Ace Your ACT Test with Accurate and Realistic Army Cognitive Test Practice [2024]
Your performance on the British Army Cognitive Test (previously BARB) can determine your future military career.
The ACT test is 45 minutes long with 200 questions under five categories, where your ability to answer quickly is essential to success.
On this page, you’ll find accurate online practice and comprehensive info, including mock tests, guides, and tips for the ACT - so you can get the role you want in the army.
Keep scrolling to learn more, click here for a free sample test, or hit the "Get Started Now" button for instant access to the ACT practice pack.
Are you looking to become an officer? Check out our AOSB page.
Army Cognitive Test
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What Is the British ACT?
The 45-minute-long ACT, previously known as BARB, measures your soldier potential through problem-solving along with information processing tasks. It is divided into five aptitude tests, with each containing 30-60 questions with a 5-7.5-minute time limit: That's about 10 seconds per question!
The 5 categories of the ACT are:
- Orientation
- Error Detection
- Number Fluency
- Word Rules
- Deductive Reasoning
Note: The ACT / BARB is part of the assessment process known as the Army Aptitude Test. This includes:
- The Mandatory Army Cognitive Test which you can learn about and prepare for on this page.
- The Optional Technical Selection Test designed to see if you are fit for technical roles.
- The Numeracy & Literacy Tests, which are not mandatory if your Math and English GCSES grades fall between A to C (or equivalent exam results) respectively.
Army Cognitive Test Sample Questions
Number Fluency
Calculation 1: 6*9
Calculation 2: 7*8
Here you must decide which calculation is greater- the top one, the bottom one, or if both are equal.
Try it!
Word Rules
CATEGORIES: Colour Colour Colour
ITEMS: Pink Cyan Rope
Here you need to see if any items match the categories above them.
Try it!
How many items match the category above them?
Deductive Reasoning
1. Phone call before email.
2. Letter after phone call.
You are shown two facts and then must answer a question based on them.
The answer needs to be according to the logic the two facts dictate.
Try it! Which is first?
On the day of the ACT, you will answer 200 of these questions with 10 seconds for each one.
The Army Cognitive Test PrepPack™ has an easy-to-use method or trick for every type of question, so you don't have to be anxious about your performance.
What Are Army Cognitive Test / BARB Passing Scores?
| Role Description | GTI (ACT Score) Minimum |
| Household Cavalry Crewman/Mounted Duty | 44 |
| The Rifles/Parachute Regiment (Junior Entry) | 34 |
| The Rifles/Parachute Regiment (Senior Entry) | 26 |
| Royal Artillery | 38 |
ACT / BARB FAQ
The test is taken during your time in the assessment centre. Your recruiter may give you an online practice test beforehand to measure your chances, using the Mindmill Psychometric Assessment software.
This platform is used for various organizations to attract, recruit, and test potential candidates - with the Army as one of its users. The British Army Cognitive Test is conducted on the Mindmill platform.
For some people, the ACT sample questions may appear easy. However, the test is considered hard because your timing is measured- you must stay quick and accurate throughout the test. The need to balance speed and accuracy together with the pressure of time can make getting a sufficient score difficult.
Before heading out, make sure you’re prepared for the role you want: Prepare for the ACT (and any other tests you need to take) by working on your fitness level. Additionally, remember the final interview which will require you to explain why the role you want is right for you. The army will provide you with train tickets and schedules, so make sure not to miss your train!
Once you reach the Centre, do not drink tea or coffee, as your heart rate and blood pressure will be measured during the medical test. This test also includes your hearing, sight, BMI, lung capacity, and flexibility. Afterwards, physical fitness tests and the ACT are performed, so make sure you’re prepared mentally and physically.
Once you complete the ACT, take any additional tests you need - Those who take the Numeracy & Literacy tests and the Technical Selection Test do so after the Army Cognitive Test.
Not everyone is affected, but the Army will stay in contact with you if needed. You may be asked to give information regarding COVID-19 before you attend, so make sure you do so to avoid delays.
Enlistment to the British Army has been open to the Commonwealth since 2018. However, The British Army does not currently accept applications from the Commonwealth due to COVID-19.
More Free Practice
We at JobTestPrep find the assessment tests world highly diverse and fascinating. If you are looking to deepen your knowledge in the aptitude tests world, or you want some extra practice before your test, we've got you covered!
Check out these fantastic free practice tests (all are completely free):
Free Aptitude Test | Free Psychometric Test | Free Numerical Reasoning Test | Free Verbal Reasoning Test | Free Cognitive Test | Free Critical Thinking Test | Free Abstract Reasoning Test | Free Spatial Reasoning Tets | Free Personality Test | Free Inductive Test | Free Mechanical Reasoning Test