The RAF Aptitude Test DAA PrepPack (2026)
The Royal Air Force (RAF) recruitment process includes a series of assessments designed to evaluate your cognitive ability and suitability for specific roles. Central to this process is the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA), the official RAF aptitude test for airmen and most non-officer positions.
The DAA 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 assessment, helping you improve speed, accuracy, and confidence before test day.
RAF Tests
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Realistic practice tests & study guides
Created by experts with a focus on accuracy
What's Included:
- Diagnostic Test: Measure your starting level to track your improvement
- 2 Full Simulation Tests
- 5 Verbal Reasoning Tests
- 4 Numerical Reasoning Tests
- 6 Work Rate Tests
- 3 Spatial Reasoning Tests
- 4 Electrical Comprehension Tests
- 4 Mechanical Comprehension Tests
- 5 Legacy Memory Guides & Practice Tests
- 13 Guides & Video Tutorials
Inside Our RAF DAA 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- Legacy Memory Practice: 5 guides and practice tests reflecting the older AST memory section, included for historical reference and extra practice if desired.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.
With full-length simulations, targeted section practice, and expert guides, this all-in-one RAF DAA PrepPack gives you everything you need to approach your assessment with confidence and maximise your performance.
Full Simulations
Practice Tests
Study Guides
You'll get to work on all sections of the intensive RAF aptitude test:
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 Aptitude Test?
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.
It consists of six individually timed sections assessing areas such as verbal reasoning, numerical ability, work rate, spatial awareness, mechanical comprehension, and 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.
What Is The RAF DAA Verbal Reasoning Section?
The RAF DAA Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to quickly understand and analyse written information, assessing attention to detail, logical thinking, and identification of key points.
You’ll face approximately 20 questions across four distinct scenarios, with 15 minutes to complete the section. Common question types include:
- Comprehension Questions: Answer questions based on a short passage of text.
- True/False/Can’t Say: Determine whether statements about a passage are correct.
- Inference Questions: Draw logical conclusions from the information given.
- Identifying Key Details: Spot specific information within dense or structured text.
Success depends on carefully reading passages, filtering relevant information, and working methodically under pressure.
Take a look at the below sample text and answer the question that follows:
Rory started a new job. The office’s procedure regarding the work area are:
Desktop
Keep only essentials on your desktop: Computer, telephone, lamp, note paper, and your project. Telephone should be easy to answer and comfortable to use when talking and taking notes.
Supplies
Supplies should be in a supply drawer in easy reach of your desk, but for larger items such as file folders, ring binders, and envelopes, consider a cabinet, a closet, or a container. Similar supplies should be kept together. All containers should be labelled.
Workspace
The wastebasket should be within easy reach. Use one that is large enough for a week’s worth of trash. Line it with a plastic bag.
Make sure your workstation is neat when leaving the office for the night. Make sure to empty your wastebasket at the end of the week.
Question: Which one of the following statements is not a characteristic of an organised workplace?
- A. The wastebasket should be lined with a plastic bag.
- B. The telephone is within easy reach.
- C. Ring binders and envelopes are grouped together.
- D. The computer is on the desktop.
- E. All containers are labelled.
Choose your answer before looking at the explanation below.
The correct answer is C: Ring binders and envelopes are grouped together.
When solving a negatively phrased question, it's sometimes helpful to rephrase the question positively, for example: “What characteristics of an organised workplace are mentioned in the passage?” Then, go through the distractors and locate the relevant information in the passage:
- A: Mentioned in the text under Workspace.
- B: Mentioned in the text under Desktop.
- C: Under Supplies, the passage recommends grouping similar supplies together. Ring binders and envelopes are not considered similar.
- D: Mentioned in the text under Desktop.
- E: Mentioned in the text under Supplies.
Therefore, the answer is C.
⭐️ Golden Tip: For negatively worded or “not stated” questions, try rephrasing the question positively in your own words before evaluating the options. You'll find plenty of RAF DAA test questions, including realistic verbal reasoning passages, timed drills, and step-by-step strategies in our comprehensive PrepPack.
What Is The RAF DAA Numerical Reasoning Section?
The RAF DAA Numerical Reasoning section assesses your ability to work with numbers, fractions, decimals, and formulae, as well as your ability to understand and interpret numerical information presented in tables and graphs under strict time limits.
You’ll face two main sub-sections:
- Basic Arithmetic: Solve 12 questions in 4 minutes using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals.
- Data Interpretation: Analyse 15 questions in 11 minutes based on tables, graphs, and charts. Questions are presented across four scenarios, requiring you to extract, interpret, and use the numerical information accurately.
