CFAT
Canadian Forces Aptitude Test
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) is the computer-delivered entrance assessment used by the Canadian Armed Forces to determine whether a candidate's cognitive profile fits a military occupation. It is not a knowledge test: you are not asked about Canadian history, weapons, or military procedure. It is for anyone applying to enrol as an officer or non-commissioned member, and the result feeds directly into the occupation choices a recruiter can offer you, so the score has practical consequences beyond pass or fail.
The test samples three areas. Verbal Skills measures vocabulary and the ability to reason from written passages. Spatial Ability asks you to visualise objects rotated, folded, or assembled in three dimensions. Problem Solving, the largest component, covers arithmetic, algebra, number series, and the interpretation of tables and graphs. Expect tight pacing and questions that get harder as you progress, with no penalty for guessing.
Preparation is best treated as practice, not memorisation. Work through untimed sets first to find weak areas, then add a timer so you learn to abandon a question that is consuming too much time. Brush up on mental arithmetic without a calculator, and practise spatial rotation daily, since that skill improves quickly with repetition. The official recruiting website publishes the current test format, question count, and time limit, and your local recruiting centre can confirm scheduling and retake rules.
What you'll study
About CFAT preparation
What exactly does the CFAT measure?
It measures aptitude, not achievement. Verbal items test vocabulary and reading inference; spatial items test mental rotation and folding; problem-solving items test arithmetic, algebra, series, and graph reading. Nothing tests military knowledge, so cramming facts about the Forces will not raise your score.
How long is the test, and how many questions are there?
The official body publishes the current number of questions and the time limit, and these details are subject to change, so check the official Canadian Armed Forces recruiting site or ask your recruiter rather than relying on second-hand figures. Plan for a single sitting at a recruiting centre, with instructions before the timed portion begins.
Is there a passing score?
There is no single universal pass mark published for candidates. Each military occupation has its own minimum aptitude requirements, so the score you need depends on the trade you want. Your recruiter can explain which occupations your result qualifies you for after the test.
Can I use a calculator?
No. The problem-solving section is designed to be done mentally or with rough paper, so practise multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, and ratio problems without a calculator. Speed with basic arithmetic is one of the most common differentiators between comfortable and rushed candidates.
How difficult is the CFAT?
Most candidates find the material familiar but the pacing demanding. The questions are at a high-school level, yet the test adapts in difficulty and rewards quick, accurate decisions. The spatial section is often the least practised and therefore the most intimidating, which is exactly why daily rotation practice pays off.
Can I retake the test if I do poorly?
Retake policy is set by the Canadian Armed Forces and can change, so confirm the current rule with your recruiting centre before you sit the test. Treat the first attempt as your best attempt: prepare thoroughly rather than planning to retry, because a waiting period may apply.
In what order should I study the three sections?
Start with a short diagnostic set in each area. Spend most of your time on Problem Solving, since it carries the greatest weight, but do not neglect spatial rotation, which improves quickly with daily short sessions. Verbal skills grow slowly, so read widely and review vocabulary in brief, regular blocks.
What are the most common mistakes candidates make?
Three stand out: lingering too long on one hard question instead of moving on, failing to practise mental arithmetic, and never rehearsing spatial rotation under time pressure. A fourth is skipping the official format information and being surprised by the pacing on test day.
Does my CFAT score expire?
Validity rules are set by the Canadian Armed Forces and are not fixed for all candidates, so ask your recruiter how long a result remains usable for your file. If your application is delayed, confirm whether a new sitting would be required before you assume your old score still stands.