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Royal Air Force Assessments

    • 22 tests |
    • 248 questions

The Royal Air Force, or RAF, is one of three branches of the British Armed Forces. It provides incredible training and qualifications to all those enrolled in its prestigious graduate scheme.

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RAF spatial awareness test

The RAF spatial awareness test consists of two parts. The first focuses upon how well you can work with 2D shapes, visualising how they rotate, transform and fit together.

The pace required is substantial, as you will have only 4 minutes to answer 10 questions. This section of the test is similar to an abstract reasoning test.

The second section will focus on your ability to interpret and analyse data. You will have longer to complete this, with 15 questions to answer in 11 minutes. Use of a calculator is not permitted, but you can use rough paper for your workings.

Find out more about the DAA numerical reasoning test with aptitude test examples here.

RAF electrical comprehension test

The electrical comprehension test assesses your grasp of electrical concepts. Some questions will feature diagrams, so ensure your knowledge of electrical symbols is secure (for example, the representations for a fuse, battery, bulb, switch and motor).

The difficulty level of the questions will equate to the GCSE Physics syllabus. For this test, you will have 11 minutes to answer 21 questions.

Find out more about the DAA electrical comprehension test here.

RAF mechanical comprehension test

The RAF mechanical aptitude test is a mechanical reasoning test that assesses your knowledge of and ability to apply mechanical concepts. You will have 20 questions to answer in 10 minutes.

The questions will be multiple-choice, and many will feature diagrams to illustrate mechanical principles. Again, expect a difficulty level similar to GCSE exams with content covering energy, forces, motion, screws, pulleys, gears, and levers.

Find out more about the DAA mechanical comprehension test here.

RAF memory test

The RAF memory test assesses your ability to recall information accurately. It contains 20 questions in total but is split into two parts, which are delivered in video format.

The first section will require you to memorise a sequence of letters. You will subsequently be asked questions on their order of appearance and the number of characters between certain letters.

The second section involves the recall of shapes and patterns. You will be shown grids containing coloured squares, each grid displayed one at a time. The complexity of the grids will increase as the sequence progresses.

You will be asked which of the more complicated grids are composites of the original grids shown early in the sequence.

Find out more about the DAA memory test here.

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How is the RAF aptitude test scored?

The DAA is scored based on the number of points accrued by answering questions correctly. It is not negatively marked. You will receive individual marks for each of the seven sections, along with an overall score.

The RAF does not publish the scores needed to pass each section – and these do vary according to the role and service area you have applied for. More competitive roles will have higher pass expectations, as will highly technical roles (such as engineering positions).

The test is designed to identify your strengths and abilities, so higher scores in certain areas will indicate suitability for different roles. The RAF wants to ensure you are placed in the correct career area, so you will take to training and thrive in the role.

Tips To Pass The RAF DAA

Complete the online practice DAA

The RAF website has a mock test to help you become accustomed to the type and style of questions that will be asked in the DAA. This is the closest material to the real test available, so make sure you sit it. Also be sure to check out the RAF test resources at Military Aptitude Tests.

Using further aptitude test resources will help you to sharpen your verbal, numerical, abstract, and mechanical reasoning skills.

Practice your recall

Alongside the need to recall technical concepts in the electrical and mechanical aptitude tests, the RAF memory test requires fast recall skills that you may not be accustomed to exhibiting.

Prepare for being tested upon your recollection of concepts and patterns, by performing small memory tasks every day - such as memorising the content of news articles and asking a friend to quiz you. There are also many ‘brain training’ exercises available online that feature letters and shapes.

Work on your pace

All sections of the DAA require a rapid pace of work that requires thinking critically and accurately under pressure. As there is a specific work rate test, it is paramount that you can display the rapid analytical and recall skills sought.

Conduct all your practice under timed conditions so you become accustomed to the pace required.

Hone your weaknesses

Adequately practicing for all parts of the DAA will help you quickly identify where your skills are weakest. Although it is tempting to revise areas you are more comfortable with, tackling the tough questions in practice will help you to excel in the real test.

Familiarise yourself with the test format

Make sure you know exactly what to expect from the DAA test. It will test general verbal and numerical reasoning alongside technical knowledge, pace, and recall – so ensure you are aware of the expectations and prepare fully for each section.

There will be a practice question to answer before each section, but by the time you sit the test you should be fully prepared for the type of questions, you will encounter.

Practice Aptitude Tests is not associated with Royal Air Force. We provide preparation services for Royal Air Force psychometric tests. Our tests are not designed to be identical to any style, employer or industry. Visit https://www.raf.mod.uk/ to find out more.

Sample Royal Air Force Tests question Test your knowledge!

An air traffic controller looks at a screen displaying multiple aircraft. If one aircraft is at 10,000 feet altitude descending at a rate of 500 feet per minute, and a second aircraft is at 8,000 feet ascending at a rate of 300 feet per minute, in how many minutes will there be a risk of collision?

  • 2 minutes
  • 4 minutes
  • 5 minutes
  • 10 minutes

Following a sequence where each box depicts a rotating arrow and increments of shaded segments, what would logically be the characteristics of the next box in the series if the current one has an arrow pointing to the upper right and two shaded segments?

  • Arrow pointing up with three shaded segments
  • Arrow pointing to the lower right with three shaded segments
  • Arrow pointing to the upper right with four shaded segments
  • Arrow pointing down with one shaded segment

If the premise that 'all jet engines utilize a combustion process' is true, which of the following conclusions is logically sound?

  • All mechanisms utilizing combustion are jet engines.
  • Any aircraft with jet engines utilizes a combustion process.
  • Combustion cannot occur without jet engines.
  • Only jet aircraft are capable of flying.

