The Army Cognitive Test: what the five parts involve

The Army Cognitive Test (ACT) is part of selection for the British Army. It is made up of five parts, each testing a different skill. Always check the latest information from the British Army before your test.

The five parts

• Error Detection: spot mistakes quickly and accurately.
• Orientation: work out positions and directions while following rules.
• Number Fluency: quick mental arithmetic.
• Word Rules: remember information and apply it a moment later.
• Deductive Reasoning: draw the right conclusion from a set of statements.

How to practise

Start by learning the format of each part without a clock. Once you know what is being asked, add a time limit and practise in short, regular sessions.

Tip: Practise under time pressure. Most questions are not hard on their own, but the time is tight.

Our Army Cognitive Test course covers all five parts in the format of the real test, with an explanation for every answer.