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 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 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.
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 similar rather than exact string.
What actually helps here?
Use a fixed sequence: identify task type first, solve second, locate response third.
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.
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.