You cannot use a calculator or smart watch, but paper and pencil are allowed for calculations. Success depends on methodical working, careful interpretation of data, and maintaining speed and accuracy under pressure.
The ferry is the most popular route to travel between Helsinki and Tallinn. Many tourists and businessmen prefer that route.
The table below shows the departure times of three ferry lines operating between Tallinn and Helsinki.
Question: Which of the following will allow Sven to leave Tallinn on Sunday morning to attend a Bar festival 15 minutes from the Helsinki dock that starts at 12:00, at the cheapest price?
- A. 07:35 Tallink Silja
- B. 08:35 Tallink Silja
- C. 10:00 Tallink Silja
- D. 07:30 Viking Line
- E. 09:00 Eckerö Line
Choose your answer before looking at the explanation below.
The correct answer is D: 07:30 Viking Line
Looking at the table, focus on the Sat - Sun columns and the costs. The cheapest weekend option is the Viking Line, so we only need to consider answers that involve this ferry.
- D - 07:30 Viking Line: This ferry departs on Sat - Sun and takes 2 hours 15 minutes. With a 15-minute drive to the Bar festival, Sven arrives well before 12:00, making this the correct choice.
- A - 07:35 Tallink Silja: This time applies to the Mon - Fri column, which is not relevant, so this option is eliminated.
- B - 08:35 Tallink Silja: Although this time is in the Sat – Sun column, the ticket costs €55, which is more expensive than the €50 Viking Line fare. Eliminated.
- C - 10:00 Tallink Silja: This ferry would get Sven to the festival at 12:15, after the start time. Eliminated.
- E - 09:00 Eckerö Line: The ticket is the most expensive (€70) and there is no ferry at this time on Sat – Sun. Eliminated.
Therefore, the answer must be D.
⭐️ Golden Tip: Carefully read each question and identify which sub-section it belongs to before attempting calculations. Always check units in tables or graphs, and work step by step to avoid small errors under time pressure. Practising with the RAF Aptitude Test PrepPack will give you realistic timed scenarios, helping you improve speed, accuracy, and confidence for the real test.
What Is The RAF DAA Work Rate Section?
The RAF DAA Work Rate section assesses your ability to process information quickly and accurately under strict time pressure. It measures attention to detail, pattern recognition, and efficiency, skills essential in many RAF roles that require rapid, precise decision-making.
You’ll face tasks such as:
- Code Tables: A grid contains three rows with letters, numbers, or images. Each column forms a set of interchangeable elements.
- Sequence Matching: Using the grid, you are given a code made up of three letters or numbers (one from each row/column). You must select the alternative sequence that matches the original code in order and column placement.
This section contains 20 sequences to be completed in 4 minutes, meaning speed is as important as accuracy. Each question requires careful scanning, logical application of the coding rules, and swift comparison between sequences.
Success in this section depends on working methodically while maintaining focus under time pressure.
The correct answer is C: ✕ ✔ 3
According to the question, the letters are coded as follows:
- G → 6 or ✕
- N → 5 or ✔
- J → 3 or ✱
To find the correct answer, look for the option that uses any combination of the possible codes for each letter.
- Option A: G N A → contains ✚ for A, which does not match the original sequence. Eliminate.
- Option B: G N G → repeats G at the end instead of J. Eliminate.
- Option C: ✕ ✔ 3 → correctly matches the codes for G, N, and J. This is the correct answer.
- Option D: J J A → starts with J instead of G, and A is coded incorrectly. Eliminate.
- Option E: N A G → starts with N instead of G, and A is incorrect. Eliminate.
Therefore, the only correct option is C.
⭐️ Golden Tip: Always check which column each element of the original code belongs to before comparing options. Work systematically across each row, and use the RAF DAA PrepPack to practise realistic timed grids and improve speed and accuracy.
What Is The RAF DAA Spatial Reasoning Section?
The RAF DAA Spatial Reasoning section assesses your ability to visualise, manipulate, and interpret both 2D and 3D shapes under strict time pressure. It measures skills such as mental rotation, pattern recognition, and understanding how objects relate in space, all of which are essential for many RAF roles.
You’ll face two main types of questions:
- 2D Orientation: You are shown three or four flat shapes with labelled sides. Your task is to join shapes by matching the labelled sides and determine the resulting shape, which may require rotation. You are given five possible options, only one of which is correct.
- 3D Structures: You are shown two three-dimensional objects, each marked with a dot in one corner. You must mentally rotate the objects and identify which option shows the objects correctly rotated, with dots in the same positions.
