Overview
The Army Cognitive Test (ACT) is the computer-based aptitude test used in British Army soldier recruitment, replacing the earlier British Army Recruit Battery (BARB). It measures problem-solving, reasoning and information-processing speed, and the result affects which Army trades and roles a candidate is eligible for.
Exam pattern
The test takes around 45 minutes and is made up of roughly 200 multiple-choice questions across five timed sections, each with 30 to 60 questions: Error Detection (spotting differences between an original and copied text), Orientation, Number Fluency, Word Rules, and Deductive Reasoning.
Marking and results
There is no fixed pass mark in the usual sense; a candidate's score is used to determine which roles and trades they are eligible to apply for within the Army, with a higher score generally opening up a wider range of role options.
Preparation tips
Because the test is fast-paced and time-limited rather than difficult in content, practising working quickly and accurately under time pressure — especially on error-detection and number-fluency style questions — tends to help more than deep subject revision.
Is the Army Cognitive Test a pass/fail test?
No, there is no single pass mark; the score determines which Army roles and trades a candidate is eligible for.
How long does the Army Cognitive Test take?
Around 45 minutes, across five timed sections covering roughly 200 questions in total.