DAA Practice Test
Updated for October 2026
The DAA (Defence Aptitude Assessment) is the critical gateway examination for joining the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Used by both services (the RAF says it was previously called the Airmen Selection Test), the Defence Aptitude Assessment evaluates your abilities across six timed multiple-choice sections: verbal, numerical, work rate, spatial, mechanical and electrical reasoning.
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 Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) has six timed multiple-choice tests: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension. (UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment)
- The RAF says the Defence Aptitude Assessment takes at least 25 minutes, and each of its sections is timed. (recruitment.raf.mod.uk)
- For the Royal Navy, the Defence Aptitude Assessment link stays valid for 14 days and the assessment takes around 90 minutes, which must be completed in one sitting. (UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment)
- The Defence Aptitude Assessment has no single published pass mark: the Royal Navy says requirements differ by Profession and Specialisation, and the RAF says its roles require different DAA scores. (UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment)
- Royal Navy candidates taking the Defence Aptitude Assessment are tested on Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension, and must attempt every section. (UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment)
- RAF applicants take the Defence Aptitude Assessment online on their own IT, or they can choose to sit it on RAF IT at an Armed Forces Careers Office. (recruitment.raf.mod.uk)
- Royal Navy candidates can take the Defence Aptitude Assessment remotely at home using the link they are sent, or in person at their nearest Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) at a time arranged with a Career Adviser. (UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment)
- In the Royal Navy joining process the Defence Aptitude Assessment is Step 2, which comes after candidates register interest in a Profession, meet basic eligibility criteria and submit an online application form. (UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment)
- After a Royal Navy candidate completes the Defence Aptitude Assessment, a Career Adviser goes through their scores and explains which roles they are eligible for. (UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment)
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
The DAA exam is a set of six fixed, individually timed multiple-choice sections, requiring quick thinking and accuracy. The Royal Navy DAA link stays valid for 14 days and the whole assessment must be finished in one sitting. Preparation is key, as your score directly impacts your career options within the armed forces. Try our Australian citizenship test. Practice with the free DAA - Defence Aptitude Assessment practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (100+ questions with answer explanations).
Free DAA - Defence Aptitude Assessment Study Tools
Interactive DAA - Defence Aptitude Assessment resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
DAA Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the DAA - Defence Aptitude Assessment exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
DAA 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.
🎯 📖What is verbal reasoning?
Verbal reasoning assesses your ability to understand written information, analyze arguments, and draw conclusions in the Royal Navy DAA context.
💡 ⚡What is work rate?
Work rate measures how quickly and accurately you can perform routine cognitive tasks under time pressure during the DAA test.
🔑 🔌What is electrical comprehension?
Electrical comprehension tests knowledge of basic circuits, voltage, and current, essential for engineering roles in the DAA assessment.
DAA 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.
- What is the DAA exam?
- The DAA exam (Defence Aptitude Assessment) is a psychometric test used by the Royal Navy and RAF to assess a candidate's cognitive suitability for military service.
- Who takes the DAA test?
- Anyone applying to join the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force as a non-commissioned recruit must take the DAA test as part of the selection process.
- Is the DAA exam hard?
- The DAA exam can be challenging due to its strict time limits and diverse sections. Success requires practice with DAA practice questions to improve speed and accuracy.
- What does DAA stand for?
- DAA stands for Defence Aptitude Assessment. It is the aptitude test used by both the Royal Navy and the RAF; the RAF notes it was previously called the Airmen Selection Test.
- How many questions are on the DAA?
- The Royal Navy and RAF do not publish an official question count. The DAA assessment is made up of six separately timed multiple-choice sections, and the RAF familiarisation notes that the test takes at least 25 minutes while the Royal Navy advises allowing about 90 minutes.
- What subjects are on the DAA test?
- The DAA test covers Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension, and Mechanical Comprehension.
- Is the DAA exam timed?
- Yes, the DAA exam is strictly timed. Each of the six sections has its own time limit; the Royal Navy advises allowing about 90 minutes for the whole assessment, which must be completed in one sitting.
- Can I use a calculator on the DAA?
- No, calculators are generally not permitted during the DAA numerical reasoning section. You must rely on mental math and scratch paper.
- How do I register for the DAA?
- Registration for the DAA exam is handled by your Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) after you submit your initial application to the Royal Navy or RAF.
- Where can I take the DAA test?
- You can take the DAA test remotely at home using the link sent to your candidate portal (valid for 14 days for Royal Navy applicants), or in person at your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO). The real test must be taken on a screen of at least 10.2 inches.
