If you are considering a career in Army Aviation then you will certainly be looking for tried and tested ways to pass the SIFT Test. The Selection Instrument for Flight Training is one of the earliest hurdles to pass in pursuit of an aviation career. Much of the advice on how to pass the SIFT test is outdated and refers to previous versions of the aviation selection test. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article we will explore tried and tested ways to study for and pass the SIFT test with a high score. No matter which methods you choose, you will need to put in hard work in order to gain familiarity with the SIFT test sections. We highly recommend making use of a good SIFT Study guide in order to understand the material and benefit from practice SIFT tests.
How To Pass The SIFT Test : The Basics
The first thing you need to know about the SIFT Test is the basic information regarding the structure and process of the test. The entire Selection Instrument for Flight Training is conducted on computer. You are provided with a pencil and paper to do rough working out on. There are seven SIFT Test sections which consist of various areas related either to aviation specifically or general intelligence tests. Some test sections have a fixed number of questions and others have a variable number depending on your performance. The time allocated for each section of the SIFT Test varies between two minutes and forty minutes and the number of questions ranges between 20 and 100. A key part of your SIFT Test preparation is gaining a feel for the time needed on each section so each question can be answered within its proper time.
SIFT Test Study Methods
Studying for the SIFT Test primarily consists of two areas of focus – gaining a familiarity with the contents of the SIFT test and becoming comfortable with passing practice tests under timed conditions. A SIFT study guide with a chapter on each test section is the best way to gain an understanding of the material you will be tested on. Depending on the section you are preparing for, you will either need to be able to demonstrate a practical skill, such as finding a hidden image, or make use of theoretical knowledge, such as explaining the physics behind helicopter flight. The exact questions you will face in each section of the SIFT Test are different from any other test taker. For this reason, it is better to gain a general familiarity with the material rather than preparing in anticipation of particular questions.
The only way to properly gauge if you have absorbed material for the SIFT test is to take a practice test. The best SIFT study guides will have one or more practice tests. When taking these tests, it is important to do so under test conditions. This means strictly obeying the time limits for each SIFT test section and not using any notes or study materials for the duration of the test.
SIFT Test Tips
The first essential method you need to use to pass the SIFT test is to divide the time for each test section upper question. This means that you know exactly how long you can spend considering the various answers before moving on to the next question. In almost all instances it is important to use a logical process of elimination to narrow down the answers which are possible. This allows you to make an educated guess with better odds should you run out of time and have to move on.
Knowing the specific format of each question for the SIFT test is an important pass of getting a good score. For example, you should know how many multiple choice answers you will be given to choose from, if the questions are visual or written and also the way in which you should eliminate wrong answers. The only way to really gain familiarity with this aspect of the SIFT test is by taking practice tests and identifying question types you struggle on.
There are several methods of preparation that will help you to pass the SIFT test that do not directly involve the test. Many flight instructors feel they have learned how to pass the SIFT Test – by undergoing either actual flight training before taking the test, or making use of a realistic flight simulator program. This is particularly useful for the Spatial Apperception Test which requires test takers to identify the position of an aircraft in three-dimensional space. Experience at using Aviation craft controls, particularly helicopter controls, is an advantage for the Army Aviation Information Test (AAIT) portion of the SIFT.
How To Pass The SIFT Test With A Good Score
One key thing to keep in mind about passing the SIFT test is the first passing score you get is your permanent grade. A pass score is 40 which is a below average score. There is no process by which you are able to take the SIFT test again to improve your score. On top of that, you are only allowed to take the SIFT test a maximum of twice in your lifetime. If you fail the test twice then you are not allowed to take it again and your Army Aviation hopes are finished. For this reason, it is important to aim to pass the SIFT test the first time with a high score. This means spreading study time equally between sections and ensuring each section can be completed within its allocated time.
The only way to maximize your chances of getting a high score is by identifying which sections of the SIFT Test you are stronger and weaker on. This gives you the chance to fill the gaps in your knowledge ahead of the actual test. You may also notice that one section of the test is more problematic than the others in terms of timing. If this is the case, it gives you the chance to become more punctual with your time limits by taking practice tests.
Final Thoughts On How To Pass The SIFT Test
There is no substitute for the following three-step process while you are preparing for the SIFT test –
1. Familiarize yourself with the SIFT Test sections and timings
2. Learn the material in a SIFT Study Guide and identify weak spots
3. Take practice SIFT Tests under timed conditions
A final piece of advice is to be sure to respect each section of the SIFT test. Some SIFT candidates make the mistake of assuming the simpler sections, such as Simple Drawings, are not worthy of study due to their lack of complexity. This is a mistake. Every section is testing in its own way – Simple Drawings, for example, is a test of speed. Only by taking practice tests will you be able to tell which sections are easier than others for you.
A good rule to go by when studying for the SIFT is to aim to consistently score 60 or above on the practice tests. The Army don’t reveal the way in which they view different SIFT scores but anecdotal reports strongly suggest that a score of 60 or higher makes a big difference towards your prospects of selection. A good SIFT score can make the difference between your dream aviation career or narrowly missing out on selection.
