CFAT – Canadian Forces Aptitude Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does 'tenacious' mean?

Reluctant to act
Giving up easily
Easily distracted
Holding firmly to a goal and not giving up (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Holding firmly to a goal and not giving up

'Tenacious' means persistent and determined, continuing despite obstacles.

Question 2: In a 3×3 grid, one cell is shaded and moves one position to the right each step, wrapping from column 3 back to column 1. Starting at row 1, column 1 in figure 1, where is the shaded cell in figure 4?

Row 2, Column 1
Row 1, Column 2
Row 1, Column 3
Row 1, Column 1 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Row 1, Column 1

The cell moves right: column 1→2→3→1 (wrap); figure 4 completes the full cycle and returns to column 1.

Question 3: When unfolding a convex polyhedron, if the resulting flat shape has an interior square hole (empty space completely surrounded by other squares), this means:

The original 3D shape had a hollow interior
The net represents a torus (donut shape)
The net is invalid — valid nets for convex shapes have no interior holes (Correct answer)
The unfolding procedure was valid but unusual

Correct answer: The net is invalid — valid nets for convex shapes have no interior holes

A valid net for a convex polyhedron is a simply-connected flat region with no holes — any interior gap makes it invalid.

Question 4: A cube net is reflected in a mirror. When the mirror-image net is folded into a cube, the result compared to the original cube is:

An invalid shape that cannot close properly
A mirror-image cube (chirality reversed) (Correct answer)
An identical cube in every way
A cube with different dimensions

Correct answer: A mirror-image cube (chirality reversed)

Reflecting a cube net reverses chirality, producing a mirror-image cube — same size and shape but with faces oriented oppositely.

Question 5: Two soldiers start at opposite ends of a 30 km road. Soldier A walks at a speed of 4 km/h, and Soldier B walks at a speed of 6 km/h. If they both start at the same time and walk towards each other, how long will it take for them to meet?

5 hours
7.5 hours
2.5 hours
3 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 hours

Since the soldiers are walking towards each other, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds: 4 km/h + 6 km/h = 10 km/h. To find the time it takes for them to meet, divide the initial distance by their combined speed: Time = 30 km / 10 km/h = 3 hours.

Question 6: The net of a cylinder consists of two circles and one rectangle. The dimension of the rectangle that wraps around the cylinder must equal:

The area of one circular end
The diameter of the circular ends
The radius of the circular ends
The circumference of the circular ends (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The circumference of the circular ends

The rectangle wraps around the curved surface of the cylinder, so its wrapping dimension must equal the circumference (2πr) of the circular ends.

Question 7: 45 is what percent of 180?

25% (Correct answer)
30%
35%
20%

Correct answer: 25%

(45 ÷ 180) × 100 = 0.25 × 100 = 25%.

Question 8: The mirror is to reflective. The glass is to:

Omni-directional
Transparent (Correct answer)
Window
Blue

Correct answer: Transparent

This is an analogy question based on primary characteristics. A mirror's defining characteristic is its ability to be reflective. Similarly, the defining characteristic of glass, in this context, is its ability to be transparent, allowing light to pass through.

Question 9: A cube has a different color on each face. Green is opposite Red, and Blue is opposite Yellow. Which must be the third pair of opposite faces?

Green and Blue
Orange and Purple (Correct answer)
Orange and Blue
Red and Yellow

Correct answer: Orange and Purple

With Green-Red and Blue-Yellow identified, the only remaining pair of faces must be Orange and Purple.

Question 10: A map uses a grid where each column is labelled A–F (west to east) and each row is numbered 1–6 (north to south). A patrol starts at B3, moves 2 columns east and 1 row south. What is the patrol's new grid reference?

D3
E4
D4 (Correct answer)
C4

Correct answer: D4

Starting at B3: 2 columns east moves B→D; 1 row south moves 3→4, giving D4.

Question 11: Pipe A fills a tank in 4 hours, Pipe B in 6 hours, and Pipe C drains it in 12 hours. With all three open, how long to fill the empty tank?

6 hours
4 hours
2 hours
3 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 hours

Net rate = 1/4 + 1/6 − 1/12 = 3/12 + 2/12 − 1/12 = 4/12 = 1/3 per h; time = 3 hours.

