The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is the aptitude test for Royal Navy and RAF applicants. This guide explains who sits it, how it works, what is in each section and how to prepare.
What is the DAA?
The Royal Navy says the DAA is made up of 6 different tests, all multiple choice. The RAF says the DAA was previously called the Airmen Selection Test and that different RAF roles require different DAA scores.
Who sits the DAA?
- Royal Navy candidates. The Royal Navy says requirements differ by profession and specialisation.
- RAF candidates. This includes officer and aircrew applicants: RAF role pages such as Weapon Systems Operator and Intelligence Officer list this six-part aptitude test as the first step, before the CBAT at RAF Cranwell. See my CBAT guide.
Where and how you take it
- The Royal Navy says you can take it at home using the link sent to your candidate portal, or arrange to sit it at your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO).
- The Royal Navy says the link stays valid for 14 days. Once you begin, you must finish in a single sitting.
- The Royal Navy says the real test must be taken on a screen of at least 10.2 inches. You can practise on a phone.
- The RAF says you cannot use a calculator, but you can use paper and a pencil.
The sections, questions and timings
The RAF's DAA familiarisation page gives these figures for the real test. The time per question is my own working, rounded to the nearest second.
| Section | Questions | Time | Per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 20 | 15 min | 45 s |
| Numerical reasoning, part 1 (fractions, decimals and formulae) | 12 | 4 min | 20 s |
| Numerical reasoning, part 2 (graphs and tables) | 15 | 11 min | 44 s |
| Work rate | 20 | 4 min | 12 s |
| Spatial reasoning, part 1 (joining shapes) | 10 | 4 min | 24 s |
| Spatial reasoning, part 2 (rotating 3D objects) | 10 | 3 min | 18 s |
| Electrical comprehension | 22 | 15 min | 41 s |
| Mechanical comprehension | 19 | 13 min | 41 s |
| Total | 128 | 69 min |
The question counts add up to 128 and the section times add up to 69 minutes. Formats can change, so check the official familiarisation pages before your test.
How to prepare for the DAA
- Do the official familiarisation questions first. The Royal Navy and the RAF both offer practice questions in the same format as the real test.
- Answer verbal questions from the text alone. Pick out exactly the facts each question needs and ignore what you already know.
- Make the basics fast. Numerical part 1 gives you about 20 seconds a question, so fractions, decimals and simple formulae must be automatic without a calculator.
- Use a scanning method for work rate. With about 12 seconds a question, a fixed way of checking codes beats reading everything.
- Track one corner in spatial questions. Follow one marked corner or side as the shape moves, instead of trying to picture everything at once.
- Learn the core facts for electrical and mechanical comprehension. Series and parallel circuits, gears, pulleys and levers are core topics. You do not need an engineering background, but you do need the basics.
- Practise full timed mocks. The Royal Navy says you do not need to answer every question correctly. Timed practice teaches you when to move on.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the DAA at home?
The Royal Navy says yes, using the link sent to your candidate portal, or you can arrange to sit it at your local Armed Forces Careers Office. The RAF also says you can take it on your own device or at an AFCO.
Can I use a calculator in the DAA?
No. The RAF says you cannot use a calculator or a multi-function watch, but you can use paper and a pencil.
How long is the DAA?
The RAF familiarisation page lists 8 timed sections. Added together, they come to 69 minutes and 128 questions. The practice version is much shorter.
What score do I need?
It depends on the role. The RAF says different roles require different DAA scores. The Royal Navy says requirements differ by profession and specialisation.
Do RAF officer applicants sit the DAA?
RAF role pages such as Intelligence Officer and Pilot (officer roles) and Weapon Systems Operator (aircrew) list a six-part aptitude test as the first step, before the CBAT.