RAF Aptitude Test (DAA) Practice & Guide (2026)

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is one of three branches of the UK Armed Forces, with around 33,000 personnel across roles including pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, intelligence analysts, and RAF Police.

To join, candidates must pass a series of assessments designed to evaluate cognitive ability and suitability for specific roles. Central to the RAF recruitment process is the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA), the official RAF aptitude test for airmen and most non-officer positions.

The RAF DAA test replaced the former Airmen Selection Test (AST) and measures verbal reasoning, numerical ability, spatial awareness, and problem-solving under strict time limits. Your score determines which RAF trades you qualify for, making focused preparation essential.

Our comprehensive RAF DAA PrepPack provides realistic practice tests, timed simulations, and targeted drills covering every section of the Defence Aptitude Assessment RAF candidates need to pass, helping you improve speed, accuracy, and confidence before test day.

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Realistic practice tests & study guides

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What's Included:

  • Initial Diagnostic Test
  • 2 Full Simulation Tests
  • 26 DAA Section-Specific Practice Tests
  • 5 Legacy Memory Guides & Practice Tests
  • 13 In-Depth Study Guides & Video Tutorials
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Inside Our RAF Aptitude Test PrepPack

Our RAF DAA PrepPack is designed to give you complete preparation for every section of the Defence Aptitude Assessment.

  • Diagnostic Test: Start by measuring your baseline performance so you can track improvement across all six DAA sections.
  • 2 Full-Length Simulation Tests: Replicate the experience of the complete RAF DAA, including realistic timing and question variety, so you know what to expect on test day.
  • 26 Section-Specific Practice Tests: Targeted tests across all DAA sections (including 5 Verbal Reasoning, 4 Numerical Reasoning, 6 Work Rate, 3 Spatial Reasoning, 4 Electrical Comprehension, and 4 Mechanical Comprehension tests) to boost speed, accuracy, and confidence.
  • Legacy Memory Practice: 5 guides and practice tests reflecting the older AST memory section, included for historical reference and extra practice if desired.
  • 13 Study Guides & Video Tutorials: Step-by-step strategies, detailed explanations, and expert tips for all DAA sections to help you solve questions faster and more confidently.

You'll get to work on all sections of the intensive RAF aptitude test:

raf aptitude test preppack sample

Boost Your RAF Aptitude Test Scores

Build speed, accuracy, and confidence through full-length simulations, targeted drills, and expert guidance.

⭐️ Royal Navy DAA: While the DAA is primarily used as the entry exam for the RAF, you'll also come across it when applying for the Royal Navy. Our all-inclusive DAA PrepPack prepares you for all versions of the DAA, no matter if you're applying to the Royal Air Force or the Royal Navy.


What Is The RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)?

The RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is a computer-based cognitive test used to determine your suitability for specific airmen and non-officer roles within the Royal Air Force.

Sometimes simply referred to as the RAF DAA test, it replaced the former Airmen Selection Test (AST) and is the primary aptitude test for RAF recruitment.

The RAF test consists of six individually timed sections:

  1. Verbal reasoning
  2. Numerical ability
  3. Work rate
  4. Spatial awareness
  5. Mechanical comprehension
  6. Electrical comprehension

While the core sections are standard for all candidates, the number of questions in each section can vary slightly depending on the role applied for. Overall, candidates typically complete around 100 - 110 multiple-choice questions in approximately 70 minutes.

Below, you can find a breakdown of the 6 individual DAA sections and what each one measures.

The DAA is not just a hurdle to clear. It’s a key part of RAF recruitment. Your performance helps the RAF identify the roles and trades best suited to your abilities, meaning your scores can influence which positions you're eligible for.

⭐️ Memory Test: The RAF previously included a short memory section as part of the Airmen Selection Test (AST). This section is no longer part of the current DAA, so candidates can focus on the six main sections without worrying about separate memory exercises.

The RAF AST memory test examined two types of skills. The first involved recalling the order of letters in a sequence and identifying how many letters appeared between two given letters. The second required remembering patterns across a series of grids and recognising the combined arrangement when shown more complex grids afterwards.

