The Technical Selection Test (TST) is a specialist aptitude assessment used by the British Army to evaluate candidates applying for technical and engineering trades.
It tests advanced numerical, mechanical, and problem-solving skills beyond the standard Army Cognitive Test, and your score directly determines whether you qualify for your chosen technical role. The TST is widely considered more demanding than the standard Army aptitude tests, making thorough preparation essential.
Our Army Technical Selection Test PrepPack gives you realistic TST practice tests, targeted drills, and in-depth study guides covering every section of the assessment, so you can build the speed and confidence you need to secure the technical trade you want.
Realistic practice tests & study guides
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What's Included:
Our British Army TST PrepPack gives you focused preparation across all the mathematical question types assessed in the test, building speed, precision, and confidence under strict time limits.
Everything you need to prepare effectively and secure the technical trade you want. Here's a sneak peek:
Realistic practice tests, targeted drills, and expert study guides - our PrepPack gives you everything you need to achieve the TST score your chosen trade requires.
The Army Technical Selection Test (TST) is a specialist maths assessment required for candidates applying to technical trades within the British Army, including the Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), and the Royal Logistic Corps.
If you're unsure whether your chosen role requires the TST, speak to your local Army recruiter for confirmation.
The TST is designed to assess mathematical ability at approximately GCSE level, covering a broad range of question types across arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. All 55 questions are mathematical in nature and must be completed within 45 minutes (roughly 49 seconds per question), making speed and accuracy equally important.
The TST test format is as follows:
Unlike the Army Cognitive Test (ACT), which all candidates must sit, the TST is only required for those applying to technical trades. Your TST score directly determines which technical roles you're eligible for, and the higher your score, the more options available to you.
The following sample questions give you a sense of the mathematical skills and question types assessed in the Army Technical Selection Test.
The GreatBooks book store is growing very fast. Every month, its profit is 12% more than the previous month's profit. In January, the store made $2,0500.. Which of the following is closest to the store's profit, in dollars, in May?
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
The correct answer is B: $32,257
Since the store's profit grows by 12% each month, you multiply the previous month's profit by 1.12 to get the next month's figure:
The key insight is that this is compound growth. Each month's increase is calculated on the new total, not the original January figure. Multiplying by 1.12 is a quick way to add 12% in one step.
Therefore, the answer is B.
What is the ratio between Meat/Beans and Dairy's daily calorie intake?
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
The correct answer is E: 2:3
From the pie chart, Meat/Beans represents 10% and Dairy represents 15% of the daily calorie intake.
To find the ratio, write it as 10:15 and simplify by dividing both numbers by their highest common factor, which is 5:
10 ÷ 5 = 2, 15 ÷ 5 = 3
This gives a simplified ratio of 2:3.
The key skill here is reading the correct values from the chart and then simplifying the ratio by finding the highest common factor. Always check whether a ratio can be simplified before selecting your answer.
Therefore, the answer is E.
Factorise 3x² + 10x + 4x² - 336 - 24x
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
The correct answer is E: 7(x+6)(x−8)
Step 1: Collect like terms
3x² + 4x² = 7x²
10x − 24x = −14x
This gives: 7x² − 14x − 336
Step 2: Factor out 7
7(x² − 2x − 48)
Step 3: Factorise the bracket
Find two numbers that multiply to −48 and add to −2. Those numbers are +6 and −8:
This gives: 7(x+6)(x−8)
Therefore, the answer is E.
These questions give you a taste of the mathematical skills assessed in the Army Technical Selection Test, from compound percentages and data interpretation to algebraic factorisation.
The TST is marked out of 55, with one mark per correct answer. There is no negative marking, so it's always worth making your best guess if you're unsure rather than leaving a question blank.
The minimum score required varies by trade, with thresholds ranging from 19 to 30 out of 55 depending on the role. The higher your score, the more technical trades become available to you, so aiming for the highest possible score, rather than just the minimum for your chosen trade, gives you the most flexibility
Your TST score is valid for 24 months from the date of the test. If you don't achieve the required score, you're permitted one resit, with a minimum of 28 days between attempts. If you're unsuccessful after two attempts, you may be offered an alternative role that does not require the TST.
There is less than one minute per question, so preparation should focus on both accuracy and speed. Regular Army Technical Test practice under timed conditions will help you build the speed and accuracy needed on the day.
For comprehensive TST preparation, our Army Technical Selection Test PrepPack gives you realistic practice tests, targeted drills, and in-depth study guides covering all question types - everything you need to prepare effectively for your technical trade assessment.
Unlock your potential with focused, realistic TST practice covering all question types. Start preparing today and secure the technical trade you want.
The TST is a 55-question maths assessment used by the British Army to evaluate candidates applying for technical trades. It covers GCSE-level mathematics across 28 question types and must be completed in 45 minutes. Your score determines which technical roles you'll be eligible for.
The TST is required for candidates applying to technical trades within the Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), and the Royal Logistic Corps. If you're unsure whether your chosen role requires it, check with your Army recruiter.
The TST covers a broad range of GCSE-level mathematical topics including arithmetic, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratios, algebra, geometry, standard form, simultaneous equations, and graphical interpretation.
45 minutes for 55 questions, giving you less than one minute per question.
The TST is marked out of 55. Minimum score requirements vary by trade, ranging from 19 to 30 depending on the role. Aiming for the highest score possible gives you the most flexibility in your trade choices.
Yes, you're permitted one resit, with a minimum of 28 days between attempts. If you're unsuccessful after two attempts, you may be offered an alternative role that doesn't require the TST.
No, these are separate assessments with different purposes. The ACT is taken by all British Army candidates and measures general cognitive ability across verbal, numerical, and logical reasoning. The TST is only required for technical trade candidates and focuses exclusively on advanced mathematical ability.
RAF pilots sit a different aptitude process, the RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and OASC, rather than the British Army TST. Within the British Army, technical aviation-related roles may require the TST, but you should confirm the specific requirements for your chosen role with your recruiter.
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Kemi, Army Aptitude Tests Expert at JobTestPrep
Hi, I’m Kemi! I hold a BSc 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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