RAF Aptitude Test: DAA Practice & Guide (2026)

Last updated: 28 August 2026 | Trusted by thousands worldwide.

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. The RAF psychometric test, officially known as the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA), is central to the RAF recruitment process and serves as the official 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 RAF DAA PrepPack covers every section of the Defence Aptitude Assessment RAF candidates need to pass, with realistic practice tests, timed simulations, and targeted drills to sharpen your accuracy and build confidence before test day.

RAF DAA PrepPack
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Realistic practice tests & study guides

Created by experts with a focus on accuracy

What's Included:

  • 1 Initial Diagnostic Test
  • 2 Full Simulation Mocks 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 DAA Test PrepPack

Our RAF DAA PrepPack covers every section of the Defence Aptitude Assessment, from your first diagnostic score to the final section-specific drill.

  • 1 Diagnostic Test: Start by measuring your baseline performance so you can track improvement across all six DAA sections.
  • 2 Full-Length Simulation Tests (Mock Exams): 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), so you can drill the areas that need it most.
  • Legacy Memory Practice: 5 guides and practice tests reflecting the older AST memory section, included for historical reference and extra practice if desired.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 revision strategies, detailed explanations, and expert tips for all DAA sections to help you work through questions faster and with fewer mistakes.

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

Boost Your RAF Aptitude Test Scores

Get full-length simulations, targeted drills, and expert guidance, all built around the real DAA format.

raf aptitude test preppack sample

⭐️ DAA/CBAT: While the DAA is used as the main entry exam for the Royal Air Force, you'll also come across it when applying for the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines. If you're applying to the RAF for Pilot, Air Traffic Control, Weapon Systems Operator, or another aptitude-based branch, you'll sit the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) instead of the DAA.


What Is The RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)?

The RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is a computer-based cognitive test that establishes candidates' suitability for specific airmen and non-officer roles within the Royal Air Force.

It's made up of six individually timed sections:

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

The core sections are the same for every candidate, but the number of questions in each section can very slightly depending on the role you've applied for. Most candidates complete around 100 - 110 multiple-choice questions in roughly 70 minutes.

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

The DAA covers a lot of ground across its six sections, but it's worth knowing what's changed since the older AST format, particularly if you've come across prep material that still references it.

Prepare For Every Section Of The RAF DAA

Realistic practice tests, timed simulations, and expert guidance covering all six sections, so nothing on test day catches you off guard.

⭐️ Memory Test: The RAF previously included a short memory section as part of the Airmen Selection Test (AST). It's no longer part of the current DAA, so candidates only need to focus on the six main sections.

The old RAF AST memory test covered two skills, recalling the order of letters in a sequence and working out how many letters sat between two given letters, and remembering patterns across a series of grids before recognising the combined arrangement in a more complex grid afterwards.

Some RAF DAA test preparation materials still include practice for this older section, useful as extra training if you want it, though it won't come up in the current test.


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. Your RAF DAA results show each section separately rather than one combined score, and your recruiter will talk you through what they mean for the trades you're eligible for.

There is no single RAF DAA pass mark or precise RAF aptitude test score requirements that apply to all candidates, and the RAF does not publish an official pass rate for the assessment.

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.

The stronger your RAF DAA scores across the board, the more trades you'll have open to you, so it's worth taking every section seriously rather than leaning on just your strongest ones.


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 RAF entry test process, covering each RAF selection test and stage from application through to conditional offer:

  1. Online application and eligibility check
  2. Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) or Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
  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 the DAA, candidates meet with a recruiter to talk through potential career paths based on their results. It's worth going in with an open mind, as plenty of applicants end up considering trades they hadn't thought about before this conversation.

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

Together, these steps give the RAF a rounded picture of whether you're ready for your chosen role before making a final decision.


RAF Aptitude Test Tips

Passing the RAF DAA comes down to 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 through realistic, timed mock questions so the pressure of the real RAF aptitude test feels familiar rather than a surprise on the day.
  • 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.
  • Follow our Golden Tips: We've included gems under each of the practice questions above - don't miss them.
  • Use high-quality DAA prep resources: Practising with expert-prepared RAF DAA practice materials and mock tests means you're recognising question types on the day, not seeing them for the first time.

Our RAF aptitude test preparation package gives you full access to realistic practice questions, timed mock simulations, and expert strategies so you have everything you need to approach your RAF exam confidently and perform at your best.

Practise Like It's Test Day

Consistent, targeted practice with realistic timed mock tests is what actually moves your DAA score, not last-minute cramming.


Tips

RAF Aptitude Test FAQs

The RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is the official cognitive aptitude test for airmen and non-officer candidates, made up of six timed sections covering verbal reasoning, numerical ability, work rate, spatial reasoning, mechanical comprehension, and electrical comprehension.


DAA stands for Defence Aptitude Assessment, the test now used across all branches of the UK Armed Forces in place of the older, RAF-specific AST.


The RAF Airmen Selection Test (AST) was the non-commissioned aptitude test before the DAA came in. It covered largely the same ground as today's DAA, minus the memory section, which was dropped when the format changed.


Most applicants to the Royal Air Force (and RAF Police) must take the DAA, including non-commissioned roles, some specialist roles, and officer candidates in non-aptitude-based branches. Candidates applying for aptitude-based branches, such as Pilot, Air Traffic Control, or Weapon Systems Operator, sit the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) instead. Your recruiter will confirm which applies to your chosen career path.


Yes, RAF Police candidates sit the standard Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA), the same test used for most non-commissioned and non-aptitude-based roles across the Royal Air Force. There's no separate RAF Police aptitude test. As with other trades, the score you need depends on the specific role requirements, so confirm current thresholds with your recruiter.


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.

Read more about our Royal Navy PrepPack.


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.


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.


Once your full application has been accepted, you'll be invited to take the DAA test RAF candidates complete 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.


There's no dress code for the RAF DAA, as it's completed online using your own device, wherever suits you, including at home. If you choose to sit it at your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) instead, your recruiter can confirm anything you should know beforehand.


The RAF DAA is challenging but not impossible. Most candidates find the numerical and spatial reasoning sections hardest, especially under strict time limits, but how hard you find it comes down to your current maths level, how used to timed tests you are, and how well you've prepared.


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.


Our RAF DAA practice materials are delivered through your online PrepPack account rather than as a downloadable PDF, so you can access RAF mock tests and revisit explanations whenever you need. This format also lets us keep questions and guidance updated as the DAA changes, which a static PDF can't offer.


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.


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.


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.


Royal Air Force DAA PrepPack Reviews



Why Trust JobTestPrep?

Founded by David Meshulam in 1992, JobTestPrep has built more than three decades of experience helping candidates navigate competitive recruitment processes, including thousands preparing for the Royal Air Force and the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA). Our preparation materials are developed by experts and regularly updated to reflect the latest test formats, helping candidates approach every stage of recruitment with greater confidence. With more than 220 preparation courses and over one million candidates supported worldwide, we offer professionally designed PrepPacks alongside advanced tools, including our AI-powered CV Analyser and Interview Prep platform. Together, these resources help candidates across the UK and beyond strengthen their applications, improve their performance, and achieve outstanding results.

Kemi, Army Aptitude Tests Expert at JobTestPrep

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

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