candidates with strong numeracy skills, which is what this section of the test looks at.

You’ll be asked a series of different numeracy questions that will test your basic calculation skills, and your ability to interpret data and produce accurate results under timed pressure.

It’s important to do as well as you can to open up as many job possibilities as possible, but if your numerical skills aren’t the strongest, don’t worry — practising beforehand will help you to improve and feel confident on the day.

Army technical selection test

If you’re eligible for a technical role, you may also take the army technical selection test.

Much like a numerical reasoning test, the questions are maths-focused and include everything from fairly basic calculations, to graph analysis and data interpretation at GCSE-equivalency level.

You’ll be provided with paper, pen and a calculator to help you work through the problems. The best way to give yourself a head start is by brushing up on your basic maths skills and practising past papers.

How is the army aptitude test scored?

At the end of the test your score will be calculated based on how many correct answers you gave.

The score is given as your General Trainability Index (GTI). To pass the test and move onto the next stage of the process, you’re required to have a GTI of 26 or greater.

Should you score 26 or more, you’ll also be given a list of roles within the army that are best suited to the skills you’ve demonstrated on the test. This means that the better you do, the greater the variety of jobs open to you.

Five tips on how to do well in army aptitude tests

1. Practice

Practising is the single best way you can improve your scores in your army application. Dedicating time to work through aptitude tests, practice questions and similar puzzles will improve your speed and accuracy – as well as instil you with confidence on the day.

2. Get used to the question style

Many of the instructions on the test are given on the screen briefly before disappearing. Practice repeating statements to yourself, so you get in the habit of memorising what’s asked of you.

3. Think laterally

Simply repeating past tests can get a little dull. If you need variety in your preparation, find online games that test your memory, puzzle books that require mathematical skills, or get people to quiz you on passages from books you’re reading.

4. Get used to exam conditions

Every time you take a practice test, it’s important to do so in exam conditions. This means timing the test, ensuring you’re working in a quiet, well-lit space and resisting the temptation to look anything up.

5. Focus on the end goal

The better you do, the more opportunities you’ll be given in the army. Preparing for the aptitude tests may seem like a lot of work, but it could change the course of your life. So it’s worth it.

FAQs

What makes army aptitude tests hard?

The tests are designed to be challenging to help the army recruit the best candidates. You’re also being tested on a wide variety of skills, which means that most people will find at least one section of the test hard. The best way to prepare yourself is to practice as many tests as you can beforehand.

Do soldiers need good maths?

Strong numerical skills are one of the many requirements of army recruits. Being able to work with numbers quickly, accurately and with confidence is a skill set that’s highly sought after in the army.

How long are the army aptitude tests?

The army aptitude tests each take around 30 minutes to complete. You’ll take the test on a computer at your local Army Careers Centre.

What happens if you fail the army aptitude tests?

Unfortunately, if you fail the test this means you won’t be eligible to move forwards with your army application. This is the best possible reason to practice as hard as you can beforehand.