Module overview
What the test trains
This module focuses on attention switching, working memory, visual comparison and mental arithmetic. It is designed to make the underlying process easier to recognise, repeat and review before you add more speed or workload.
Task profile
What the task looks like
What it involves
- Identify which rule applies on each question: string, colour or arithmetic.
- For strings, find the exact match among near-matches that differ by one or two characters.
- For colours, select the identical response colour.
- For arithmetic, solve the expression before checking the four response corners.
Practice screen example
These screenshots show CBAT Academy’s independent practice version of the task.
Interface briefing
Controls and difficulty
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.
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.
Read how practice scores and estimates work →Training plan
Build a method that holds up under pressure
Why this becomes difficult
- The decision rule changes from one question to the next.
- String distractors are deliberately similar and encourage premature responses.
- A candidate can carry the previous task rule into the next question for a fraction of a second.
- Arithmetic errors often come from speed rather than lack of mathematical knowledge.
- Visual attention must move repeatedly from the centre to a response location.
Preparation tips
- Use a fixed sequence: identify task type first, solve second, locate response third.
- For strings, compare character positions rather than reading the string as a word.
- For arithmetic, calculate before scanning the answers so distractors do not influence you.
- Keep A/B/C/D locations stable in your mental map.
- Practise mixed-task sets because switching is the central challenge.
Common mistakes
- Selecting a similar rather than exact string.
- Responding according to the previous task type.
- Guessing arithmetic from the options.
- Looking at the corners before reading the centre.
- Allowing one error to slow the next decision.
Useful practice drills
- Rapid same/different string comparisons.
- Two-digit and single-step arithmetic under short time limits.
- Colour matching with deliberately similar hues.
- Alternating between two task types every few seconds.
- Full mixed sets where task type is unpredictable.
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.
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.