IAA Student Controller Programme 2010
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IAA Student Controller Programme 2010
Afternoon all,
I have been invited to the Stage 1 pencil and paper aptitude test in the 2010 IAA ACT recruitment process.
Apart from a description of "Space Relations, Numerical, Abstract, and Mechanical Reasoning" no other information is provided for the 4 tests.
If anyone can give a little more detail of what to expect, or any other advice/recommendations that would be appreciated.
Thanks ...
I have been invited to the Stage 1 pencil and paper aptitude test in the 2010 IAA ACT recruitment process.
Apart from a description of "Space Relations, Numerical, Abstract, and Mechanical Reasoning" no other information is provided for the 4 tests.
If anyone can give a little more detail of what to expect, or any other advice/recommendations that would be appreciated.
Thanks ...
Join Date: Jul 2001
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A quick google search:
These are all sorts of things you can't really study for, you have these abilities or you don't; you can always 'bone up' on your maths... The number 60 is generally the key in ATC maths...
Numerical Differential Ability Scale
This differential aptitude test measures your capability to interpret numerical relationships between different figures.
Your mathematical reasoning is also tested. You can improve your performance by going through basic mathematical manuals and science hand books.
Abstract Reasoning Differential Ability Scale
Abstract Reasoning (AR) is not your verbal fluency...
This differential aptitude test measures your reasoning when you solve problems in terms of size, shape, position, quantity or other geometric figures and shapes. Logical thinking is involved.
Mechanical Reasoning Differential Ability Scale
Mechanical Reasoning (MR) measures your ability to understand mechanical principles of machines, motion and devices.
It is an important test for engineering and machine operation jobs. It involves logic with motion. However, specialized knowledge is not required.
Space Relations Differential Ability Scale
Space Relations (SP) measures your capability to analyze three dimensional figures. How do you see 2D or 3D drawings? When you are looking for some job in engineering, architecture or designing you must expect such kind of aptitude test.
This differential aptitude test measures your capability to interpret numerical relationships between different figures.
Your mathematical reasoning is also tested. You can improve your performance by going through basic mathematical manuals and science hand books.
Abstract Reasoning Differential Ability Scale
Abstract Reasoning (AR) is not your verbal fluency...
This differential aptitude test measures your reasoning when you solve problems in terms of size, shape, position, quantity or other geometric figures and shapes. Logical thinking is involved.
Mechanical Reasoning Differential Ability Scale
Mechanical Reasoning (MR) measures your ability to understand mechanical principles of machines, motion and devices.
It is an important test for engineering and machine operation jobs. It involves logic with motion. However, specialized knowledge is not required.
Space Relations Differential Ability Scale
Space Relations (SP) measures your capability to analyze three dimensional figures. How do you see 2D or 3D drawings? When you are looking for some job in engineering, architecture or designing you must expect such kind of aptitude test.
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I hear that only the top 20% or so will get through phase one; due to the large number of applicants, so getting to stage two is worthy of a pat on the back but you'll still be a long way off an employment offer.
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Had mine in Dublin on Tuesday the 31st..... Over 4000 applied, IAA lady said that they are testing about 600 in Dublin over 5 days and the same in Limerick so already you are in the last 33% more or less. Out of the 120 people last Tuesday she said she got about 20 no shows - so lets say that happens every day well then that's another 200 gone which leaves about 1000. I would imagine only about 400 of these will go forward to the second stage which in theory would give a passing mark of 60%???(but who knows) from there I would say 150 go on to first interview and from there only about 80-90 people will go on to the final interview for a place as one of the lucky 24......
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I had mine on the 31st, also in Dublin at 4 pm. I suppose that there will be no "passing mark", but only the best will go through to the next stage. It depends on how well everyone did.
Anyway, how did you do, Silverfield? I thought it was very quick, no time to think, either you know or you don't know.
Anyway, how did you do, Silverfield? I thought it was very quick, no time to think, either you know or you don't know.
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Yeah it was quick, the two hrs flew by. You're right, you either know it or you don't...it's that simple. Aptitude can't be learned I guess. I felt it was ok but my downfall has always been spatial awareness! If they weight each section seperately I might be in trouble, if not who knows? I guess we all now play the waiting game...
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I’m just wondering Silverfield, are you sure she said there were only 5 days of tests in Dublin? If they started on or before the 31st and Corkee has one on 11th Sept that looks more like about 10 days x120 people. Which could be 1200+ in Dublin and Limerick. Then if they have 2 sittings per day it looks even worse.
It’s my first time ever doing anything like this but my sister did a pilot’s one years ago. My understanding is that the first test is quite open i.e. they don’t turn too many away. Then after that it gets harder.
Although it’s still 4134 down to 25 whichever way you cut it !!
It’s my first time ever doing anything like this but my sister did a pilot’s one years ago. My understanding is that the first test is quite open i.e. they don’t turn too many away. Then after that it gets harder.
Although it’s still 4134 down to 25 whichever way you cut it !!
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Yes CCWR you are right. I guess the IAA lady on the day was not telling it as it really was. It now looks like that they did two tests a day, five/six days a week in Dub and will do the same in Lim - which as you say could run up to around 2400 people? I really don't know how many will go forward from that group but the next stage is computerised so I'm sure they would have limited capacity for testing??? Maybe they could do 400? I've no idea - anyway nothing to do but wait and see. Good luck to all.
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I just did this testing on Friday. The lady said that 41xx people qualified for the first round of testing. Last of the testing would be done on the 13th of September and 8 days or so later we should hear who moves on to the next stage.
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Sat mine Monday 9am in Limerick, dying with a cold and sore throat at the time which didn't help the mood. Think I did pretty ok except for the mathemathical so I doubt I'll be called back to stage two .Pity though would've love that job even with all the work involved to get into the hotseat.
Ho hum back to the day job.
Ho hum back to the day job.
Last edited by billh989; 8th Sep 2010 at 07:54.
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50 places. That's a relief - I can put the feet up!!
So how did ye hear about this? Not that I'm doubting your veracity for a moment.
At least it brings the odds up from 0.5% to 1.0%.
Personally I can't quite 'get my head around' the numbers of applicants. The tests are still going on for a few days and I did mine on the 1st Sept. Even as I was in the queue to get into my test I was thinking this is a lot of people to get picked from i.e. being in the top 25 out of say 100-125 is pretty good. As it is you really need to come top out of each group of 165. Not easy at all...
So how did ye hear about this? Not that I'm doubting your veracity for a moment.
At least it brings the odds up from 0.5% to 1.0%.
Personally I can't quite 'get my head around' the numbers of applicants. The tests are still going on for a few days and I did mine on the 1st Sept. Even as I was in the queue to get into my test I was thinking this is a lot of people to get picked from i.e. being in the top 25 out of say 100-125 is pretty good. As it is you really need to come top out of each group of 165. Not easy at all...
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Any idea when to expect a reply about the next stage, if you made the cut or not. Hoping to go to holland soon but cant guarantee anything until i hear back from the IAA.