NOTES FOR THE GUIDANCE OF CANDIDATES

ATTENDING

THE ROYAL AIR FORCE

OFFICERS AND AIRCREW SELECTION CENTRE

COMPUTER BASED APTITUDE TESTING (CBAT)

It is very important that you read these notes before visiting the
Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre for selection. The notes
contain details of the process that you will undertake and also
what to bring with you on your visit. It is very much in your
interests to be fully conversant with all the contents.

20150211-OASC_Notes_For_Guidance_of_Candidates_CBAT_Version 7-O

1
Intentionally Blank

2
 RAF OFFICER, NON-COMMISSIONED AIRCREW AND SENIOR NON-
COMMISSIONED OFFICER SELECTION

INTRODUCTION

1. This publication is designed to help you prepare for your attendance at the
Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC), which is located at the Royal Air
Force College (RAFC), Cranwell. Aptitude testing forms the first part of the OASC
selection process for a number of branches (e.g. Pilot, Air Traffic Control, Weapon
Systems Operator etc) but not all branches require aptitude testing. General
information regarding the OASC is contained in Annex A.

2. As an applicant for commissioned service, Non-Commissioned Aircrew, or

Direct Entry Senior Non-Commissioned Air Traffic Controller with the Royal Air Force,
you should be aware that our standards are high and we apply them strictly; we
make no apology for that. We are in the business of selecting the next generation of
leaders and Direct Entry Non-Commissioned personnel for a high-technology,
fighting Service. The people that we select will be given lengthy and expensive
training for a very demanding job. They are likely to be responsible not only for
sophisticated equipment costing millions of pounds, but also for the well being, and
maybe even the lives, of others. Choosing the wrong person could be costly in more
ways than one and we cannot take chances.

APTITUDE TESTS

3. The full Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) phase will last for one day.
The aptitude tests are designed to assess a range of cognitive abilities and each test
measures specific elements of the cognitive process that have been identified as
important for job and training success. Test results for each respective cognitive area
(i.e. aptitude domain) are summarised and together, they indicate your potential for
success during professional training in certain branches. The tests are computer
based, but advanced computer-operating skills are not required. Before the tests
commence, you will receive detailed instructions explaining how to complete each
test, including the practice questions which are designed to reinforce your
understanding of what has to be done and familiarise you with the test requirements.
The test results indicate your potential for success during professional training in
certain branches; however, not all branches have aptitude tests linked with them.
Depending on your branch choice(s), and other factors, you may sit the full test
programme or, just a proportion of the programme.

4. Note that there is no limit on the number of times an aptitude test may be
taken, but a period of at least one year must elapse between each attempt.
However, you should remember that the upper age limit for your branch
preference may limit the number of attempts. In addition, remember that certain
tests, particularly those for the Pilot Branch, are the same as those used for Royal
Navy Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps flying selection. An attempt for one Service
initiates the same time limitation before returning to OASC to undertake testing for
either of the others. However, if a new test was introduced that had not been
previously tested within the year, an attempt at that specific test would be permitted
and the results would then be integrated with the tests already completed. If you

3
have any queries concerning your eligibility to take the tests please contact the
Armed Forces Careers Office or the OASC.

5. Each of the aptitude tests is designed to measure particular abilities, which

in turn are grouped into categories or domains. The following is a selection of a few
of the tests that form the aptitude testing session, together with an indication of the
ability each is intended to reveal.

6. Airborne Numerical Test. This is a reasoning test designed to assess your

ability to estimate answers to numerical calculations whilst under a degree of time
pressure, as demanded in an airborne environment. You will have to:

a. Solve mathematical problems involving time/speed/distance and fuel

consumption calculations.

b. Use mental arithmetic involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and

division, to estimate answers. You will not be allowed to use a calculator or
work out the answer on paper during the test.

