Practice tests
You’ve submitted your application form and aced the interview. Subject to your continued eligibility and availability of your chosen trade, all that stands between you and a career in the RAF is the [link not available] and the Airman/Airwoman Selection Test (AST).
The AST test is taken by all applicants for this group no matter what job you’re applying for. It consists of seven multiple-choice tests each focusing on different skills.
- Verbal reasoning – How do you use and interpret written information?
- Numerical reasoning – Can you use basic fractions, decimals and formulae; can you understand and interpret graphs and tables?
- Work rate – How quickly and accurately do you complete tasks?
- Spatial reasoning – Can you understand how shapes and objects work?
- Electrical comprehension – Can you work with electrical concepts?
- Mechanical comprehension – Can you work with mechanical concepts?
- Memory – How accurately can you remember information?
The aptitude tests are used to assess your potential accurately and match you to RAF roles that suit your individual strengths. You won’t lose points for giving a wrong answer. The results of your AST are strictly confidential and will only be used for the RAF selection process.
Preparing for the tests will help you to perform to the best of your ability so we’ve developed a mock test to help you revise. Remember, the better you do, the more RAF career options you’ll have.
Take a practice test now [opens in new window]
Getting ready
There are also other things you can do to prepare:
- Read some relevant newspaper articles and then test yourself (or get a friend to) on what you have just read.
- Practise some simple mathematical arithmetic - but don’t use a calculator, you won’t be allowed one in the real thing.
- Try to imagine what an everyday item might look like from a different angle.
- Look online for information about basic mechanical or electrical principles. Or try your school or local library.
- Try to memorise sequences of letters or images and then test yourself.
On the day
Get a good nights sleep before your test, arrive in plenty of time and if you wear reading glasses, don’t forget to bring them.
Arriving: The tests will take place at your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) and you’ll probably be part of a small group. Before the test starts you’ll be asked to switch off your mobile phone. Pens, pencils and paper will be provided.
Getting started: A qualified member of the RAF Careers Service will administer the test and give you guidance on how to complete each section. You’ll have the chance to do some practice questions before starting the real thing. If you have any questions or are unsure of what to do at any point, just ask the administrator.
About the test: The first six tests will be presented in a test booklet and the memory test will be presented on film. You’ll be given a booklet for all your answers. The test usually takes about 90 minutes – try not to spend too long on a single question, if you get stuck move on and come back to the question if you have time. Don’t worry if you don’t answer every question, very few people do.
The rules: You’re not allowed to use a calculator or a dictionary during the test. For the numerical reasoning test you’ll be given rough paper for working out your answers.
