Module overview
What the test trains
This module focuses on Spatial Reasoning — fast visual estimation against a small set of memorised references. It is designed to make the underlying process easier to recognise, repeat and review before you add more speed or workload.
How this trainer relates to CFAST
In this trainer's Pilot (PLT) domain breakdown, Angles, Bearings & Degrees is grouped under Spatial Reasoning (SpaR). The Academy tracks this domain separately rather than combining it with an overall weighted index. This is the Academy’s training model, not an official CAF scoring calculation.
Task profile
What the task looks like
What it involves
- Estimate the angle between two lines with no tool, just judgement.
- Estimate a compass bearing measured clockwise from north.
- Use fixed anchors — 30°, 45°, 90°, 180°, the eight compass points — as comparison points.
- Pick the closest available answer rather than chasing an exact value.
Practice screen example
These screenshots show CBAT Academy’s independent practice version of the task.
Interface briefing
Controls and test flow
Controls
Read the angle or bearing shown and choose the matching answer with the keyboard or a click.
How the Academy version works
CBAT Academy presents an independently developed browser exercise with its own questions, graphics, timing and scoring. The instruction screen explains the current workload before launch; it does not claim to reproduce an official assessment screen or confidential question set.
Performance briefing
Difficulty and scoring
Difficulty and settings
The question count rises from 10 to 20 while the time allowed drops from 3 minutes to 90 seconds, so pace increases sharply at higher difficulty.
How scoring works
The result reflects performance in this Academy module. Accuracy is the main signal for decision tasks, while timing, missed targets, false responses or control error can also contribute where the task requires them. Assessment mode is more suitable for trend comparisons than adjustable practice runs.
Read how practice scores and estimates work →Training plan
Build a method that holds up under pressure
Why this becomes difficult
- The task wants an estimate, not a measured value — over-precision actually slows you down.
- Bearings run clockwise from north, which fights ordinary left-right instinct.
- Close-together answer options make small visual errors expensive.
- A reflex angle over 180° breaks the instinct to always pick the smaller rotation.
Preparation tips
- Build solid anchors for 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 180° and 270° before anything else.
- Think in fractions of a right angle — 45° is half of 90°, 30° is roughly a third.
- For bearings, always start at north and move clockwise, no exceptions.
- Find the nearest cardinal or intercardinal point first, then judge the remaining offset.
Common mistakes
- Reading a bearing anticlockwise.
- Mixing up 090° and 270°.
- Defaulting to the smaller angle when the actual rotation is over 180°.
- Trying to calculate an exact value from what's meant to be an estimate.
Useful practice drills
- Estimate angles between random clock-hand positions.
- Sketch a compass from memory and fill in all eight principal bearings.
- Judge whether angles around you are closest to 30°, 45°, 60° or 90°.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an official Angles, Bearings & Degrees test?
No. It trains related skills with an independently developed task. Rules, controls, timing, visuals and scoring can differ from an official assessment.
What's the most common mistake on this task?
Reading a bearing anticlockwise.
What actually helps here?
Build solid anchors for 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 180° and 270° before anything else.
Transparency
Sources and information status
Task guidance on this page describes CBAT Academy’s own software. Broad aptitude context is checked against the public references in the source register. Details not established by an official source are treated as independent training methodology.
The official CFASC candidate-guide PDF (22 January 2015) describes named test examples. Use it for historical familiarisation and follow your current joining instructions. The exercise mechanics and practice advice here describe the Academy version; domain mappings and scores are independent.
This guide describes CBAT Academy’s independently developed practice modules. It is not an exact specification of any current RAF, Canadian Forces or Ministry of Defence assessment. Official content, timings, scoring and administration may differ.
Continue the briefing
Turn the method into repeatable performance.
Launch the interactive trainer, begin with accuracy and review the pattern behind each mistake before increasing pace.