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CFAST practice module

Table Reading Test Guide

Never let the row slip while you're hunting for the column. That single habit is most of this task.

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Independent exercise Reviewed 11 September 2026
Module briefing // REASONING
Training focusVisual & Auditory Perception — precise, repeatable lookups rather than one-off reading
CategoryREASONINGStart withAccuracyThen buildPace
Primary focusVisual & Auditory Perception — precise, repeatable lookups rather than one-off reading
Best starting pointBuild an accurate, repeatable method
Training formatInteractive browser exercise

Module overview

What the test trains

This module focuses on Visual & Auditory Perception — precise, repeatable lookups rather than one-off reading. 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, Table Reading is grouped under Visual & Auditory Perception (Percpt). 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 table the question actually needs.
  • Anchor a row, then move across to the right column without losing it.
  • Follow a result from one table into a second lookup when the question requires it.
  • Read the intersection once, correctly, rather than skimming and re-checking.

Practice screen examples

These screenshots show CBAT Academy’s independent practice version of the task.

Table Reading question with two input values and five numbered answer choices
The question supplies two values and numbered options. Keep their order fixed before moving to the lookup table.Screenshot from the Table Reading practice module.
Table Reading reference grid with row and column values from minus ten to ten
Trace one value along the row and the other down the column, then read only their intersection. Using a finger or cursor as a guide reduces line slips.Screenshot from the Table Reading practice module.

Interface briefing

Controls and difficulty

Controls

Cross-reference rows and columns in the on-screen table and answer using the keyboard or a click.

Training plan

Build a method that holds up under pressure

Why this becomes difficult

  • Minus signs and similar labels are easy to misread under time pressure.
  • Long tables make it easy for your eyes to slide onto the neighbouring line.
  • A second lookup adds another chance to pick the wrong table entirely.
  • Checking everything is safe but slow; checking nothing is fast but wrong more often.

Preparation tips

  • Anchor the row before you move horizontally, every time.
  • The Academy’s Part One table is symmetric: either number can be read on either axis. Use whichever direction you find easiest.
  • Verify the two things most likely to be wrong — correct table, correct row/column label — not the whole lookup.
  • Practise scanning without your eyes returning to the top-left corner as a reset.

Common mistakes

  • Missing a sign or reading the label next to the one you intended.
  • Drifting onto an adjacent row mid-scan.
  • Getting the right coordinates on the wrong table.
  • Re-reading the entire table after every single lookup out of caution.

Useful practice drills

  • Timed coordinate lookups against a reference card.
  • Two-table chains where the first answer decides the second lookup.
  • Dense tables with visually similar numbers, timed for speed and accuracy together.

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.

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Prepared by CBAT Academy · Last reviewed 11 September 2026 · Editorial process