2026 EMPLOYER GUIDES5 min read

How to Pass the Royal Air Force Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC)

1. Royal Air Force Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC)

What is the Royal Air Force Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC)? 

The Royal Air Force OASC also known as the Royal Air Force Airmen Selection Test (AST) for some roles is an assessment centre is a four day residential selection process. This stage of the RAF assessment process consists of a series of assessment centre exercises. 

What qualities does the Royal Air Force OASC measure? 

The Royal Air Force OASC measures your suitability for officer or aircrew roles by evaluating a broad range of competencies. It assesses your leadership potential, decision-making ability, communication skills, teamwork, and capacity to work under pressure.

What to expect during the Royal Air Force assessment centre? 

The Royal Air Force assessment centre will out you through the following exercises: 

Group Discussion:

During this RAF assessment centre exercise is a structured assessment that is used to observe how you interact and contribute in a team setting. You and several other candidates are given a topic or scenario and asked to discuss it collaboratively.

Planning Exercise:

During the RAF planning exercise, you will be presented with a fictional scenario in which you will find yourself as a syndicate. The aim is to pronounce an agreed, comprehensive team plan to deal with the situation.

Leaderless Exercise:

You will be divided into small teams, and you must conduct exercises and deal with tasks as a team.

Common Situation:

Each of the team members will take turns to lead the team to solve the dynamic problem that is presented to you.

Selection Interview:

This RAF interview will be divided into two parts. The first part of this interview will assess your abilities and achievements, while the second part will dive more into your personality to get a hang of your motivations, role knowledge, as well as military and current affairs awareness.

Good to Know: For specific roles, you might also sit for a medical examination and fitness tests as a part of the RAF hiring process, which measures your physical and mental fitness.

Want to pass the RAF assessment tests on your first try?

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Let’s go ahead and do a quick refresh of the RAF recruitment process to know what assessments you can expect.

2. Royal Air Force Recruitment Process

What is the Royal Air Force recruitment process? 

The Royal Air Force recruitment process is a comprehensive assessment process that measures various aspects through different stages of assessment. To get to this assessment centre stage, you will likely have passed the following stages: 

  1. Royal Air Force Online Application 
  2. Royal Air Force Numerical Reasoning Test
  3. Royal Air Force Verbal Reasoning Test 
  4. Royal Air Force Work Rate Test
  5. Royal Air Force Spatial Reasoning Test 
  6. Royal Air Force Mechanical Comprehension Test 
  7. Royal Air Force Electrical Comprehension Test  

Read on for my best tips to pass the RAF assessment centre.

3. How to Pass the Royal Air Force Assessment Centre

Here are our best tips to pass the Royal Air Force assessment centre.

Top 5 Tips to Pass the Royal Air Force Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC)

  1. Prepare for Aptitude Tests: Practise numerical, verbal, spatial, and mechanical reasoning regularly. Use timed exercises to build speed and accuracy, as you might get these assessments during the RAF assessment centre as well.
  2. Communicate with Clarity: During the RAF selection interview and group discussion, make sure that you speak in a clear and concise tone, your points are clearly structured and remain calm when speaking. Avoid rambling and ensure every contribution adds value.
  3. Demonstrate Balanced Leadership: Try to demonstrate initiative without overpowering the group. Good RAF leadership involves guiding, supporting, and listening. 
  4. Understand RAF Roles and Values: To ensure that you show alignment with the RAF’s objectives, it’s essential that you show that you have a good understanding of the role as well as the RAF’s core values. Be ready to explain your motivation and why you’re suited to the RAF environment.
  5. Be Professional Throughout: Dress appropriately, maintain good posture, stay polite, and engage confidently with staff and candidates.

Master assessment centre exercises with our expertly designed preparation assessments to prepare for the RAF assessment centre.

Royal Air Force assessment centre practice

And with that, we’ve come to the end of the application process. If successful, you will be contacted with an offer. Congratulations!

But wait, before you go, you should read about the Royal Air Force’s early career opportunities that you can apply to. 

4. Royal Air Force Assessment Centre FAQs

1 Where does the Royal Air Force assessment take place?

Usually the RAF OASC takes place at a local Armed Forces Careers Office or at any designated RAF test centre. Some stages can be done online depending on the recruitment process.

2 What should I bring with me to the Royal Air Force assessment centre?

Generally, for the RAF OASC you need an official ID, educational certificates, a completed medical questionnaire, etc. You will get a list before your due assessment date. 

3 How long does the Royal Air Force assessment take?

For most candidates generally the Royal Air Force Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre will take either half a day or a full day. Aircrew candidates may take longer and return on separate days.

4 What is the dress code for the Royal Air Force assessment centre?

You need smart attire for the RAF interviews (shirt/blouse, trousers, clean shoes) and comfortable clothing for fitness assessments. You should avoid casual wear.

Prepare for your Royal Air Force hiring process with our expert-made assessment centre exercises used by over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.

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This article was last updated on 10 March 2026. All information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, based on publicly available sources. For the most up-to-date details, please verify directly with the employer.

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