One of the early steps in the recruiting and selection process consists of the candidate taking an aptitude test at a Canadian Armed Forces Recruiting Centre. This test examines a candidate's abilities in the following three broad areas:
- verbal skills
- spatial ability
- problem solving
The problem solving portion of the test involves basic mathematics abilities, e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, and algebraic equations. No calculators are allowed, so candidates must be able to work out answers using pencil and paper.
The test is time-limited and conssists of a series of multiple choice questions with four potential answers for each question. In order to perform well on this aptitude test, it is essential for a candidate to answer as many questions as possible. The optimum strategy is for the candidate to:
a. go through the entire test as quickly as possible, choosing answers that are known to be correct and skipping all questions where the answers are not immediately obvious;
b. go through the entire test a second time, examining previously unanswered questions in some detail but still briefly and choosing answers that are considered most likely correct. Again, skip any questions for which no potential answer seems correct;
c. to through the entire test a third times, checking off "c" or the longest answer as a best guess for all previously unanswered questions. Candidates have to monitor time remaining and ensure that there is sufficient available to go through this third step for all outstanding questions; and
d. if there is still time available, go back through the questions answered in step "b" to confirm your choice of answers.
There are no penalties for wrong answers, so it really is to the candidate's benefit to indicate an answer for every question.
The Canadian Armed Forces aptitude test is a demanding mental activity. Candidates need to be well-rested and have eaten a nutritious and balanced meal shortly before taking the test.
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Each occupation in the Canadian Armed Forces has a minimum achievement level for the aptitude test. If a candidate fails to achieve the minimum level for their chosen occupation, a one-time retest can be taken but only after a three-month wait. This waiting period can impact whether a candidate can complete the recruiting and selection processes in time for the upcoming start of the Colleges' academic year.