Question 12: What is 150% of 60?

80
100
75
90 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 90

150% of 60 = 1.5 × 60 = 90.

Question 13: A company of 150 soldiers is preparing for a mission. 10% of the soldiers are assigned to vehicle maintenance. Of the remaining soldiers, one-third are assigned to guard duty. How many soldiers are left for the main mission force?

45
100
90 (Correct answer)
135

Correct answer: 90

First, calculate the number of soldiers on vehicle maintenance: 10% of 150 is 15. Subtract this from the total to find the remaining soldiers: 150 - 15 = 135. Next, calculate the number on guard duty from the remainder: one-third of 135 is 45. Finally, subtract the guard duty soldiers from the remaining number to find the final count for the main mission: 135 - 45 = 90.

Question 14: All members of Unit A are assigned to the northern sector. No members assigned to the northern sector have leave this week. What must be true?

Some northern sector members are not in Unit A
No members of Unit A have leave this week (Correct answer)
Unit A members never receive leave
Some members of Unit A have leave this week

Correct answer: No members of Unit A have leave this week

Unit A ⊆ northern sector, and northern sector ∩ leave = empty, so Unit A ∩ leave = empty.

Question 15: FLEET is to SHIPS as SQUADRON is to:

Soldiers
Aircraft (Correct answer)
Tanks
Submarines

Correct answer: Aircraft

A fleet is an organized group of ships; a squadron is an organized group of aircraft.

Question 16: Three teams — Alpha, Bravo, Charlie — each completed a different task: navigation, communications, or first aid. Alpha did not do navigation. Bravo did not do first aid. Charlie did communications. Which team did navigation?

Alpha
Charlie
Cannot be determined
Bravo (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Bravo

Charlie = communications; Alpha excluded from navigation → Alpha = first aid; leaving navigation for Bravo.

Question 17: A military convoy travels from Base A to Base B. The first 180 km of the trip is on a paved highway at an average speed of 90 km/h. The remaining 70 km is on a dirt road at an average speed of 40 km/h. What is the total travel time for the entire journey?

4 hours
3 hours, 15 minutes
2 hours, 50 minutes
3 hours, 45 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 hours, 45 minutes

The problem must be solved in two parts. First, calculate the time for the highway portion: Time = Distance / Speed = 180 km / 90 km/h = 2 hours. Second, calculate the time for the dirt road portion: Time = 70 km / 40 km/h = 1.75 hours. The total travel time is the sum of the two parts: 2 hours + 1.75 hours = 3.75 hours. To convert 0.75 hours to minutes, multiply by 60 (0.75 * 60 = 45 minutes). The total time is 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Question 18: A square pyramid has a square base and 4 triangular sides. Its unfolded net contains:

4 triangles only
1 square and 3 triangles
1 square and 4 triangles (Correct answer)
2 squares and 2 triangles

Correct answer: 1 square and 4 triangles

The net includes the square base plus all 4 triangular side faces for a total of 5 shapes.

Question 19: Sergeant is to Corporal as Captain is to ___

Colonel
General
Lieutenant (Correct answer)
Major

Correct answer: Lieutenant

A Sergeant outranks a Corporal (one step above); a Captain outranks a Lieutenant (one step above) in the same way.

Question 20: Find the next number: 3, 5, 9, 17, 33, ?

57
49
65 (Correct answer)
66

Correct answer: 65

Each term equals (previous × 2) − 1, so 33 × 2 − 1 = 65.

Question 21: What letter comes next: A, C, F, J, O, ___?

T
V
U (Correct answer)
W

Correct answer: U

The gaps increase by one each step: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6; O is the 15th letter, and 15+6=21=U.

Question 22: The net of a triangular prism contains exactly how many faces?

5 (Correct answer)
3
4
6

Correct answer: 5

A triangular prism has 5 faces: 2 triangular end caps and 3 rectangular side panels.

Question 23: Employees at a discounted appliance store get an extra 20% off the lowest price on any item. If an employee buys a dishwasher during a 15% discount sale, how much will he pay if the appliance was originally $450?

