The following is taken from another site -
Computer Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT):
This is a full day sitting in front of a computer screen being given many, many tests. It’s exactly what it says on the tin, a test of YOUR aptitude. It’s not something you can easily practice for or revise for. Although, there are some things online you can do to help you get ready beforehand. But it’s designed to be something that tests you and your capability to take on board, process and react to different information, usually in multiple ways at the same time. Everyone is different and not everyone does well or passes it. Its basically a barrage of 'computer games' that you sit at Cranwell at the start of the application process for aircrew and certain other roles such as intelligence. It tests your capacity for - - Strategic Task Management
- Visual and auditory perception
- Short term memory and capacity
- Spatial Reasoning
- Symbolic Reasoning
- Psychomotor Ability
- Central Information Processing
It basically establishes how your brain is wired, what it is best at, and to what capacity.
At the end of the day, you are given a computer print-out of your scores for ALL the roles that require a CBAT score. The different tests listed above are 'weighted' for different roles, and although you have only sat one set of tests, your scores from those tests will be different for the different roles. You can then compare your score against the cut-off for all the roles. This allows you to change the role you have applied for if your brain is better suited to another job.
For example; if the cut-off for pilot is 112 and you scored 120, you have the aptitude to continue with your application but the margin (8) isn't great and you would do well to be picked from the sift.
On the other hand, if you scored 148 for Intelligence Officer when the cut-off is 95, (margin 53), then your brain is much more suited for this kind of work and you might want to consider changing your preferred role!
If you have two pilots sat in front of you, one with a CBAT score of 130 and another with a CBAT of 168, this instantly shows you who has the capacity to operate at the higher level.