You can prepare for this test by practising your mental arithmetic and calculations
involving time/speed/distance and fuel consumption. The total test time, including
instructions, is approximately 33 minutes and an example of the type of screen you
will encounter is shown below:

4
7. Angles, Bearings and Degrees Test. This is a spatial test designed to
assess your judgement of angles and bearings. You will have to:

a. Estimate the angle between two lines.

b. Estimate the bearing of an object from a reference point.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 9 minutes. A simple way
to prepare for this test is by familiarising yourself with bearings and different sizes of
angles. Examples of the type of screen you will encounter are shown below:

5
8. Auditory Capacity Test. This is a short term memory test designed to assess
your memory capacity under multiple tasks and timed condition. You will have to:
a. Deal with more than one task at a time, e.g. change colours and
numbers using the keypad provided, control the movement of a ball
presented on screen using a joystick and remember a string of figures.

b. Follow aural instructions given over headphones to remember and

recall appropriate actions to take regarding the different tasks.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 21 minutes and you do
not need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter
is shown below:

9. Cognitive Updating Test. This is a multiple tasks test designed to assess

your ability to manage and coordinate tasks in a busy working environment. You will
have to:

a. Deal with a series of tasks against the time shown in a digital clock,
e.g. monitor, control, set up and adjust a variety of technical systems and
update information as required.

b. Complete these tasks by means of using multifunction displays,

interactive pages and a menu system.

6
The test administration time, including instructions, is approximately 32 minutes and
you do not need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will
encounter is shown below:

10. Colours Letters and Numbers Test. This is a multiple tasks test specifically
designed to assess your ability to shift attention between different tasks. You will
have to:

a. Deal with more than one task at a time.

b. Monitor changes and pay attention to detail.

c. Remember sequences of information.

d. Complete simple mental arithmetic.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 18 minutes. You can
prepare for this test by practising your mental arithmetic. An example of the type of
screen you will encounter is shown on the next page:

7
11. Digit Recognition Test. This is a short term memory test designed to assess
your short-term visual memory. You will have to:

a. Remember strings of digits of varying lengths.

b. Answer questions about the string of digits shown.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 4 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown below:

8
12. Directions and Distances Test. This is a spatial test designed to assess
your ability to interpret descriptions of spatial relationships. You will have to:

a. Interpret written descriptions of the distance and direction between

objects.

b. Answer queries on the spatial relationship between different objects.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 16 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown below:

13. Dynamic Projection Test. This is a spatial test designed to assess your
ability to interpret and direct the movement of objects within a 3D, dynamic
environment. You will have to:

a. Direct moving objects towards specific points and other objects using
bearings.

b. Avoid moving objects and obstacles.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 36 minutes. A simple way
to prepare for this test is by familiarising yourself with bearings. An example of the
type of screen you will encounter is shown on the next page

9
14. Instrument Comprehension Test. This is a spatial test designed to assess
your ability to visualise using pictorial, numerical and verbal information.

You will have to inspect instrument readings to visualise the orientation of an aircraft.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 25 minutes and you do
not need to prepare for this test. Examples of the type of screen you will encounter
are shown below and on the next page:

10
15. Mathematics Reasoning Test. This is a reasoning test designed to assess
your ability to solve numerical problems. You will have to:

Interpret written descriptions to solve numerical problems using

time/speed/distance calculations.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 17 minutes and you can
prepare for this test by practicing calculations using the time/speed/distance formula.
An example of the type of screen you will encounter is shown below:

11
16. Numerical Operations Test. This is a reasoning test designed to assess
your ability to work out mental arithmetic problems. You will have to:

a. Do mental calculation using addition, subtraction, multiplication and

division.

b. Work quickly and accurately.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 1 minute and you can
prepare for this test by practising your mental arithmetic. An example of the type of
screen you will encounter is shown below:

17. Rapid Tracking Test. This is an eye-hand coordination test designed to

assess your ability to track and target objects. You will have to:

a. Use a joystick to track moving and stationary objects from a location

that is moving continuously.

b. Predict the movement of obscured objects.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 15 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown on the next page:

12
18. Sensory Motor Apparatus Test. This test is designed to assess your eye-
hand-foot coordination. You will have to:

Use a joystick and foot pedal to control the vertical and horizontal
motions of a moving circle (i.e. red dot) and keep it as close as possible to the
centre of the cross-hair.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 8 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown below:

13
19. Situational Awareness Test. This is a multiple tasks test designed to assess
your ability to collate verbal, numerical, pictorial information to build, maintain and
update a mental picture of a complex changing situation to solve problems. You will
have to:

a. Monitor verbal, numerical, pictorial and coded information which can be

presented to you aurally via a set of headphones or visually on screen.

b. Monitor a changing situation to be aware of past, on-going and possible

future activities/events that concern the position and movement of a variety of
objects.

c. Answer queries on the changing situation and what actions you think is
appropriate to take to solve various problems.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 27 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown below:

20. Spatial Integration Test. This is a spatial test designed to assess your ability
to collate information provided by a number of two-dimensional displays to form a 3D
air/ground picture. You will have to:

a. Interpret and integrate information presented from various 2D aerial

viewpoints about the location and surrounding objects.

