Aptitude Test Scores
Dear Gavin,
The cut-off for each test would mean nothing to you without understanding how the aptitude test system works. So instead of giving you meaningless figures, below is my attempt to explain how it works.
Ideally, all OASC candidates would sit every aptitude test before entering the selection competition. However, to maximise the throughput of OASC, suitability to sit the tests is determined by the age of the candidate and the time elapsed since their last attempt (if appropriate). Each branch in the RAF has differing specific requirements and the aptitude tests have been developed to attempt to provide a measure of predictability to pass the specific branch training. Unfortunately, not all branches have, as yet, lent themselves to aptitude testing. Those that do have a specific branch test ‘battery’ made up of a selection of the individual tests set within the ‘domains’ of verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate, attentional capability and psychomotor ability. The weighting placed on each domain within the battery depends on the specific branch. In other words, the same test or tests may be used across a number of batteries but the calculated score will differ depending upon its weighting within the battery.
In its simplest terms, a raw score of 100 points with a weighting of 20% translates into 20 points for that test within that battery; whereas the same raw score of 100 points within a different battery but with a weighting of 26% would be calculated as 26 points. The maximum score for any test battery is 180 points and the total numeric sum of the individual weightings applied to the raw scores of each individual test within each domain is 100 (ie 100%).
Even within the flying branch it is quite normal for some candidates to do very well in one sub-specialisation test battery but not so well in another (high for pilot but low for WSO or vice versa). However, passing the cut-off is not the end of the story. OASC runs a competitive process and very few, if any, candidates who reach the minimum score of 112 for pilot training are selected as future pilots. It is impossible to state a true competitive score as this depends on a number of factors such as the candidate’s age, level of success in the rest of the process, motivation and the number of pilots required by the RAF in that year.
The individual score for each test within the battery is also important. Although a candidate may score 130 points overall, a particularly low score in any single domain would raise doubt as to the suitability of the individual to be successful in training. And this is all the aptitude test can attempt to predict; it is a measure of predictability of success in training. It does not guarantee success in flying training. Similarly, there are examples of people in the past who 'failed' aptitude but went on to become successful pilots elsewhere. As I said above, the fact is that OASC is a competitive business and where it does not need to the RAF does not take a chance on those who, unfortunately, do not show that they are competitive during the 3 days they are at OASC.
The psychologists will tell you that you cannot train for an aptitude test; it is a measure of ability not skill. However, if you wish to make the most of your chances then my best advice to you is to make sure that your mental arithmetic is of the highest standard. Not having to worry about getting the sums right frees up stacks of capacity that you can use to concentrate on the more esoteric aspects of the aptitude tests.
Good luck.