- Is the DAA exam free?
- Yes, the DAA exam is free for all applicants as it is a mandatory part of the military recruitment process.
- What do I need for the DAA?
- For an in-person sitting of the DAA assessment at an AFCO, the Royal Navy says to bring photographic ID, your candidate portal login details and a device to access your personal email. At home you need a compliant device with a screen of at least 10.2 inches.
- What is a good DAA score?
- A "good" DAA score depends on the specific trade you are applying for. Technical roles generally require higher scores in mechanical and electrical sections.
- When do I get my DAA results?
- After you complete the DAA exam, your Career Adviser contacts you to discuss your scores and which roles you are eligible for based on your result.
- What happens if I fail the DAA?
- There is no single pass or fail mark on the DAA test: score requirements differ by Profession and Specialisation (Royal Navy) and by role (RAF). After the assessment your Career Adviser explains which roles your scores make you eligible for; retake rules are not published on the official pages, so ask your Career Adviser.
- How long are DAA scores valid?
- The Royal Navy and RAF do not publish a validity period for DAA scores. What is published is that the Royal Navy assessment link is valid for 14 days once it is sent to your candidate portal; ask your Career Adviser about how long your result is used within your application.
- How to study for the DAA?
- The best way to study is by using free DAA practice tests that cover all six sections. Focus on your weakest areas to maximize your overall score.
- Are there DAA practice tests?
- Yes, numerous DAA practice test resources are available online, including our comprehensive quizzes for spatial and numerical reasoning.
- Can I retake the DAA exam?
- Retake rules for the DAA exam are not published on the Royal Navy or RAF pages. The official guidance is that your Career Adviser discusses your scores and role eligibility after the assessment, so ask them about any second attempt.
- What is the hardest part of the DAA?
- Many candidates find the DAA spatial reasoning or mechanical comprehension sections most difficult if they lack a technical background.
DAA Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
111
Estimated score calculation
78 out of 111 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Your Score: 78 correct ✓ PASS
DAA Salary Information
Passing the DAA exam does not come with a fixed salary: pay in the Royal Navy and RAF varies by the role, rank and specialisation you join, and it changes with each annual Armed Forces pay award. Neither service publishes pay figures on its DAA pages. Check the current starting pay for the specific role you are applying for on the official Royal Navy careers site or the RAF Recruitment site, where each role page lists its pay and benefits.
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, and the official familiarisation questions plus the defence aptitude assessment practice tests on this page make that DAA revision free.
Royal Navy DAA Practice Test: What the Real Assessment Looks Like
A Royal Navy DAA practice test is only useful if it mirrors the real thing. The Royal Navy describes the DAA as six separate multiple-choice tests, each individually timed: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate (simple problems solved quickly and accurately), Spatial Reasoning, Mechanical Comprehension and Electrical Comprehension.
Once your application is accepted, the link to the assessment is sent to your candidate portal and stays valid for 14 days. You can start whenever suits you inside that window, but it must be completed in one sitting, and the Navy advises allowing around 90 minutes. Sit it at home on a compliant device or book a slot at your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office through your Career Adviser. Practising on a phone is fine, but the real test needs a screen of at least 10.2 inches, and using any AI tool such as ChatGPT during it is treated as cheating.
Because score requirements differ by Profession and Specialisation, you do not need every question right to succeed. The most effective DAA revision is a timed DAA mock test per section, followed by a review of every explanation, which is exactly how the defence aptitude assessment practice tests on this page are built. RAF applicants sit the same six-part DAA, which replaced the former Airmen Selection Test.
RAF DAA Practice Test: How the RAF Familiarisation Works
The RAF publishes its own free familiarisation questions for the Defence Aptitude Assessment on its recruitment site. According to the RAF, the DAA (previously called the Airmen Selection Test) is made up of six parts, and its practice questions are designed to be as close to the real assessment as possible. The RAF says the test takes at least 25 minutes to complete, so set aside time in a quiet location before you start.
Each section is timed. When you run out of time the clock stops, but you can still answer the remaining questions before moving on to the next section. Use an RAF DAA practice test to build pace, so that you finish each section inside the timer instead of relying on that extra answering time.
Once your full application has been accepted, the RAF invites you to take the real DAA online using your own IT, or you can sit it at an Armed Forces Careers Office on RAF systems. Different RAF roles require different DAA scores, so a few wrong answers or an unfinished section will not automatically end your application; your results decide which roles are open to you. Practise all six sections on this page, then review the explanations for the topics where you lost the most time.
