Practice test · COMPASS

COMPASS Test for Pilots: Practice for Each Test, With Explanations

Practice in the style of the COMPASS pilot aptitude tests: maths, memory, orientation, coordination and multitasking. An example for each test, five questions to try on this page and the full practice plan behind it.

The COMPASS plan

10 modules
  1. Spatial orientation1 block
  2. Short-term memory1 block
  3. Maths test in the style of COMPASS24 open questions
  4. Maths: practice by question type12 question types
  5. Technical comprehension (physics)15 questions
01 · What you practise

What the COMPASS Practice Covers

10 modules

10 practice tests in the style of COMPASS and 6 multiple-choice modules

  • Spatial orientationRead instruments and work out position and headingAvailable with Pilot Pass1 block · about 10 min
  • Short-term memoryRemember and recall sequencesAvailable with Pilot Pass1 block · about 10 min
  • Maths test in the style of COMPASSMental arithmetic with open answers, no calculatorWeekly set with an account24 open questions · 20 minutes
  • Maths: practice by question typeWorked solutions per question typeAvailable with Pilot Pass12 question types · about 10 min
  • Technical comprehension (physics)Multiple-choice physics questionsWeekly set with an account15 questions · 15 minutes
  • Physics: practice by topicAn explanation after every questionAvailable with Pilot Pass9 topics · about 10 min
  • Arithmetic: mixed problemsTimed mixed arithmeticAvailable with Pilot Pass1 block · about 15 min
  • Basic coordinationKeep a needle and a ball centred at the same time, with reversed controlsAvailable with Pilot PassOn a computer3 blocks · about 10 min
  • Advanced coordinationThe same dual task with faster driftAvailable with Pilot PassOn a computer3 blocks · about 10 min
  • MultitaskingRespond to several signals at once: colours, directions and soundsAvailable with Pilot PassOn a computer3 blocks · about 10 min

The COMPASS plan also includes the six multiple-choice modules: numerical reasoning (76 questions), verbal reasoning (134), abstract reasoning (23), number series (55), mathematics (712) and physics (637), 10 minutes a set.

What COMPASS Contains

COMPASS is a product of European Pilot Selection & Training (EPST). The publisher lists the tests Control, Slalom, Mathematics, Memory, Task manager and Orientation, and also a technical comprehension (physics) test, Aviation English and verbal reasoning. Flying experience is not required.

Publisher testOur practice
Control and SlalomBasic coordination and Advanced coordination
MathematicsMaths test in the style of COMPASS, Maths by question type, Arithmetic: mixed problems
MemoryShort-term memory
Task managerMultitasking
OrientationSpatial orientation
Tech-testTechnical comprehension (physics) and Physics by topic
What you practiseThe main COMPASS test types, in our own tasks and questions.
What you get on topWorked solutions for the maths types, an explanation after every physics question and your score per test.
DeviceMaths, memory, orientation and physics on any device. Coordination and multitasking on a computer.
02 · Examples

An Example Question per Module

Our own questions, written for practice

Mathematics

Example · our own question

You climb at 1,500 ft per minute from 3,000 ft to 11,000 ft. How long does the climb take? Answer in minutes and seconds.

Open answer5 min 20 s

Worked answer

5 min 20 s.

  1. Height to climb: 11,000 minus 3,000 is 8,000 ft.
  2. 8,000 divided by 1,500 is 5⅓ minutes.
  3. A third of a minute is 20 seconds: 5 min 20 s.

TipSimplify before you divide: 8,000 / 1,500 is the same as 16 / 3.

Short-term memory

Example · our own question
K7R2M9T4(shown for 4 seconds)

Which item came directly after R2?

  • K7
  • M9
  • T4
  • R2
Worked answer

M9.

  1. Group the list into two pairs: K7 R2, then M9 T4.
  2. R2 closes the first pair, so M9 comes next.

TipThe publisher describes the memory test as recall and the ability to 'chunk' information. Practise saying the items as two short groups.

Spatial orientation

Example · our own question

Your heading indicator shows 180°. The airfield is on a bearing of 270° from you. Which is the shortest turn onto that bearing?

  • Left 90°
  • Right 90°
  • Right 180°
  • Left 180°
Worked answer

Right through 90°.

  1. From 180° to 270° is plus 90°.
  2. An increasing heading means a right turn.

TipTurning left through 270° would also get you there; the shortest turn is 90° right.

Technical comprehension (physics)

Example · our own question

A force of 500 N acts evenly on an area of 0.25 m². What is the pressure?

  • 125 Pa
  • 500 Pa
  • 1,250 Pa
  • 2,000 Pa
Worked answer

2,000 Pa.

  1. Pressure is force divided by area.
  2. 500 N divided by 0.25 m² is 2,000 N/m², which is 2,000 Pa.

TipDividing by a quarter is the same as multiplying by four.

Arithmetic: mixed problems

Example · our own question

Your ground speed is 150 kt. How far do you fly in 12 minutes?

