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Defence aptitude assessment (DAA)

What is it?

The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is an essential part of the joining process. You will undertake series of tests, which evaluate your knowledge, understanding and performance in key areas vital to career success within the Royal Navy.

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 will I have to do?

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 7 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

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

Practice the DAA

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 practise tests again until you feel comfortable.
Part 1

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
Practice Verbal reasoning
Part 2

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
Practice Numerical Reasoning
Part 3

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
Practice Work Rate
Part 4

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
Practice Spatial Reasoning
part 5

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
Practice Electrical Comprehension
part 6

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
Practice Mechanical Comprehension

What happens 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
If you're unsuccessful

If you’re unsuccessful on your DAA you will receive a certificate informing you:

  • You have been unsuccessful for your chosen role, or
  • Details of other roles your DAA results will qualify you for

If you have not achieved the required scores on your assessment for your chosen role you will be able to:

  • Retake the test in 28 days’ time (you can take the DAA up to 2 times) or
  • Discuss your results with your Careers Adviser to see if your results suit another role with the Royal Navy, or
  • If you withdraw or your application is rejected your DAA results are valid for 3 years.
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