The RCAF aircrew aptitude test (CFAST): a complete guide
Applying to fly with the Royal Canadian Air Force means sitting computer-based aircrew aptitude testing — the CFAST (Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test) — of the same family as the RAF's CBAT. This guide explains what that testing measures, how it relates to the CBAT, 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 Canadian Armed Forces resource. Always confirm the current process and requirements at the official Canadian Forces recruitment site.
Practising for the CFAST?
CBAT Ready runs in CFAST mode for RCAF candidates: CFAST mode uses CLAN for the multitasking test and leaves out Dynamic Projection, which the Canadian battery doesn't use.
What the CFAST covers
RCAF aircrew aptitude testing doesn't test what you know — it measures the underlying abilities flying demands. Expect timed, computer-based tests of mental arithmetic (including speed, distance and time), spatial and navigational reasoning, instrument interpretation, memory and sustained attention, and hand-eye tracking. The tests run under strict timing, so sustained, accurate performance across the session matters as much as any single result.
How it relates to the RAF CBAT
The RCAF's aircrew 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 RCAF selection. One helpful difference: the Canadian aircrew battery does not use a Dynamic Projection–style test, so you can put that practice time into the tests that do count. Precise test lists and standards are set by the Canadian Armed Forces and can change — treat any specific figure as a guide and confirm officially.
Who sits it
In the RCAF, aircrew roles — pilot, air combat systems officer and airborne electronic sensor operator — are the ones assessed on flying aptitude, each weighted towards the abilities the job uses most. Other trades have their own selection, so check the requirements for your specific role.
The tests to practise
These CBAT Ready tests map onto the aptitudes RCAF aircrew selection measures. Airborne Numerical is free to try without an account.
Speed, distance and time in your head — core pilot mental-maths.
Read cockpit instruments to work out attitude and heading.
Judge angles and read compass bearings by eye.
Continuous joystick tracking — the psychomotor core.
Keep several changing values current at once — real multitasking.
Build and hold a tactical picture, then answer on what was where.
Real-time multitasking — the Simulator uses CLAN in place of FLAG when you pick RCAF.
The full test list covers every aptitude, and the Simulator runs a role-weighted battery back to back — pick RCAF as your service and it runs as a CFAST mock, dropping the tests Canada doesn't use.
How it's scored
Aptitude tests of this type are converted into standardised scores, then weighted and combined for the role you're applying for, usually with minimum scores required 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 tracking and multitasking. The psychomotor and multitasking 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 aptitude test does the RCAF use for pilots?
Royal Canadian Air Force aircrew candidates sit computer-based aptitude testing — often referred to as CFAST — of the same family as the RAF's CBAT, covering mental arithmetic, spatial and navigational reasoning, memory, sustained attention and hand-eye coordination. The exact battery is set by the Canadian Armed Forces and can change, so confirm the current process on the official Canadian Forces recruitment site.
Is there a free CFAST 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, set up as a CFAST mock when you pick RCAF, come with Pro.
Is the RCAF test the same as the RAF CBAT?
They are closely related rather than identical. Both measure the same core flying aptitudes with timed, computer-based tests, so practising CBAT-style tests builds the right skills for RCAF selection. One known difference is that the Canadian aircrew battery does not use a Dynamic Projection–style test, so you can focus your practice elsewhere. Always verify the current test list officially.
Can I prepare for RCAF aircrew 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 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.
What roles need the aptitude test in the RCAF?
Aircrew roles — pilot, air combat systems officer and airborne electronic sensor operator — are the main ones assessed on flying aptitude. Other trades have their own selection. Check the current requirements for your specific role on the official Canadian Forces recruitment site.
How is it scored?
Aptitude tests of this type are converted into standardised scores and then weighted and combined for the role you're applying for, usually with minimum scores required in key areas. There's no single universal pass mark — what matters is how your profile matches the role's requirements.
Disclaimer. CBAT Ready is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadian 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 Canadian Armed Forces and can change — always confirm the current process at the official Canadian Forces recruitment site.