$306.00 (Correct answer)
$280.90
$287.00
$292.50

Correct answer: $306.00

First, calculate the price after the 15% discount: $450 * (1 - 0.15) = $450 * 0.85 = $382.50. Then, apply the employee's 20% discount to this new price: $382.50 * (1 - 0.20) = $382.50 * 0.80 = $306.00. The employee will pay $306.00.

Question 24: Choose the word most similar in meaning to ARDUOUS.

Amusing
Strenuous (Correct answer)
Simple
Rapid

Correct answer: Strenuous

Arduous means requiring great effort or labor, which is closest in meaning to strenuous.

Question 25: A map has a scale of 1:50,000. Two points are 4 cm apart on the map. What is the actual distance?

2 km (Correct answer)
1 km
5 km
20 km

Correct answer: 2 km

4 cm × 50,000 = 200,000 cm = 2,000 m = 2 km.

Question 26: What comes next: 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, ___?

30
34 (Correct answer)
29
33

Correct answer: 34

Each term is the sum of the two preceding terms (Fibonacci): 13+21=34.

Question 27: Which word best completes the sentence? 'The new recruit showed _______ courage under heavy enemy fire.'

Mediocre
Dubious
Reluctant
Exemplary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Exemplary

Exemplary means outstanding or serving as a desirable model, fitting the context of praiseworthy courage.

Question 28: A rectangular prism (box) has three different pairs of faces: top/bottom, front/back, and left/right. Its net laid flat will always contain how many total rectangles?

4
6 (Correct answer)
5
8

Correct answer: 6

A rectangular prism has exactly 6 faces (3 pairs of opposite rectangles), so its net always contains 6 rectangles.

Question 29: A net consists of a central equilateral triangle with one equilateral triangle attached to each of its three edges. When folded, this creates:

A tetrahedron (Correct answer)
An octahedron
A square pyramid
A triangular prism

Correct answer: A tetrahedron

One central triangle plus three attached triangles gives 4 total faces, which fold into a tetrahedron (triangular pyramid).

Question 30: Which mirror image is correct for the figure showing an arrow pointing up-right with a circle at its base?

Arrow pointing up-right with circle at top
Arrow pointing up-left with circle at base (Correct answer)
Arrow pointing down-right with circle at top
Arrow pointing down-left with circle at base

Correct answer: Arrow pointing up-left with circle at base

A vertical mirror reflection reverses left-right orientation while keeping up-down the same, so up-right becomes up-left.

Question 31: After weeks of rigorous training, the recruits were _______ and ready for deployment.

conditioned (Correct answer)
demoralized
exhausted
indifferent

Correct answer: conditioned

"Conditioned" means physically and mentally prepared through training, fitting the context of readiness for deployment.

Question 32: PHYSICIAN is to PATIENT as ATTORNEY is to:

Verdict
Client (Correct answer)
Judge
Courtroom

Correct answer: Client

A physician provides professional services to a patient, just as an attorney provides professional services to a client.

Question 33: A pair of identically dense balls, one big and one small, are rolled in the same direction at the same pace. What will happen to the bigger ball when they collide?

Be propelled backward
Continue Forward (Correct answer)
Be propelled backward
Jump over the small ball

Correct answer: Continue Forward

This scenario involves principles of momentum and inertia. The larger ball, despite having the same density and initial speed, possesses greater mass and therefore greater momentum than the smaller ball. Upon collision, the larger ball will transfer some momentum to the smaller ball, but its own greater inertia will cause it to continue moving forward, albeit potentially at a slightly reduced speed, rather than being propelled backward.

Question 34: A dodecahedron has 12 pentagonal faces. Its flat net contains how many pentagons?

10
11
14
12 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12

A net must include every face of the 3D shape, so a dodecahedron's net contains all 12 pentagons.

Question 35: SYRINGE is to INJECT as SCALPEL is to:

Probe
Clamp
Sew
Incise (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Incise

A syringe is used to inject; a scalpel is used to incise (cut).

Question 36: A hexagonal prism net contains two hexagonal end faces and how many rectangular side faces?

5
4
8
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

A hexagonal prism has 6 rectangular side faces — one for each edge of the hexagonal base — plus 2 hexagonal end faces.