Some RAF DAA test preparation materials may still include practice for this older memory section, so candidates can use it for extra training if they wish, even though it's no longer a formal part of the test.

Grab Your Full RAF DAA PrepPack

Get all the practice you need across every RAF DAA section with realistic tests, timed practice, and expert guidance.


RAF DAA Scoring

The Defence Aptitude Assessment RAF scores candidates across each of the six main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Mechanical Comprehension, and Electrical Comprehension. Each section is scored individually, and your results are used to assess your suitability for specific RAF roles.

There is no single pass mark for the DAA that applies to all candidates and no precise RAF aptitude test score requirements.

Instead, the thresholds are role-dependent, with higher-demand trades such as Weapons Systems Operator or Air Traffic Controller generally requiring stronger scores to be considered competitive. Your DAA performance is combined with your interview, fitness assessments, and other selection elements to determine overall eligibility.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for all sections of the DAA.

Achieving high RAF DAA scores across the board maximises your options for the most sought-after trades and demonstrates your ability to handle the cognitive demands of RAF service.


RAF Recruitment Process

The DAA is one of the earliest formal stages of the RAF recruitment process, which takes candidates through a series of RAF suitability assessments before a conditional offer is made.

Here is an overview of the full process:

  1. Online application and eligibility check
  2. Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
  3. Recruiter discussion and trade selection
  4. RAF Selection Interview
  5. Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT)
  6. Occupational medical assessment
  7. Specialist trade assessments (role-dependent)
  8. Pre-recruit training
  9. Conditional offer and security clearance

After completing the defence aptitude test, candidates will meet with a recruiter to discuss potential career paths in the RAF. This conversation provides an early overview of available trades based on your DAA results. It’s important to listen carefully and remain open-minded, as many applicants discover options they hadn’t considered before.

Let's take a look at some of the other important RAF recruitment steps:

These steps ensure candidates are fully assessed for the demands of their chosen RAF role before a final offer is made.


RAF Aptitude Test Tips

Passing the RAF DAA requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and time management. Here are some key tips to help you succeed:

  • Familiarise yourself with the test format: Know the six main sections and respective time limits.
  • Practise under timed conditions: Work on realistic, timed questions to improve both speed and accuracy, simulating the pressure of the real RAF aptitude test.
  • Focus on weak areas: Identify your challenging sections and prioritise targeted practice to boost your overall score.
  • Use efficient problem-solving strategies: Read verbal and numerical questions carefully, and for spatial, mechanical, and electrical sections, visualise problems step by step before answering.
  • Stay calm and methodical: Avoid rushing, track your time, and don’t get stuck on any one question. Instead, move on and return if time allows.
  • Leverage high-quality DAA prep resources: Practising with expert-prepared RAF DAA practice materials and mock tests builds familiarity, confidence, and accuracy.

Our RAF Aptitude Test PrepPack gives you full access to realistic practice questions, timed simulations, and expert strategies so you have everything you need to approach your assessment confidently and perform at your best.

Master Your RAF Tests

The key to mastering the RAF DAA is consistent, targeted practice. Build speed, accuracy, and confidence with realistic timed tests to maximise your score on the day.


Tips

RAF Aptitude Test FAQs

Basic eligibility requirements for joining the Royal Air Force include:

  • Age: Typically 16 - 47 (role dependent)
  • Nationality: British citizen, dual national, or Commonwealth citizen (with eligibility criteria)
  • Education: Varies by role (some require GCSEs/A-levels)
  • Medical standards: Must pass a medical examination
  • Fitness standards: Must meet RAF fitness requirements

Each role has specific academic and medical requirements, so always check the official RAF role page.


For many roles, yes. Most positions require at least GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Maths, and, sometimes, Science.

Officer roles typically require A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

However, some entry-level roles may have flexible academic requirements depending on aptitude scores.


Most applicants to the Royal Air Force must take the DAA Test RAF, including:

  • Non-commissioned roles (other ranks)
  • Some specialist roles
  • Certain officer candidates (depending on role)

Your recruiter will confirm whether it applies to your chosen career path.


Yes. The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is used across multiple branches of the UK Armed Forces, including the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

While the structure of the DAA is the same, the required scores vary depending on the role and service you apply for. Royal Navy applicants must achieve the score threshold for their chosen branch, just as RAF candidates must meet the standards set for their specific career pathway.

