Defence Aptitude Assessment

The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is an essential part of the joining process.

The tests that form it are recognised as strong indicators for in-job performance at all ranks, and across all Branches and Services of the Royal Navy.

What to expect from the DAA

The Defence Aptitude Assessment is a series of tests, which evaluate your knowledge, understanding and performance in key areas vital to career success within the Royal Navy.

Taking and Practising the DAA

To take the full DAA you will receive a link to access the assessment via the email address supplied on your application and then:

> Have to complete the DAA within 14 days of receiving the email
> Be able to set reminders to help you complete the test in time
> Be able to take the assessment on your own laptop, tablet or PC, with a minimum screen size of 10.2 inches
> Need to confirm your screen size is 10.2 inches or above to ensure your best performance is possible, or
> Be able to take the assessment at your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) on a Royal Navy provided device

Learn more and practise

You can read more about each of the DAA tests below and head over to practise each one. When practising the tests, relax, take your time and remember, you can always take the practice tests again until you feel comfortable. 

You can also visit your local AFCO to discuss the DAA in greater detail.

Verbal Reasoning

Part one of the DAA is a test of your Verbal Reasoning.

The test will assess your analysis of written information. It is designed to evaluate your:

  • Understanding and comprehension of what you've read
  • Thought processes in reaching your conclusions

Numerical Reasoning

Part two of the DAA is a test of your Numerical Reasoning.

In two parts, the test will assess your analysis of numerical information, such as figures and statistics, to evaluate your:

  • Interpretation of information
  • Calculation processes
  • Problem solving

Work rate

Part three of the DAA is a test of your Work Rate.

The test will assess how quickly and accurately you can reach conclusions. It is designed to evaluate your:

  • Analysis and answers to given information
  • Problem solving skills
  • Flexible thinking abilities

Spatial Reasoning

Part four of the DAA is a test of your Spatial Reasoning.

In two parts, the test will assess your understanding of shapes and objects. It is designed to evaluate your:

  • Capacity to work with two-dimensional (2D) objects
  • Capacity to work with three-dimensional (3D) objects
  • Identification and understanding of patterns

Electrical Comprehension

Part five of the DAA is a test of your Electrical Comprehension.

The test will assess your knowledge of electrical concepts. It is designed to evaluate, for example, your understanding of:

  • Electrical principles
  • Batteries, circuits and switches

Mechanical Comprehension

Part six of the DAA is a test of your Mechanical Comprehension.

The test will assess your knowledge of mechanical concepts. It is designed to evaluate, for example, your understanding of:

  • Moving systems and machinery, such as cogs, gears, pulleys and springs
  • Static mechanics such as balance, force and mass

What to expect next

Once your DAA has been processed you will receive the results. Your Careers Adviser will also be sent a copy of your results.

If you're successful

 If you’re successful on your DAA you will receive a certificate and progress to the Selection Interview.

Your certificate will contain:

  • A detailed breakdown of your results
  • Information for your selected role

For more information

To learn more about the DAA and what you need to achieve the highest mark possible, please contact your local AFCO for more information.

Find your careers office

Enter your postcode below to find you nearest Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO). Your AFCO will be able to advise you on the best roles for your skills and ambitions, and what to do next.


Practise the DAA

To have the best chance of passing the full DAA, these example questions are your opportunity to practise.