Question 37: The pilot demonstrated _______ skill in landing the aircraft under extremely difficult weather conditions.

minimal
mediocre
ordinary
remarkable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: remarkable

"Remarkable" means extraordinary or worthy of attention, which fits the difficulty of landing in extreme weather.

Question 38: How many distinct flat arrangements (hexominoes) of 6 squares can be folded into a valid cube?

14
11 (Correct answer)
9
8

Correct answer: 11

There are exactly 11 distinct hexominoes that can be folded into a cube — a proven geometric result.

Question 39: Mentally rotating a 3D object to match it with its correct flat net — as required in CFAT spatial tests — is an example of:

Mathematical induction
Sequential pattern recognition
Spatial reasoning (Correct answer)
Crystallographic analysis

Correct answer: Spatial reasoning

Matching a 3D shape to its net by mental rotation and visualization is a core spatial reasoning skill tested on aptitude exams.

Question 40: Which number is next in the sequence: 100, 91, 83, 76, 70, ___?

65 (Correct answer)
66
64
63

Correct answer: 65

The decrements shrink by one each step: −9,−8,−7,−6,−5, so 70−5=65.

Question 41: The recruits were instructed to _______ the map carefully before beginning the navigation exercise.

summarize
discard
study (Correct answer)
ignore

Correct answer: study

"Study" means to examine carefully and thoroughly, which is necessary before completing a navigation exercise.

Question 42: A patrol jeep travels at 80 km/h for 45 minutes. How far does it travel?

72 km
55 km
45 km
60 km (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60 km

45 minutes = 0.75 hours; distance = 80 × 0.75 = 60 km.

Question 43: Which of the following word pairs has the same relationship as HEAT : EVAPORATION?

Study : Graduation (Correct answer)
Thirst : Drink
Seed : Plant
Cold : Ice

Correct answer: Study : Graduation

The relationship is 'cause and effect'. Heat causes evaporation. Similarly, studying can cause graduation (achieving a diploma). While cold can cause ice (effect/cause), and a seed can become a plant (object to outcome), studying directly leads to the event of graduation in the same causal way.

Question 44: A soldier marches at 6 km/h for 2 hours, then at 4 km/h for 3 hours. What is his average speed for the entire march?

4.8 km/h (Correct answer)
5.2 km/h
5.0 km/h
4.5 km/h

Correct answer: 4.8 km/h

Total distance = 12 + 12 = 24 km; total time = 5 h; average = 24 ÷ 5 = 4.8 km/h.

Question 45: If you rotate a capital letter 'N' 90 degrees clockwise, which letter does it most closely resemble?

W
S
M
Z (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Z

Rotating 'N' 90 degrees clockwise produces a shape that closely resembles the letter 'Z'.

Question 46: The mission required _______ coordination between all units to ensure a successful outcome.

casual
occasional
precise (Correct answer)
minimal

Correct answer: precise

"Precise" means exact and carefully accurate, which is needed when multiple units must work together effectively.

Question 47: Examine the provided 2D net. Which of the answer choices represents the correct 3D object when the net is folded? (Image shows a net with a central rectangular face, with two smaller square faces attached to its shorter sides, and two triangular faces attached to its longer sides.)

A cube
A cylinder
A square pyramid
A triangular prism (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A triangular prism

The provided net consists of three rectangular/square faces and two triangular faces. When folded, the two triangular faces form the ends, and the three rectangular/square faces form the sides. This configuration creates a triangular prism.

Question 48: A series shows a shape and its mirror image side by side. Each step, both shapes rotate 180°. If figure 1 shows (▶ ◀), what does figure 3 show?

▶ ▶
◀ ◀
▶ ◀ (Correct answer)
◀ ▶

Correct answer: ▶ ◀

Two rotations of 180° total 360°, returning the pair to its original orientation (▶ ◀).

Question 49: Private Smith can paint a wall in 3 hours, while Private Jones can paint the same wall in 6 hours. If they work together, how long will it take them to paint the wall?