A technician is tasked with repairing a hydraulic system. If the system relies on Pascal's Principle, where pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid and to the walls of its container, what happens to the pressure when the surface area is halved, assuming the force is constant?

  • The pressure remains the same.
  • The pressure is reduced by half.
  • The pressure doubles.
  • The pressure is reduced to one quarter.

When interpreting flight data, if an aircraft's velocity increased from 300 knots to 600 knots over a time interval of 5 minutes, what was the average acceleration?

  • 1 knot per minute
  • 60 knots per minute
  • 10 knots per minute
  • 100 knots per minute

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Royal Air Force Tests Tips

1Familiarize Yourself with Test Formats

Prior to taking any assessments for the Royal Air Force, take some time to get comfortable with different types of aptitude test formats. At Practice Aptitude Tests, we provide a plethora of resources that mirror the structure and content of the exercises you might face. Understanding how questions are presented and what is expected in your responses will help you navigate the test with confidence.

2Work on Time Management

Tests for the Royal Air Force may be timed, making it essential to work efficiently. Begin by practicing without time constraints to understand the questions. Gradually, introduce a timer to simulate the test conditions and improve your pace without sacrificing accuracy. Remember, it’s not just about speed, but also about managing your time wisely to maximize your chances of success.

3Simulate the Test Environment

Create an environment at home that is as close as possible to the actual test setting. This means finding a quiet space, minimizing distractions, and ensuring that you have all the necessary materials at hand. By making your practice sessions more ‘real’, you’ll be less phased on the day of the actual test. Practice Aptitude Tests’ platform is designed to mimic the real test environment closely, helping you to be as prepared as possible.

4Review Fundamental Concepts

Brush up on basic math, logic, and verbal concepts, as these are often the core of aptitude tests. Understanding these fundamental principles is vital because even though questions will vary, the underlying skills you need to apply are consistent. By solidifying your grasp of these basics, you’ll be better prepared to tackle whatever questions come your way.

5Use Practice Tests to Learn, Not Just to Test

Utilize practice tests as a learning tool, not just a metric to assess your current level. Carefully review your answers, especially the incorrect ones, to understand your mistakes and learn from them. Practice Aptitude Tests offers detailed explanations for answers, turning every practice session into an educational experience that builds your understanding and enhances your test-taking strategies.

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Royal Air Force Tests FAQs

Is the RAF aptitude test hard?

The RAF DAA is challenging as it covers a broad range of skills – from written comprehension to numerical skills and electrical and mechanical knowledge – under pressured time conditions. Good scores are needed to impress. With dedicated practice, however, you can feel confident across all areas of the assessment come the day of the test.

What should I wear to my RAF aptitude test?

When attending your local AFCO to sit the test, the RAF requests you wear smart clothing. Sportswear, t-shirts, jeans or trainers are not permitted. It is recommended that women wear flat or low-heeled shoes.

Remember that – whether correct or not – how you present yourself will likely be viewed as a reflection upon your professionalism, personality and character. Seek to make a good first impression by following the clothing rules.

How long are the RAF aptitude tests?

Each section of the RAF DAA varies in relation to the number of questions set and the time given. Some sections only allocate 4 minutes, whereas others allow for a less frenetic pace with a 15-minute time allowance. All sections will need to be completed at a substantial pace – while not compromising accuracy – to secure the points to pass. In total, the test takes around 90 minutes to complete.

What happens if you fail the RAF aptitude test?

If you fail to obtain the score required to progress with training in the RAF area you desired, you may be offered a place to train for a different speciality (with a lower score requirement). You will be able to discuss this with a recruiter at the AFCO once you have your results. If you are set on a particular specialism, you will have the chance to retake the test. If, however, you fail for a second time, you will be asked to reapply in a couple of years.

Reviews of our Royal Air Force tests

What our customers say about our Royal Air Force tests

  • Fiji

    April 30, 2023

    Quite challenging really

    It's not applicable to everyday military SOP, but I could understand the problem solving capability that come with the job. My personal opinion would be that(a) this approach to recruitment would require familiarization, and (b)regular practice would enable any novice to score better.

  • United Kingdom

    July 07, 2022

    How to spot obvious sequences

    I appreciated the difficulty. I think it would be better to have more questions in the given time to add more pressure for practice.

  • United Kingdom

    May 16, 2022

    New field of learning

    it was a new area that throws you into the ring with an entirely new basis with little time to force yourself to learn it. Overall, enjoyed the intensity regardless of what I score on the first run.

  • United Kingdom

    May 01, 2022

    Pattern recognition

    I liked it but the telephone / person letter one completely stumped me, as I feel that one had no rhyme or reason.

  • United Kingdom

    January 16, 2022

    Like an IQ test

    The test was overall like an IQ test, so easy to study for. However, more complicated questions should be added.

  • United Kingdom

    September 20, 2021

    Take your time

    Important to take your time and focus on an individual shape at a time. Sometimes you can deduce the solution without having to look at all shapes.

  • United Kingdom

    July 03, 2021

    Only sequence questions

    It only includes sequence questions, whereas on the RAF website the practice test involves a wider range of types of questions.

  • United Kingdom

    May 26, 2021

    basic pattern solving

    I wasn't a fan of the questions where the boxes alternated shapes instead of colours

  • United Kingdom

    May 16, 2021

    Sequences of the puzzles

    I liked that these test my ability to to see patterns in certain things and distinguish discrepancies in the smallest areas

  • United Kingdom

    May 13, 2021

    pattern recognition

    some were a lot easier than others and one was impossible(?)