14
 b. Interpret and integrate information presented from various 2D aerial,
horizontal and vertical viewpoints about the location and moving aircraft.

c. Form a 3D air/ground picture of the location and surrounding

objects/aircraft, as seen from different directions/angles.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 26 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. Examples of the type of screen you will encounter are
shown below:

15
21. System Logic Test. This is a reasoning test designed to assess your ability
to solve logical problems related to a system, based on available numerical and
verbal information from different sources. You will have to:

a. Collate relevant information from different folders available from a

menu system to solve a given problem.

b. Interpret a variety of information presented in the form of tables,

graphs, diagrams, equations and factual statements.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 36 minutes and you can
prepare for this test by practising your mental arithmetic. An example of the type of
screen you will encounter is shown below:

22. Table Reading Test. This test is designed to assess your work rate in terms
of scanning and cross-referencing tables of information. You will have to:

a. Cross-reference row and column numbers to identify values in a table.

b. Use multiple tables to identify values when given specific values.

c. Use and interpret information presented in tables on the monitor and

hand-held cards.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 10 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. Examples of the type of screen you will encounter are
shown on the next page:

16
23. Target Recognition Test. This is a multiple tasks test designed to assess
your ability to search and identify a series of visual targets. You will have to:

a. Scan and search for a variety of targets which can be imageries, colour
patterns, strings of alphanumeric characters, codes/symbols and warning
signs.

b. Prioritise and alternate between the various scan/search tasks and

register as many targets as you can.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 23 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown on the next page:

17
24. Trace Test 1. This is a spatial test designed to assess your ability to orientate
in three-dimensional space. You will have to:

a. Perceive the changing orientation of a moving aircraft from a different

perspective/direction.

b. Interpret pictorial information and identify the change in orientation of a

given aircraft.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 8 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown below:

18
25. Trace Test 2. This test is designed to assess your ability to remember the
movement of objects in three-dimensional space. You will have to:

a. Watch short dynamic scenarios involving the movement of a number of

aircraft.

b. Recall the movement and location of moving aircraft in three-

dimensional space.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 9 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. Examples of the type of screen you will encounter are
shown below:

19
26. Verbal Logic Test. This is a reasoning test designed to assess your ability to
use and interpret written verbal information from different sources to solve problems.
You will be required to:

a. Collate relevant information from a number of folders available from a

menu system.

b. Interpret and analyse verbal information presented in paragraphs.

c. Make deductions, inferences and evaluations based on available

information.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 41 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown below:

27. Vigilance Test. This test is designed to assess your ability to scan
information and switch between tasks. You will have to:

a. Scan pictorial information presented in a matrix format.

b. Switch between routine and priority tasks.

c. Work quickly and accurately.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 7 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. An example of the type of screen you will encounter is
shown on the next page:

20
28. Visual Search Test. This test is designed to assess your ability to scan
information under time constraints. You will have to:

a. Scan information presented as letters or line figures.

b. Search for a target among a number of distracters.

c. Work quickly and accurately.

The total test time, including instructions, is approximately 3 minutes and you do not
need to prepare for this test. Examples of the type of screen you will encounter are
shown below and on the next page:

21
29. Equipment and Timing. The tests are carried out in a purpose-built test
room, which has the capacity to test up to 45 candidates simultaneously. Before
starting, you will be briefed about the test session, the length of the testing process
and the computer equipment to be used. You will notice the computer keyboard
used is of a non-standard design and that certain tests may require the use of a
trackball, joystick foot pedal, headphones or a mixture of the IT equipment. Test
instructions are all given on the computer monitor for you to read and understand in
your own time, and there is usually a short practice session before each test. There
are rest breaks after about every hour of testing, but once a test has begun, you
must continue to work until it is completed. All aptitude tests are timed so you should
always work as quickly and accurately as possible. Try not to spend too much time
on any one question, and do not be concerned if you fail to finish all the questions in
each test - not all candidates do. The full test programme can last up to 8 hours, so
it is a good idea to have a good breakfast, keep hydrated and feel fit beforehand. If
you are programmed to take a restricted number of tests, you will be advised before
the test session commences.