Preparing thoroughly for the DAA is important regardless of which service you are joining, as it determines your eligibility for many roles.

Read more about our Royal Navy PrepPack.


DAA stands for Defence Aptitude Assessment. It replaced the former RAF AST (Airman Selection Test) and is now used across all branches of the UK Armed Forces. The DAA also forms the base of RAF testing.


The RAF DAA is challenging but not impossible.

It's designed to test speed, accuracy, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability. Many candidates find the numerical reasoning and spatial reasoning sections the most difficult, especially under strict time limits.

The difficulty largely depends on your current maths level, how comfortable you are with timed tests, and how well you prepare.


There is no single RAF DAA pass mark or RAF aptitude test score requirement. Instead, different RAF roles require different minimum scores. Higher-demand roles (e.g., engineering or aircrew) require higher scores, and if you don’t qualify for your first choice, you may qualify for alternative roles.


Yes, but there is usually a waiting period before you can retake the test. Policies can change, so always confirm current retake rules with your recruiter.


RAF aptitude test practice is essential. You should:

  • Practise timed aptitude tests
  • Revise basic maths (fractions, percentages, ratios, algebra)
  • Study mechanical and electrical principles
  • Improve mental arithmetic speed
  • Practise spatial reasoning questions

Consistency is more important than cramming.

You'll find ample RAF DAA test questions and study materials in our comprehensive PrepPack.


Most candidates benefit from 2 - 6 weeks of preparation, depending on their starting level.

If maths isn’t your strength, allow more time to build confidence and speed.


The RAF Airmen Selection Test (AST) was the previous aptitude test used for non-commissioned RAF roles. It assessed verbal reasoning, numerical skills, work rate, spatial reasoning, mechanical comprehension, electrical comprehension, and memory. The AST has now been replaced by the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA). While the structure is similar, the DAA no longer includes the memory test and is delivered under updated procedures.


The RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is the official cognitive aptitude test used to assess candidates applying for airmen and non-officer roles in the Royal Air Force. It replaced the former Airmen Selection Test (AST) and consists of six timed sections covering verbal reasoning, numerical ability, work rate, spatial reasoning, mechanical comprehension, and electrical comprehension.


Common disqualifiers include serious medical conditions, untreated mental health issues, certain criminal convictions, and failure to meet nationality or residency requirements. Minor issues do not automatically disqualify you, and each case is assessed individually. We are not medical or legal professionals, so we recommend checking the latest eligibility guidance on the official RAF recruitment website or speaking directly with a recruiter.


The total number of questions in the RAF DAA varies slightly depending on the role you are applying for. However, candidates typically complete around 100 - 110 multiple-choice questions across six timed sections (Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Mechanical Comprehension, and Electrical Comprehension) in approximately 70 minutes.


If you don't achieve the required scores for your chosen trade, your recruiter will discuss your options with you. You may be eligible to apply for alternative trades that match your DAA results, or you may be able to retake the assessment after a waiting period. The RAF uses DAA scores to identify the best fit for each candidate, so a lower score does not necessarily end your application entirely.


Once your full application has been accepted, you'll be invited to take the Defence Aptitude Assessment online using your own device. You may also opt to visit your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) if you prefer. Your recruiter will confirm the details ahead of your assessment.




Who Are We?

Founded in 1992 by David Meshulam, JobTestPrep is a trusted leader in online test preparation. With over 30 years of experience, 220+ professionally developed courses, and more than one million candidates supported worldwide, we specialise in helping applicants succeed in competitive recruitment processes.

Our expert-designed PrepPacks are continuously updated to reflect the latest assessment formats used by leading employers, including top consulting firms. Combined with advanced tools such as our AI-powered CV Analyser and Interview Prep platform, we provide reliable, up-to-date resources that help candidates prepare with confidence and perform at their best.

Kemi, Army Aptitude Tests Expert at JobTestPrep

Hi, I’m Kemi! I hold a B.Sc. in Psychology and an MSc in Organisational Psychology, and I have extensive experience in education and test development. If you have a question about our PrepPack, contact me at:

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