This section contains 20 questions in total (10 for 2D orientation and 10 for 3D rotation) to be completed in 7 minutes (4 minutes for 2D and 3 minutes for 3D). Both speed and accuracy are essential, as each question requires careful visualisation and logical thinking under a tight time limit.
The letters near the edges of each shape point out where they should be joined together. Which of the following options shows the correct joint shape?
The correct answer is C.
According to the question, the sides marked with letters are the “joint sides” of the shapes. These sides will be hidden when the shapes are joined together. The unmarked sides, however, form the external borders of the combined shape and will be visible.
It's highly recommended to sketch the assembly process as you mentally or physically join the three shapes along their marked sides.
Once assembled, compare the resulting outline with the answer options. The correct option is the one whose borders match the newly formed shape. In this case, the correct answer is C.
⭐️ Golden Tip: Draw or trace the joining process in your mind for 2D shapes, and always check the position of labelled sides or dots after rotation. Practising with the RAF Aptitude Test PrepPack will help you improve speed, accuracy, and confidence for both 2D and 3D questions.
What Is The RAF DAA Electrical Comprehension Section?
The RAF DAA Electrical Comprehension section assesses your understanding of basic electrical principles, typically at GCSE level. It evaluates your ability to interpret simple circuits, understand voltage, current, and resistance, and apply this knowledge to practical scenarios.
You’ll face multiple-choice questions covering topics such as:
- Series and Parallel Circuits: Determine total resistance, current, or voltage.
- Ohm’s Law Applications: Calculate missing values using V = I × R.
- Circuit Components: Identify the function of switches, fuses, and batteries.
- Practical Troubleshooting: Predict outcomes when circuits are modified or components fail.
This section contains 22 questions to be completed in 15 minutes, so speed, accuracy, and systematic reasoning are all essential.
The power factor of an AC power system may NOT be:
- A. -0.85
- B. 0.7
- C. 1.5
- D. 0.2
- E. All are possible
Choose your answer before looking at the explanation below.
The correct answer is C: 1.5
To understand the concept of power factor, it helps to first look at the three types of power in an AC system: real power, reactive power, and apparent power.
- Real Power (Active Power): The power that actually performs work in the circuit, consumed by the resistive components. Measured in watts (W).
- Reactive Power: Power that does not perform useful work but is stored temporarily in magnetic or electric fields. Measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR).
- Apparent Power: The combined effect of real and reactive power, calculated as their vector sum. It is always equal to or greater than real power in practical AC systems.
The power factor (PF) is defined as the ratio of real power to apparent power:
PF = Real Power / Apparent Power
Because real power is never greater than apparent power, the power factor must fall between −1 and 1, meaning it cannot be 1.5. Note that the power factor can be negative if the direction of power flow is opposite to the one defined.
⭐️ Golden Tip: Always trace the flow of current through the circuit before selecting an answer, and check whether the question is asking about voltage, current, or resistance. Practising with the RAF DAA PrepPack provides realistic, timed questions to help you master this section efficiently.
What Is The RAF DAA Mechanical Comprehension Section?
The RAF DAA Mechanical Comprehension section assesses your understanding of basic mechanical principles, including forces, levers, pulleys, gears, and motion. It tests your ability to apply these principles quickly and accurately to solve practical problems under time pressure.
You’ll face multiple-choice questions presented as diagrams or short written scenarios, covering topics such as:
- Forces and Motion: Predict the effect of pushing, pulling, or applying weight.
- Levers and Pulleys: Understand mechanical advantage and direction of movement.
- Gears and Wheels: Determine rotation direction, speed, or effect on connected systems.
- Simple Machines: Calculate work, effort, or output in basic mechanical setups.
This section contains 19 questions to be completed in 13 minutes, so careful observation, logical reasoning, and speed are all crucial.
Look at the image below and answer the question that follows:
Question: If wheels 2 and 3 move in the directions marked in the image, will wheel 1 rotate in direction A or B?
- A. Right-clockwise
- B. Left-counterclockwise
- C. It will not move
Choose your answer before looking at the explanation below.
The correct answer is B.
Both wheels 2 and 3 are moving in a clockwise direction, and therefore wheel 1 will move in a counterclockwise direction.
⭐️ Golden Tip: Visualise how forces, gears, and pulleys interact before selecting an answer. Using the RAF DAA PrepPack gives you timed practice and realistic scenarios to improve accuracy and confidence.
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 are 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 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.
What Else Does The RAF Recruitment Process Include?
After completing the Defence Aptitude Assessment, 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 results. It’s important to listen carefully and remain open-minded, as many applicants discover options they hadn’t considered before.
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 prep resources: Practising with expert-prepared 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.
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 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.
Preparation 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.
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.
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