DAA (Defence Aptitude Assessment) | Preparation Guide
Free DAA practice test 2026 with 750+ questions. Pass your Defence Aptitude Assessment! Free study guide, flashcards & expert tips for UK Armed Forces recr

DAA Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
The DAA (Defence Aptitude Assessment) is the critical gateway examination for joining the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Formerly known as the Naval Service Recruiting Test (NSRT), the Defence Aptitude Assessment evaluates your cognitive abilities across verbal, numerical, mechanical, and spatial reasoning domains.
Success on the DAA test determines not only your eligibility to join but also which specific trades and roles are open to you. Whether you are aiming for a technical role in the Royal Navy DAA pipeline or a specialized position in the RAF, achieving a high score is essential. Our free DAA practice test resources are designed to mirror the real exam format and help you secure your ideal military career.
The DAA exam is adaptive and timed, requiring quick thinking and accuracy. Scores are valid for 12 months for Royal Navy DAA applicants. Preparation is key, as your score directly impacts your career options within the armed forces.

Free DAA Practice Test Online
Spatial Reasoning
DAA Practice Test covering Spatial Reasoning. Master key concepts for your certification prep.
Start FREE TestNumerical Reasoning
DAA Exam Questions on Numerical Reasoning. Test your knowledge with realistic DAA practice.
Start FREE TestVerbal Reasoning: Word Analogies
DAA Mock Exam featuring Verbal Reasoning: Word Analogies. Simulate the real DAA Test experience.
Start FREE TestVerbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension
Free DAA Mock Test on Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension. Prepare for your DAA Exam with instant feedback.
Start FREE TestAbstract Reasoning: Next in Series
DAA Study Guide for Abstract Reasoning: Next in Series. Build confidence with DAA Test Prep questions.
Start FREE TestMechanical Comprehension: Levers and Pul
DAA Test Online covering Mechanical Comprehension: Levers and Pulleys. Practice DAA Quiz questions and track your score.
Start FREE TestMechanical Comprehension: Gears and Cogs
DAA Questions and Answers on Mechanical Comprehension: Gears and Cogs. Boost your DAA Exam score with practice.
Start FREE TestVerbal Reasoning: Synonyms and Antonyms
DAA Quiz on Verbal Reasoning: Synonyms and Antonyms. Free DAA Test Prep with detailed explanations.
Start FREE TestDAA Exam Flashcards
Quick review for key DAA concepts
🔢What is numerical reasoning?
Numerical reasoning evaluates your ability to work with numbers, perform calculations, and interpret data graphs for the DAA exam.
REVIEW DAA QUESTIONS📖What is verbal reasoning?
Verbal reasoning assesses your ability to understand written information, analyze arguments, and draw conclusions in the Royal Navy DAA context.
TRY DAA MOCK EXAM⚡What is work rate?
Work rate measures how quickly and accurately you can perform routine cognitive tasks under time pressure during the DAA test.
ACCESS DAA STUDY GUIDE🔌What is electrical comprehension?
Electrical comprehension tests knowledge of basic circuits, voltage, and current, essential for engineering roles in the DAA assessment.
PRACTICE DAA TEST NOWDAA Exam Study Guide
Master the essentials of the Defence Aptitude Assessment with this comprehensive guide. Click through the tabs to learn about the Royal Navy DAA format, scoring, and preparation strategies.
DAA Test Format and Sections
The DAA exam consists of six distinct sections designed to test different cognitive skills. Understanding this structure is crucial for your DAA assessment preparation.
Tests ability to interpret written information and draw logical conclusions. Critical for all Royal Navy DAA roles.
- Topics: Passage analysis, assumptions, deductions
- Questions: ~15-20 Questions
Evaluates ability to work with numbers, data, and graphs. A key component of the DAA test for technical trades.
- Topics: Arithmetic, fractions, percentages, charts
- Questions: ~15-20 Questions
Measures speed and accuracy in performing routine tasks. Requires intense focus during the DAA exam.
- Topics: Code matching, symbol replacement
- Questions: ~20 Questions
Assesses ability to visualize shapes in 2D and 3D. Essential for engineering roles in the Defence Aptitude Assessment.
- Topics: Shape folding, rotation, matching
- Questions: ~10-15 Questions
Tests knowledge of electrical principles. Vital for technical careers in the Royal Navy DAA pipeline.
- Topics: Series/parallel circuits, switches, batteries
- Questions: ~15 Questions
Evaluates understanding of physical forces and machinery. A core part of the DAA assessment.
- Topics: Mechanics, force, motion, tools
- Questions: ~15 Questions
Focus on your weakest areas. If you are applying for a technical role, pay extra attention to the DAA mechanical and electrical comprehension sections, as these carry more weight for engineering trades.
DAA Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
150
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
DAA Salary Information
Passing the DAA exam opens the door to Royal Navy careers with competitive starting salaries and progression.
| Rank / Role | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚓ Recruit (Training) | £16,844 | £1,400 | 0-6 Months |
| 🌊 Able Rate | £23,496 | £1,950 | After Training |
| 🛠️ Leading Hand | £37,425 | £3,100 | 4-6 Years |
| 👔 Petty Officer | £42,849 | £3,570 | 8-12 Years |
| 👑 Warrant Officer | £56,470 | £4,700 | 18+ Years |
💰 Career Benefits
Passing the DAA exam allows you to join the Royal Navy, which offers a non-contributory pension scheme, six weeks of paid holiday, and free medical and dental care.
How to Become a Royal Navy Recruit
The DAA assessment is a pivotal step in the recruitment process. Here is the path from application to joining.
- 1Application - Submit your initial application online for the Royal Navy DAA process.
- 2DAA Assessment - Take the DAA test at your local AFCO. Practice with our free DAA questions beforehand.
- 3Triage Interview - Discuss your results and role suitability with a recruiter.
- 4Medical Exam - Complete a comprehensive medical assessment to ensure fitness for service.
- 5Fitness Test - Pass the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) relevant to your age and gender.
- 6Pre-Royal Navy Course - Attend a 4-day assessment course (PRNC) to prepare for basic training.
- 7Basic Training - Begin your 10-week initial training at HMS Raleigh.
DAA Test Costs
The DAA exam itself is free, but there are other costs associated with the recruitment process.
The financial cost to take the DAA exam is minimal as the Ministry of Defence covers most expenses. Your main investment is time spent preparing with DAA practice questions to ensure a passing score.

DAA Testing Contacts
Contact official recruitment centers for DAA exam scheduling.
Royal
Navy Recruitment Official Recruitment
RAF
Recruitment Air Force Careers
DAA Test Day Checklist
Ready to Pass the DAA Exam?
Start your journey to the Royal Navy today. Access our complete DAA practice test library and get certified.

DAA Renewal and Retakes
Score Validity
12 Months
Retake Wait
28+ Days
If you fail the DAA exam, you may be allowed to retake it, but you typically must wait at least 28 days. Use this time to use free DAA study resources to improve your weak areas.