Module overview
What the test trains
This module focuses on Symbolic Reasoning — retrieving and combining facts from a multi-page information system. 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, System Logic is grouped under Symbolic Reasoning (SymR). 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
- Search folders, tables, diagrams and plain statements for the facts a question actually needs.
- Work out from the question alone which facts and relationships matter before opening anything.
- Combine information across one or two open pages to solve the problem.
- Navigate deliberately — only two pages open at once, so going back to the index is a real decision.
Practice screen example
These screenshots show CBAT Academy’s independent practice version of the task.
Interface briefing
Controls and difficulty
Controls
Navigate a small set of on-screen tabs or panels to find the information needed, then answer by clicking — the number of panel switches allowed is limited.
Difficulty and settings
The time allowed drops from 10 minutes to 6 while the number of panel switches you are permitted rises from 30 to 50, rewarding more efficient navigation.
Read how practice scores and estimates work →Training plan
Build a method that holds up under pressure
Why this becomes difficult
- Most of what's available isn't relevant to any one question, and it all competes for attention.
- The two facts you need are often split across different pages.
- Opening pages without a plan burns both time and working memory.
- Some questions need arithmetic after the right data is already found.
Preparation tips
- Read the question first and pull out the exact nouns and values it's asking about.
- Use headings and the index as search tools instead of reading pages start to finish.
- Hold the first fact as a short label while you go find the second.
- If a page isn't relevant within a few seconds, go back to the index rather than persisting.
Common mistakes
- Reading the whole information set before even looking at the question.
- Opening pages on vague familiarity instead of an actual keyword match.
- Confusing similarly-named system components.
- Answering off one fact when the question needs two combined.
Useful practice drills
- Answer fact-combination questions from headings in a technical manual.
- Practise two-step problems where each value sits on a different page.
- Time yourself locating one specific fact in a multi-page reference set.
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.
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.