Canadian Forces Selection Testing Candidate Guide

It is important that you read and understand this guide prior to attending testing at the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre. This guide provides information on the Aircrew Selection Tests administered to all Pilot (PLT), Aerospace Control (AEC), and Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) candidates.

This publication is designed to help you prepare for your attendance at the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC), which is located at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, in Ontario. Aircrew aptitude testing is a critical part of the aircrew selection process for the Pilot, Aerospace Control (AEC), and Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) occupations. See the Candidate Joining Instructions for specific information on CFASC requirements.

As an applicant for commissioned service with the Canadian Forces, you should be aware that our standards are high and strictly applied. The mission of CFASC is to select the next generation of leaders and aircrew for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Successful candidates will receive lengthy, highly specialized and expensive training leading to rewarding but very demanding careers in the RCAF.

You will undergo two days of aircrew selection testing administered at a computer terminal. The aptitude tests are designed to assess a range of cognitive and psychomotor abilities. Each test measures specific elements of the cognitive process that have been identified as important for job and training success for specific aircrew occupations. Test results for each respective cognitive area are summarised, and together they indicate your potential for success during professional training in the specific occupation. The tests are computer based, but advanced computer-operating skills are not required.

Before the tests commence, you will receive detailed instructions explaining how to complete each test, including practice questions which are designed to reinforce your understanding of what has to be done and familiarise you with the test requirements.

The tests are carried out in a designated testing room with the capacity to test up to 20 candidates simultaneously. Before starting, you will be briefed about the test session, the length of the testing process and the computer equipment to be used. The computer keyboard used is of a non-standard design and certain tests may require the use of a joystick, foot pedal, headphones or a mixture of the IT equipment. Test instructions are all given on the computer monitor for you to read and understand in your own time, and there is usually a short practice session before each test. There are 10 minute rest breaks after about every hour of testing, and a longer break for lunch, but once a test has begun, you must continue to work until it is completed. All aptitude tests are timed so you should always work as quickly and accurately as possible. Try not to spend too much time on any one question, and do not be concerned if you fail to finish all the questions in each test - not all candidates do. The full test programme runs approximately 7 hours over two days, so it is a good idea to have a good breakfast, keep hydrated and feel fit beforehand.

Cheating or the intentional deviation from test instructions in any way calls into question a candidate’s integrity, trustworthiness, and professionalism, which are critical traits for officers in the Canadian Forces. Non-compliance with test instructions will result in the immediate cessation of the aptitude testing and removal from the selection processing.

Examples of cheating or deviating from test instructions include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Use of electronic devices (e.g., calculators, apps, cell phones, etc.) in the testing room;
  2. Use of paper and/or writing implements when not unauthorized; or
  3. Writing on the desk, computer, or anything aside from the authorized use of paper.

Each of the aptitude tests is designed to measure particular abilities, which in turn are grouped into categories or domains. The following is a selection of a few of the tests that form the aptitude testing session, together with an indication of the ability each is intended to reveal.

Upon completing the testing process, you will be debriefed by an Aircrew Selection Centre Officer who will explain your results and how they correspond to the occupations you have selected. Should you not meet the standards for your chosen occupations, you will be required to contact your Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) or Personnel Selection Office, complete further research on alternate occupations, and schedule further processing at the CFRC as required.

Should you not meet the aptitude test requirements for your occupation choice(s) on your first test administration, you may attempt the tests again after twelve (12) months. You may attempt the CFASC Aircrew testing a maximum of three (3) times.

Aircrew selection is an extremely competitive process. Achieving the minimum aptitude test standards for your preferred occupation at CFASC does not guarantee selection for enrolment into the Canadian Forces. Pilot candidates must also meet anthropometric and aircrew medical standards. Upon completion of testing at the CFASC, your scores will be forwarded to a selection board for competition against other candidates applying for the same entry/commissioning programme. CFRC staff shall notify you of your selection status.

Good Luck!!

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