30. Post Testing Review. After completing the tests programme, each candidate
is debriefed by a Reviewing Officer of the OASC staff, who will explain how you have
performed. This review is an opportunity to discuss your branch options, particularly
if they have been adversely affected by your aptitude test results. A possible
scenario is that you have not achieved the aptitude standards required for the branch
you originally applied for, but you may be eligible to return at a later date to OASC for
assessment in an alternative branch, provided that vacancies exist. If that is the
case, you will need to return to your Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) and
complete further research before any change of preference can be notified to OASC.

31. Further Assessment. Candidates considered competitive for selection to

one or more of their aptitude-based branch choices, based on their CBAT and Filter
Interview performance, will be contacted by the OASC Candidate Processing staff
and may be invited to undergo further assessment over a 2 day period at a later
date. Although you may have achieved the minimum aptitude standards for your
branch preference, it does not necessarily mean that you will automatically be invited

22
to attend the next stage of the selection process. The next assessment will include
the Exercise Phase and, if successful, a Medical Board, Interview, and the Selection
Fitness Test. Those seeking selection to non-aptitude based branches only, and
specialists, will join the OASC selection process at this stage. The OASC Exercise
Phase generally starts on Monday or Wednesday mornings and, so that OASC can
programme those competitive candidates into the Selection Assessment, you should
be prepared to provide your non-availability details over the next 3 month period
following your CBAT assessment. These details will be collected before you depart
from OASC. Competitive candidates will also be issued with the Selection
Assessment guide to assist with their preparation.

ANNEX:

A. General Information

23
Intentionally Blank

24
 ANNEX A

GENERAL INFORMATION

THE OFFICERS AND AIRCREW SELECTION CENTRE

1. Most candidates arrive by rail at Grantham, using the tickets provided via
your AFCO recruitment team. You will then be transported to the OASC Candidates
Mess by a special bus service, where you will be handed your room key and directed
to your accommodation. You may also travel by private transport to Cranwell,
provided that you have not already been issued with rail/sea or e-tickets. If you elect
to travel by car, you should report to the main Guardroom on Cranwell Avenue (Post
Code for Satellite Navigation systems NG34 8HB), from where you will be directed
to the Candidates Mess and told where to park your car. You will be required to
produce your letter/email inviting you to attend as a means of identification; please
ensure that you also bring with you a suitable form of photographic identification,
such as your passport, driving licence or your birth certificate.

2. Candidates are able to spend the evening of their arrival settling in and
getting to know each other. The Candidates Mess, with a bar, television and games
rooms, is an excellent place in which to do this (please note that if you under 18
years of age, you will not be served with alcohol in the bar; your identification card
issued on arrival is colour-coded accordingly). You are not under military discipline
and nobody will try to regiment you, at least not in your spare time. If you feel like
going out for the evening, you are free to do so. However, if you stay in the Mess,
we ask that after 6 p.m. men should wear a lounge suit or jacket, trousers and a shirt
and tie and that women should wear a suit, dress/trousers or skirt with a blouse or
jumper. It should be noted that the wearing of sports clothes, jeans or training shoes
in the Public Rooms of the Mess is not acceptable at any time during your visit, this
includes breakfast and lunch. These are Officers/SNCOs Mess customs in all three
Services. Please also note that one of the boarding officers is appointed as the
OASC Duty Officer and will visit the Candidates Mess at some point during the
evening, usually after the meal. They are there to answer any queries that you may
have and will be willing to chat with you about life in the RAF if you wish. The OASC
Duty Officer can be contacted during working hours through the OASC Reception
Staff and outside normal working hours through the Guardroom Staff.

3. You will be wise to have an early night as you will have a long day of
aptitude testing the following day. You need to set your alarm for 0600hrs as
breakfast will be served from 0630hrs and you are required to be seated in the
OASC reception no later than 0650hrs. Make sure that you check on your fellow
candidates because the testing procedure will start on time regardless of who is in
attendance; if you miss the start, you will not be allowed to continue.