DAA Practice for the UK Royal Navy Cognitive Test
The DAA is the UK Royal Navy cognitive test: rather than checking what you learned at school, it measures how quickly and accurately you reason with words, numbers, shapes, machines and circuits. Good DAA practice therefore trains speed as much as knowledge. The Royal Navy splits the assessment into six individually timed multiple-choice tests (Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Mechanical Comprehension and Electrical Comprehension), so plan your preparation section by section instead of as one long exam.
Effective Royal Navy aptitude test practice follows a simple cycle. First, take one timed quiz per section to find your weakest areas. Second, read every answer explanation, including for questions you got right by guessing. Third, repeat the weak sections against the clock until you finish inside the timer. Mechanical and Electrical Comprehension usually reward revising basic principles such as levers, pulleys, gears, series and parallel circuits, while Work Rate and Numerical Reasoning reward mental-arithmetic drills without a calculator.
Remember that required scores differ by Profession and Specialisation, so stronger results simply widen the roles your Career Adviser can offer you.
DAA Test Day Checklist
Photographic ID (passport or driving licence) for an AFCO sitting Candidate portal login details A device to access your personal email At home: laptop, desktop or tablet with a screen of at least 10.2 inches Quiet space, notifications off, about 90 minutes free Glasses/contact lenses if needed Review DAA practice questions for all six sections No AI tools such as ChatGPT: the Royal Navy treats this as cheating Ready to Pass the DAA Exam?
Start your journey to the Royal Navy today. Access our complete DAA practice test library, run a timed DAA mock test for each of the six sections, and walk into the real assessment knowing what to expect.
DAA Renewal and Retakes
Your DAA score is key to entry. Here is what the Royal Navy and RAF publish about timing and retakes.
📅
Assessment Link
Valid 14 days
🔄
Retake Policy
Not published
If your DAA exam score does not meet the requirement for your preferred role, your Career Adviser will explain which roles you are eligible for. The Royal Navy and RAF do not publish a retake waiting period or a limit on attempts, so ask your Career Adviser about a second attempt. In the meantime use free DAA study resources and the defence aptitude assessment practice tests above to improve your weak areas.
DAA: Pros and Cons
Pros
- DAA preparation strengthens verbal, numerical, spatial, mechanical and electrical reasoning
- The DAA is free and can be taken at home or at an AFCO
- Official familiarisation questions and free practice tests are available for all six sections
- Higher scores open eligibility for more technical and specialist roles
- Each section is short and timed, so focused practice pays off quickly
Cons
- Exam anxiety and time pressure can affect performance — timed practice helps
- The Royal Navy link is valid for only 14 days and must be completed in one sitting
- Retake rules are not published, so a weak first attempt may limit role options
- Score requirements differ by role, so no single pass mark to aim for
- The real test needs a screen of at least 10.2 inches (no phones)
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| DAA preparation strengthens verbal, numerical, spatial, mechanical and electrical reasoning | Exam anxiety and time pressure can affect performance — timed practice helps |
| The DAA is free and can be taken at home or at an AFCO | Retake rules are not published, so a weak first attempt may limit role options |
| Official familiarisation questions and free practice tests are available for all six sections | Score requirements differ by role, so no single pass mark to aim for |
Official Resources
- Royal Navy: Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) - the official overview of the six DAA tests, the 14-day assessment link, home or AFCO sitting options and the free familiarisation questions for each section.
- Royal Navy: DAA Tips and Advice - the formal instructions for the real assessment, including the 90-minute time allowance, what to bring to an AFCO sitting, how results are discussed with your Career Adviser and the rule that AI tools count as cheating.
- RAF Recruitment: DAA Familiarisation - the Royal Air Force's official DAA page with its own practice questions, section timing rules and what happens after your full application is accepted.
Sample DAA - Defence Aptitude Assessment Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free DAA - Defence Aptitude Assessment practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which approach best supports preparation for technical knowledge in DAA?
- A. Systematic study of core concepts combined with practice problems
- B. Only reviewing materials the day before the test
- C. Memorizing answers without understanding concepts
- D. Skipping foundational topics and focusing only on advanced material
Answer: A. Systematic study of core concepts combined with practice problems
Effective preparation requires systematic study of fundamental concepts reinforced with practice problems that build understanding and application skills.
A sequence of arrows is shown. The first arrow points up. The second arrow points 45 degrees clockwise (to the top-right). The third arrow points 90 degrees clockwise (to the right). What is the next arrow in the sequence?
