Module overview
What the test trains
This module focuses on Central Information Processing — clean rule-switching across string, colour and arithmetic tasks in one stream. 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, Colours, Letters & Numbers is grouped under Central Information Processing (CIP). 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
- Work out which rule applies to the current question — string match, colour match or arithmetic.
- For strings, find the exact match among near-identical distractors.
- For colours, pick the response that's genuinely identical, not just close.
- For arithmetic, solve before you even glance at the four response corners.
Practice screen example
These screenshots show CBAT Academy’s independent practice version of the task.
Interface briefing
Controls and test flow
Controls
Respond to each colour, letter or number prompt using a dedicated key-binding scheme (configurable in Settings) or a click, switching quickly between the three response types.
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
String length grows from 4 to 6 characters and the maximum arithmetic value rises from 12 to 18 as difficulty increases, within a fixed 4-minute session.
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 rule changes from one question to the next with no warning.
- String distractors are built to be close enough to invite a premature answer.
- The previous question's rule can carry over into the next one for a split second.
- Arithmetic mistakes here tend to come from speed, not from the maths itself.
Preparation tips
- Fix the order: identify the rule, solve, then locate the response — every time.
- For strings, compare character positions rather than reading the string like a word.
- For arithmetic, solve before scanning the answer options at all.
- Keep the response positions fixed in your mental map so you're not re-locating them.
Common mistakes
- Selecting a close match instead of the exact one.
- Applying the previous question's rule out of habit.
- Guessing arithmetic from what the answer options look like.
- Checking the response corners before actually reading the prompt.
Useful practice drills
- Rapid same/different string comparisons.
- Two-digit arithmetic under a short time limit.
- Alternate between two rule types every few seconds until the switch costs nothing.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an official Colours, Letters & Numbers 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?
Selecting a close match instead of the exact one.
What actually helps here?
Fix the order: identify the rule, solve, then locate the response — every time.
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.