If you’re aiming to join a flight school or an airline cadet program, you will almost certainly encounter the COMPASS test one of the aviation industry’s leading pilot aptitude assessments.
Despite its importance, many applicants feel unsure about what the test actually includes, how to prepare, and what the different modules truly measure.
This guide gives you one complete overview of the COMPASS test, including:
- All modules explained clearly
- What each section measures
- Examples
- Preparation tips
- EPST-specific insights
Whether you’re applying to EPST Phase 1, CAE, FTE Jerez, or any school using COMPASS, this article will help you prepare with confidence.
What Is the COMPASS Test?
COMPASS stands for Computerized Pilot Aptitude Screening System.
It is a computer-based assessment designed to measure a candidate’s pilot potential not aviation knowledge or flying experience.
It evaluates whether you have the native cognitive and coordination abilities required for flight training.
The COMPASS Test Measures: Hand eye foot coordination, Multitasking ability, Mental arithmetic, Short-term memory, Spatial orientation, English skills & Reaction time.
These abilities are essential for flying and help schools predict how well you will perform in aircraft or simulators.
COMPASS Test Modules
The exact modules vary slightly by flight school, but the main components remain the same. Below, you’ll find a complete explanation of each module.
1. Control Test (Tracking & Coordination)
The Control Test is one of the most important and challenging parts of COMPASS. It measures your ability to coordinate your hands, feet, and eyes simultaneously.
Your Task
You control two instruments at once:
- A ball drifting left/right (controlled with rudder pedals)
- A needle moving on a gauge (controlled with a joystick or yoke)
How Controls Work
- If the ball drifts right, press the left pedal
- If the ball drifts left, press the right pedal
This is based on real aircraft yaw control.
What Makes It Hard
- You must constantly switch your focus
- You can’t “fixate” on one instrument
- Small, smooth corrections are required
- It becomes harder as the speed increases
What It Measures
- Coordination, Reaction time, Divided attention, Precision
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcorrect
- Keep movements smooth
- Scan both instruments continuously
- Stay relaxed — tension leads to jerky inputs
2. Math Test (Mental Arithmetic)
The Math module contains simple but fast-paced arithmetic.
The difficulty is not the math itself, but the time pressure.
Included in This Section
- Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Long division & Multiplication tables.
What’s NOT Included
- No algebra, No geometry, No word problems, No aviation questions.
Why It Matters
Pilots constantly perform mental calculations:
- Fuel, Altitude/vertical speed, Descent planning, Speed &Time.
Preparation Tips
- Practice without a calculator
- Memorize multiplication tables
- Use mental shortcuts
- Practice long division in your head
- Train under time pressure
3. Memory Test
This test evaluates your short-term memory and your ability to recall information under pressure.
Typical Formats
- Number sequences, Symbols, Positions on a grid, Flash sequences that disappear after 1–2 seconds
What It Measures
- Working memory, Accuracy, Attention & Your ability to retain ATC instructions or checklists.
How to Prepare
- Use memory apps
- Practice chunking numbers
- Repetition drills
- Visualization techniques
4. Spatial Orientation Test
This module tests your ability to visualize orientation and position, an essential pilot skill.
Common Tasks
- Determining aircraft attitude
- Rotating objects in 3D
- Matching views to instruments
Why It Matters
Pilots constantly interpret pitch, roll, direction & orientation in space.
How to Prepare
3D puzzle apps, Mental rotation exercises, Flight simulator practice.
5. English Test
The aviation world uses English as its standard language, so COMPASS includes a basic English module.
Areas Covered
Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading comprehension, Synonyms, antonyms & Basic aviation Terminology.
Difficulty
Moderate level similar to secondary school English.
How to Prepare
- Read aviation news, Practice grammar basics, Learn ICAO phraseology.
6. Multitasking Test
This test simulates cockpit workload.
You will perform two or more tasks at once, such as: Simple calculations, Keeping a target centered and Responding to audio cues.
How to Improve
- Multitasking games, Dual-task exercises, Practice math while doing a second task (e.g., tracking a cursor)
7. Physics/Science Module (Not Always Included)
Some flight schools include a simple science module.
Typical Questions
- Speed = distance ÷ time
- Basic forces
- Pressure & temperature
- Mechanics basics
Difficulty
Very basic high-school level.
What Passing COMPASS Really Means
The COMPASS test is designed to evaluate whether you have the natural abilities required to become a pilot. It doesn’t expect perfection. It doesn’t require experience.
It simply checks whether you can learn to fly effectively.
If you understand the modules and practice the basics especially coordination, math, and multitasking. You’ll walk into the test with confidence.