- A. An arrow pointing down
- B. An arrow pointing left
- C. An arrow pointing to the bottom-right
- D. An arrow pointing up
Answer: C. An arrow pointing to the bottom-right
The arrow is rotating 45 degrees clockwise with each step. From pointing right (90 degrees), another 45-degree rotation will have it pointing to the bottom-right (135 degrees).
In the gear system shown, Gear A has 10 teeth and turns clockwise. Gear B has 20 teeth, and Gear C has 5 teeth. Which of the following statements is true?
- A. Gear C will turn clockwise and faster than Gear A.
- B. Gear C will turn anti-clockwise and slower than Gear A.
- C. Gear C will turn clockwise and at the same speed as Gear A.
- D. Gear C will turn anti-clockwise and faster than Gear A.
Answer: A. Gear C will turn clockwise and faster than Gear A.
When two gears mesh, they turn in opposite directions. Since Gear A turns clockwise, Gear B will turn anti-clockwise. Since Gear B turns anti-clockwise, Gear C will turn clockwise. Regarding speed, a smaller gear will always turn faster than a larger gear it is meshed with. Gear C has the fewest teeth (5), so it will rotate the fastest. Gear A has 10 teeth, so Gear C will turn faster than Gear A.
A reconnaissance plane flies from base to a target at 600 km/h and returns at 400 km/h. What is the average speed for the round trip?
- A. 480 km/h
- B. 490 km/h
- C. 500 km/h
- D. 520 km/h
Answer: A. 480 km/h
Average speed = 2 × 600 × 400 ÷ (600 + 400) = 480000 ÷ 1000 = 480 km/h.
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DAA Questions and Answers
How many questions are on the DAA exam?
The Royal Navy and RAF do not publish an official question count for the DAA. What they publish is the structure: six multiple-choice sections (verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, work rate, spatial reasoning, mechanical comprehension and electrical comprehension), each individually timed. The Royal Navy advises allowing about 90 minutes and the whole assessment must be completed in one sitting, so pacing within each section matters more than an overall question count.
Is the DAA a multiple-choice test?
Yes. Both the Royal Navy and the RAF describe the DAA as six tests all presented in a multiple-choice format. Some sections use images (for example spatial reasoning shapes or mechanical diagrams) where you pick the correct picture or arrangement rather than a written answer.
Who is eligible to take the DAA?
The DAA is taken by candidates applying to the Royal Navy (ratings and officers), the Royal Marines and the RAF as part of the recruitment process. You must first submit an application and meet the basic eligibility criteria for your chosen role; your Career Adviser or recruiter confirms eligibility before the assessment is issued.
How do I register or schedule my DAA exam?
You do not register for the DAA independently. Once your application is accepted, the Royal Navy sends a link to the assessment to your candidate portal, valid for 14 days; you can start it at any time in that window at home, or arrange with your Career Adviser to sit it at your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO). RAF candidates are likewise invited to take the DAA online using their own IT or at an AFCO once their full application is accepted.
Is there a fee to take the DAA?
No, there is no fee to take the DAA. It is administered as part of the Royal Navy and RAF recruitment process. If you choose to sit it at an AFCO rather than at home, any travel to the office is your own cost.
What happens after I complete the DAA?
After completing the DAA, your Career Adviser contacts you to discuss your scores and your performance, and explains your eligibility for different roles based on the result. Requirements differ by Profession and Specialisation, so strong scores open eligibility for a wider range of technical and specialist roles.
Are calculators or reference materials allowed during the DAA?
No, calculators, phones, notes, and other reference materials are not permitted during the DAA. The numerical reasoning section is designed to test mental arithmetic and estimation skills under time pressure. All necessary information to answer each question is provided on screen within the test itself.
Does the DAA test personality or just aptitude?
The DAA measures aptitude only: verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, work rate, spatial reasoning, mechanical comprehension and electrical comprehension. The Royal Navy and RAF DAA pages do not describe any personality questionnaire or psychological interview as part of the DAA. A separate Selection Interview comes later in the joining process (Step 3 for the Royal Navy).
How long is the DAA?
The RAF says the Defence Aptitude Assessment takes at least 25 minutes, and each of its sections is timed. (Verified Oct 20, 2026 against recruitment.raf.mod.uk.)
What is the passing score for the DAA?
The Defence Aptitude Assessment has no single published pass mark: the Royal Navy says requirements differ by Profession and Specialisation, and the RAF says its roles require different DAA scores. (Verified Oct 20, 2026 against UK Ministry of Defence: Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Recruitment.)