  • 18 NM
  • 25 NM
  • 30 NM
  • 36 NM
Worked answer

30 NM.

  1. 12 minutes is one fifth of an hour.
  2. 150 divided by 5 is 30 NM.

TipTurn minutes into a simple fraction of an hour: 6 minutes is a tenth, 12 is a fifth, 15 is a quarter.

Coordination and multitasking

On a computer

These tasks run in real time, so there is no single example question. Try a block in the plan with a mouse or keyboard.

Try a Coordination Block
03 · Mini round

Try Five Questions, Timed

Mini round · question 1 of 5
0:45

What is 15% of 240?

45 seconds per question on our practice timer. Work without a calculator.
After five questions

Your Score, Then the Full Plan

  • Correct answers? / 5
  • Average time? s
  • Next stepCOMPASS plan

No account needed for this round

Start the COMPASS Practice Plan
04 · Scoring

Scoring and Time Pressure

The publisher describes the mathematics test as a test of understanding and speed. The EPST page does not describe how COMPASS is scored, so our plan focuses on what you can measure yourself.

  • The COMPASS mathematics test looks at basic applied mathematical understanding and speed.
  • The task manager test looks at scanning the screen and handling two tasks accurately and quickly.
  • Accuracy

    80%Example

    Your share of correct answers per test, after every attempt.

  • Time per item

    31 sExample · of 45

    How long you take per maths question, so you can build speed without a calculator.

  • Progress

    +12Example · pts · 3 sets

    Your trend across attempts, so you see which test needs work.

05 · Airlines

Which Airlines Use COMPASS

All airline guides

Airlines and programmes that name COMPASS in their own selection information.

  • Emirates Flight Training Academy

    Cadet programme

    Test: COMPASS

    Compass is an online aptitude test covering five modules. It involves visualisation and the use of controls.

    emiratesflighttrainingacademy.com
    Airline Guide
  • Emirates

    Experienced pilots (first officer and direct entry captain)

    Test: Advanced COMPASS

    Stage two is held in Dubai over a two-day period and consists of simulator assessments, Advanced Compass, and Emirates medical assessment.

    emiratesgroupcareers.com
    Airline Guide
  • Transavia

    Transavia Airline Pilot Program (MPL)

    Test: COMPASS and CPP

    Online selection: your flying-related competencies are tested through COMPASS and CPP tests.

    werkenbijtransavia.comTranslated from Dutch
    Airline Guide
  • Transavia

    First officer (direct entry)

    Test: COMPASS and CPP

    Assessments: COMPASS and CPP tests, online or at EPST in Utrecht.

    werkenbijtransavia.comTranslated from Dutch
    Airline Guide
  • SpiceJet

    SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Programme (Spice Star Academy)

    Test: COMPASS

    COMPASS Test Computerized Pilot Aptitude Screening System Multiple-choice questions.

    pilot.spicestaracademy.edu.in
    Airline Guide
  • Brussels Airlines

    Brussels Airlines MPL Cadet Program (with Skywings Flight Training)

    Test: COMPASS

    DAY 1 Compass test Math & Physics Screening English test

    skywings.be
    Airline Guide

Filled from the airline record, only where the airline or its programme names the test itself.

06 · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does COMPASS consist of?

The publisher, European Pilot Selection & Training (EPST), lists Control, Slalom, Mathematics, Memory, Task manager and Orientation, plus a technical comprehension (physics) test, Aviation English and verbal reasoning. Which parts you take depends on the airline or academy.

What is in the COMPASS practice plan?

Ten practice tests in the style of COMPASS: spatial orientation, short-term memory, a 24-question maths test with open answers, maths by question type, a 15-question physics test, physics by topic, mixed arithmetic, basic and advanced coordination and multitasking. Six multiple-choice modules come on top.

Can I use a calculator in the maths practice?

No. Our maths test in the style of COMPASS has 24 open questions in 20 minutes without a calculator, so you build mental arithmetic and speed. The publisher describes its mathematics test as a test of understanding and speed.

Can I practise COMPASS coordination at home?

Yes, on a computer. Our coordination and multitasking blocks work with a mouse or keyboard. Maths, memory, orientation and physics run on any device.

Which airlines use COMPASS?

Airlines and academies that name COMPASS in their own selection information include Emirates Flight Training Academy, Emirates (Advanced COMPASS for experienced pilots), Transavia, SpiceJet and the Brussels Airlines MPL Cadet Program. Each airline guide lists the tests the airline confirms.

Do I need an account?

No. You can try 8 questions per multiple-choice module without an account, up to 3 sets a day on one device. The maths and physics tests in the style of COMPASS come with an account, and the Pilot Pass adds every question and the interactive tests.

Practice · COMPASS

Ready for the Full COMPASS Plan?

Ten practice tests in the style of COMPASS plus six multiple-choice modules, with your time per item and your progress per test.

COMPASS Test for Pilots | PilotinQ