A-1
TRAVEL

4. Arrival by Rail. If you are travelling by rail to the RAFC Cranwell you
must arrive at Grantham Station on the date given in your letter/email of invitation.
Transport will pick candidates up from Grantham train station, see timetables below:

DEPARTURES FROM CANDIDATES MESS RECEPTION TO GRANTHAM STATION

MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT SUN

1040 1040 1040 1040 1040* 0815*
1210 1210 1210 1210 1330 1220 1210
1330 1330 1330 1330 1350 1340
1545 1545 1545 1545 1640* 1520 1510
1715 1715 1715 1715
1830 1830 1830 1830 1800*

DEPARTURES FROM GRANTHAM RAIL STATION TO RAF CRANWELL GUARDROOM

MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT SUN

1125 1125 1125 1125 0900
1255 1255 1255 1255 1305 1255
1425 1425 1425 1425 1415 1435 1425
1630 1630 1630 1630 1605 1555
1755 1755 1755 1755
1915 1915 1915 1915 1725*
*available as required

5. Arrival by Car. For candidates arriving by road, the RAFC Cranwell is

located just off the A17 between Sleaford and Newark, 4 miles west of Sleaford. In
the event of any difficulties arising on the day or any last minute changes to your
travel arrangements you should telephone the OASC on: 01400 266745 or 01400
266792 during working hours or out of working hours the RAFC Cranwell Guardroom
on 01400 267232. A map showing the location of RAF Cranwell is at the end of this
Annex.

EXPENSES

Note for Serving Personnel Serving Personnel claim expenses via JPA. Travel claim forms are for
civilian candidate claims only.

N.B. OASC Reception is point of contact for all travel claim queries 01400 26 6792

6. Rail/Sea or Air Travel. If you requested a ticket for travel by air, sea (e.g.
Isle of White) or rail within the United Kingdom, your rail ticket retrieve code, or e-
ticket (for air travel) will be sent to you directly by email from your AFCO. Candidates
from overseas (i.e. outside the UK) locations should note that travel will only be paid
for from the port, airport or railhead of arrival in the UK. Bus fares that you have to
pay will be refunded provided that you have a receipt.

A-2
7. Car Travel. If you prefer to travel by private car, mileage claims are only
admissible if you have not been issued with rail/sea or air tickets. Once rail/sea or
air tickets have been issued, mileage claims are inadmissible.

8. Cashing of Cheques. Please note that at Cranwell, we are unable to

cash cheques. Consequently, you are advised to bring enough money for drinks,
etc, whilst you are at Cranwell and to cover incidental expenses for your return
journey.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

9. Documents. Make a special point of bringing the original copy of your

birth certificate, passport or driving licence for identification purposes.

10. Clothing. During testing and whilst in OASC buildings you are to wear
smart dress, strictly no T-shirts, sports clothes, jeans or training shoes. Please bring
a change of clothing to wear in the evening. For the ladies, you are advised to wear
low-heeled shoes for the aptitude testing. We do not provide soap, towels, or
coat hangers - remember to bring your own. Dont forget an alarm clock!

SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC

11. Special Dietary Requirements. If you are a vegetarian, provision

already exists to cater for your needs. If, however, you have a requirement for a
special diet on religious, ethnic or other grounds then you should write and tell us
what it is on receipt of these notes. Every effort will then be made to cater for your
needs.

12. Illness. If you dont feel well at any time whilst you are at Cranwell, tell
any officer or member of the OASC staff and they will direct you to the Medical
Centre. If your illness is only temporary, it will merely delay the procedure; if it seems
likely to last for more than a day, we will arrange for you to complete boarding at a
later date.

COMMUNICATIONS

13. Post. The postal address is:

The Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre

Adastral Hall,
PO Box 1000
Cranwell
Sleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 8GZ

14. Telephone. The telephone number for the RAFC is 01400 26 plus the
extension you require. Useful extensions are:

A-3
 - During normal working hours Ext 6718 (Candidate Processing), and
Ext 6792 (Reception).

- At all other times and in cases of urgent calls Ext 7232/7252 (Main
Guardroom).

VALUABLES AND INSURANCE

15. Valuables. Do not leave any cash or valuables lying about; keep them
with you. Report any loss immediately to the Candidates Mess staff, the OASC
reception staff, or the duty staff at the Main Guardroom situated on Cranwell Avenue.

16. Insurance. It is important that you note that the Ministry of Defence
considers claims on the basis of its legal liability in common law, which means that
liability for compensation for injury or loss will only be accepted where it can be
shown that the MOD, its servants or agents have acted negligently in the course of
their official duty. The MOD has no legal liability to meet claims for injury or loss
caused by pure accident or an Act of God. Therefore, you are strongly advised to
obtain personal insurance to cover your liabilities in these areas as you see fit. This
is not compulsory but a matter of personal choice.

A-4
LOCATION OF RAF CRANWELL

A-5