The RAAF aptitude test (MACST / ASP): a complete guide
Applying to fly with the Royal Australian Air Force — or for air traffic control — means sitting computer-based aptitude testing, known to candidates as the MACST or ASP, of the same family as the RAF's CBAT, including the CLAN multitasking test. This guide explains what that testing measures, what CLAN is, how it's scored, and how to prepare — so you arrive knowing exactly what's in front of you.
CBAT Ready is an independent study aid, not an official ADF resource. Always confirm the current process and requirements at the official ADF Careers site.
Practising for the MACST/ASP?
CBAT Ready runs in MACST/ASP mode for RAAF candidates: MACST/ASP mode uses the CLAN multitasking test in place of the RAF's FLAG.
What the MACST / ASP covers
RAAF aptitude testing doesn't test what you know — it measures the underlying abilities flying and controlling demand. Expect timed, computer-based tests of mental arithmetic (including speed, distance and time), spatial and navigational reasoning, instrument interpretation, memory and sustained attention, hand-eye tracking, and — distinctively — real-time multitasking through the CLAN test. The tests run back to back under strict timing, so sustained, accurate performance across the whole session is as important as any single score.
The CLAN multitasking test
CLAN — Colours, Letters & Numbers — is the real-time multitasking test at the heart of RAAF-style selection. You track and respond to several streams at once (colours, letters and numbers), keeping each task going while the others compete for your attention. It's the RAAF's equivalent of the Figures, Logistics & Groups (FLAG) test the RAF and Royal Navy use — and, like all true multitasking tests, it's one you can improve on markedly with practice and can least afford to meet cold.
How it relates to the RAF CBAT
RAAF aptitude testing sits in the same family as the RAF's CBAT. Both assess the same core flying aptitudes with computer-based, timed tests, so practising CBAT-style tests builds the right skills for RAAF selection. The most visible difference is the multitasking test — RAAF candidates sit CLAN where the RAF and Royal Navy use FLAG. Precise test lists, timings and standards are set by the ADF and can differ, so treat any specific figure as a guide and confirm officially.
The tests to practise
These CBAT Ready tests map onto the aptitudes RAAF selection measures. Airborne Numerical is free to try without an account.
Speed, distance and time in your head — core pilot mental-maths.
The real-time multitasking test RAAF candidates sit where the RAF/RN use FLAG.
Read cockpit instruments to work out attitude and heading.
Judge angles and read compass bearings by eye.
Continuous joystick tracking — the psychomotor core.
Build and hold a tactical picture, then answer on what was where.
The full test list covers every aptitude, and the Simulator runs a role-weighted battery back to back — pick RAAF as your service and it runs as a MACST/ASP mock, with CLAN in place of FLAG.
How it's scored
Aptitude tests of this type are converted into stanines — standardised scores from 1 to 9 — then weighted and combined for the role you're applying for, usually with minimum scoresrequired in key areas. There's no single universal pass mark: what matters is how your profile matches the role. Prepare around your target role rather than trying to max out everything equally.
How to prepare
- Learn the formats first. Sit each test once, unpressured, to understand what it asks.
- Build accuracy before speed. Get the method reliably right, then push the pace.
- Drill your weak tests. Your worst required area drags your score down most.
- Rehearse CLAN and tracking. Multitasking and psychomotor tests improve most with practice and hurt most cold.
- Practise under real timing, back to back. Run the Simulator so pressure and fatigue stop being a surprise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MACST / ASP?
MACST and ASP are the names RAAF candidates use for the Australian Defence Force's computer-based aircrew aptitude testing: the RAAF's equivalent of the RAF CBAT. It covers mental arithmetic, spatial and navigational reasoning, instrument reading, memory, attention, hand-eye tracking and the CLAN multitasking test. Pick RAAF as your service in CBAT Ready and the site switches to MACST/ASP mode, with CLAN in place of FLAG.
Is there a free MACST / ASP practice test?
Yes. Airborne Numerical is free to practise with no account, and the free CBAT practice tests page lists everything else you can use for free. The full set of tests and the timed Simulator come with Pro.
What aptitude test does the RAAF use for pilots?
Royal Australian Air Force pilot and air traffic control candidates sit computer-based aptitude testing of the same family as the RAF's CBAT — mental arithmetic, spatial and navigational reasoning, memory, sustained attention, hand-eye tracking and real-time multitasking. The exact battery is set by the Australian Defence Force and can change, so confirm the current process on the official ADF Careers site.
What is the CLAN test?
CLAN — Colours, Letters & Numbers — is a real-time multitasking test used in RAAF-style selection, where you track and respond to several streams (colours, letters and numbers) at once. It plays the same role that the Figures, Logistics & Groups (FLAG) test does in RAF and Royal Navy batteries: measuring how well you keep several tasks going under time pressure.
Is the RAAF test the same as the RAF CBAT?
They are closely related. Both measure the same core flying aptitudes with timed, computer-based tests, so practising CBAT-style tests builds the right skills for RAAF selection. The main visible difference is the multitasking test — RAAF candidates sit CLAN where the RAF and Royal Navy use FLAG. Precise test lists and standards are set by the ADF and may differ, so always verify officially.
Does this apply to the RNZAF too?
The Royal New Zealand Air Force sits the NZ CBAT, which is closely related and also uses CLAN, so the same skills and practice transfer. Our RNZAF CBAT guide covers it in detail. As always, confirm the exact process and requirements with the official New Zealand Defence Force careers information for your role.
Can I prepare for RAAF aptitude testing?
Yes. You can't learn the answers, but you can remove the surprise — get familiar with each format, build accuracy before speed, and rehearse the tracking and multitasking tests (including CLAN) that are impossible to improve on cold. Practising the exact question styles means you waste far less of your attempt working out what each test wants.
Disclaimer. CBAT Ready is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing the Australian Defence Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, or the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Practice material builds the underlying skills based on publicly available information about CBAT-style testing. The exact tests, weightings and standards are set by the relevant defence force and can change — always confirm the current process at the official ADF Careers site.