2 hours (Correct answer)
9 hours
4.5 hours
1.5 hours

Correct answer: 2 hours

First, determine their individual work rates. Smith's rate is 1/3 of the wall per hour. Jones's rate is 1/6 of the wall per hour. Their combined rate is the sum of their individual rates: 1/3 + 1/6 = 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6 = 1/2 wall per hour. To find the total time, take the reciprocal of their combined rate: 1 / (1/2) = 2 hours.

Question 50: A car's selling price is $12,590, which is 20% off its original price. What was the initial price?

$14,310.40
$14,990.90
$15,108.00
$15,737.50 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $15,737.50

If the selling price of $12,590 is 20% off the original price, it means the selling price represents 80% (100% - 20%) of the original price. To find the original price, divide the selling price by 0.80. So, $12,590 / 0.80 = $15,737.50.

Question 51: A soldier marches 24 km in 6 hours. What is his average speed?

5 km/h
6 km/h
4 km/h (Correct answer)
3 km/h

Correct answer: 4 km/h

Speed = distance ÷ time = 24 ÷ 6 = 4 km/h.

Question 52: Two soldiers run from the same point in opposite directions at 8 km/h and 10 km/h. How far apart are they after 1.5 hours?

30 km
24 km
18 km
27 km (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 27 km

Combined speed = 18 km/h; distance = 18 × 1.5 = 27 km.

Question 53: If the code for ARMY is 1-18-13-25 (using alphabet position), what is the code for BASE?

2-1-19-5 (Correct answer)
3-1-19-5
2-1-20-5
2-2-19-5

Correct answer: 2-1-19-5

B=2, A=1, S=19, E=5, giving the code 2-1-19-5.

Question 54: The veteran soldier's _______ was evident in the way he handled the unexpected challenge without flinching.

confusion
anxiety
inexperience
composure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: composure

"Composure" means calmness and self-control, which is demonstrated by handling unexpected challenges without flinching.

Question 55: NOCTURNAL is to NIGHT as DIURNAL is to:

Day (Correct answer)
Dusk
Evening
Morning

Correct answer: Day

Nocturnal describes activity during night; diurnal describes activity during day.

Question 56: What comes next in the sequence: 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 16, ?

23
22 (Correct answer)
21
20

Correct answer: 22

Differences between terms are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 — the next difference is 6, giving 16 + 6 = 22.

Question 57: BARREN is to FERTILE as ARID is to:

Dry
Humid (Correct answer)
Parched
Dusty

Correct answer: Humid

Barren (unable to produce) is the opposite of fertile; arid (extremely dry) is the opposite of humid.

Question 58: A formula gives output = (input × 3) − 7. If the output is 26, what is the input?

11 (Correct answer)
12
10
9

Correct answer: 11

3x − 7 = 26 → 3x = 33 → x = 11.

Question 59: If Jenny can paint a property in 4 hours and Mark can paint the same house in 6 hours, how long will it take for both of them to paint the house?

2 hours and 24 minutes (Correct answer)
3 hours and 44 minutes
3 hours and 12 minutes
4 hours and 10 minutes

Correct answer: 2 hours and 24 minutes

Jenny's rate is 1/4 house per hour, and Mark's rate is 1/6 house per hour. When working together, their combined rate is 1/4 + 1/6 = 3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12 house per hour. To find the total time, take the reciprocal of the combined rate: 1 / (5/12) = 12/5 hours. Converting 12/5 hours to hours and minutes gives 2 hours and (2/5 * 60) = 24 minutes, so 2 hours and 24 minutes.

Question 60: A radio signal is transmitted every 15 minutes. The first signal is sent at 06:00. How many signals will have been sent by 08:30 (inclusive)?

10
12
11 (Correct answer)
9

Correct answer: 11

From 06:00 to 08:30 is 150 minutes; 150÷15=10 intervals, which means 11 signals (including the one at 06:00).

CFAT – Canadian Forces Aptitude Test

The Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) is a mandatory multiple-choice aptitude test administered by the Canadian Armed Forces to all applicants. It consists of 60 questions across three sections — Verbal Skills, Spatial Ability, and Problem Solving — with a total time limit of 60 minutes. There is no single passing score; the required score varies by military occupation.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

50%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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canada.ca — Retake policy, eligibility · verified Oct 2026