CFAT study guide
CFAT · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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. Topics on this exam: Verbal Skills, Spatial Ability, and Problem Solving. The CFAT study guide has 3 sections and about 1,149 words.
01CFAT Verbal Skills: Precision With Words and Relationships
The CFAT's Verbal Skills domain checks how precisely you understand word meaning and relationships. Items are multiple-choice and typically ask for the best synonym or antonym, the pair that completes an analogy, or the word or phrase that fits a sentence. The test rewards exact meaning, not general topic familiarity. Read the whole item before choosing; the best answer must satisfy every part of the stem.
374 words, about 2 min02CFAT Spatial Ability: Rotation, Nets, and Handedness
The CFAT's Spatial Ability domain tests how well you visualize and manipulate objects without physical models. Expect multiple-choice items on mental rotation, matching shapes, mirror images, unfolded cube or box nets, and object assembly. The key skill is tracking a distinctive feature through a transformation while preserving the object's handedness. Separate rotation from reflection.
395 words, about 2 min03CFAT Problem Solving: Translate, Estimate, and Verify
The CFAT's Problem Solving domain tests arithmetic, algebra, ratios and proportions, percentages, averages, geometry, logic, and data interpretation. Items are multiple-choice and are designed to be answered without a calculator. The score depends on setting up the correct relationship and avoiding answer choices that match a common wrong operation. Translate the words into an equation before calculating.
380 words, about 2 min