SIFT or Selection Instrument for Flight Training test is one of the main exams for applicants who wish to be part of the Army. It is ideal for candidates who intend to climb the ladder of Army Aviation. Technically, SIFT serves as the replacement of the AFAST exam.
Primarily, it evaluates test-takers’ reading comprehension, mental knowledge, aviation knowledge, mathematical skills, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness. SIFT is one of the most career-driven military exams that allows you to get high-level Air Force positions in the US.
The assessment of the test involves a wide variety of methods to determine whether or not a candidate is qualified to be part of US Army Aviation. However, the SIFT exam allows a unique chance for candidates to showcase their skills in different categories.
If you want to pursue a career in Army Aviation, the SIFT exam is more important than you think. Also, understand the vitality of the test because you can take it just two times in a lifetime. Read on to find out more in-depth SIFT guidelines on score division, exam strategies, the format of the test, and sections.
What Does the Test Mean to Aspiring Candidates?
Objectively, it allows the recruiter to evaluate your strengths under uniform criteria. Furthermore, it enables recruiters to establish areas where applicants would be better suited and further develop their current skills.
Also, applicants shouldn’t have any preconceived notions about the biased or prejudiced approach. The recruiters have a fair assessment approach that doesn’t involve discriminatory practices. Just because you have high academic background or experience doesn’t guarantee the qualification of the test.
It means you still have to be an active participant and fulfill all the criteria to pass the exam like other candidates. Practically, the SIFT exam functions as a performance predictor for Army Aviation. It is a deceive factor that allows the recruiters to figure out the final selection.
The Objective of the Test
It is true – simply knowing the format and structure of the SIFT exam is not enough. You need a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Failure to pay attention to the intricate details of the test will inevitably impact your overall score.
And that’s because the SIFT’s underlying aim is to lend a hand to the recruiters to select the candidates that are fir for the Army Aviation positions. Typically, the SIFT comes in the form of an aptitude test. However, the test can build up and largely depends on a candidate’s application form.
SIFT: Brief History
The current version of the SIFT is comparatively different from the one that came out in 2008. As the new technological advancement becomes part of the Army Aviation, recruiters continue to raise the exam standards for the candidates.
In fact, the validity of the exam goes through a constant assessment process by official Army personnel. Although the validity coefficients of the SIFT exam are still the same, it’s the training performance and flight grades that Army recruiters take into account the most.
What Happens to Your Personal Information?
Candidates don’t have to stress about the safety of their information. Your personal data is kept secure in the mainframe Service Jobs, which means the exam supplier cannot see or use your personal information. In fact, the test supplier is only aware of your full name, that is if you decide to share that information with them. Remember, the intake of your general information serves to create job applications and assess the effectiveness of the exam.
SIFT: There Is More than One Type of Position Level
You can match one of the three position levels under the CSCF or Civil Service Competency Framework. The first level could help you become an Administrative Officer or Administrative Assistant, and the second level could land you the position of an Executive Officer.
Level three, on the other hand, offers the promise of Senior Executive Officer or Higher Executive Offer in the Navy Aviation. It is vital to understand that each level of the exam includes a wide array of questions and scenarios related to specific job positions and grades.
Administration of the SIFT
Despite the complex nature of the exam, the Civil SIFT administration is as straightforward as it gets. Mainly, you get an invitation to the test plus official instructions. After that, you can take the SIFT online.
That said, don’t confuse the simplification of the administration with an opportunity to cheat. In fact, the last thing you should think of is to bring non-verifiable objects or material. Your ability to take the test also requires a verification status. Therefore, practice discipline and act professionally.
Also, don’t make the mistake of taking the test on a smartphone or tablet. You need clear visibility of the questions and answer choices. So, find a comfortable space and use your desktop computer or laptop to take the test. And don’t forget that the administration doesn’t allow you to save responses or restart the test. So, make sure you get sufficient time to sit through the entire SIFT exam.
A Complete Overview of the SIFT Score
Your ability to get more than just a passing grade in SIFT or Selection Instrument for Flight Training is your way in the world of Army Aviation. Without passing score, you wouldn’t be able to get the training you need and be part of the Army Aviation.
Getting an excellent score is even more relevant because candidates cannot take the test more than two times in their whole lifetime. Therefore, opt for the maximum score when you attempt the SIFT test. In fact, the moment you receive the passing score, you’ll know that you’ve made it.
Contrarily, if you fail to take each attempt of SIFT seriously, you would invite nothing but cynicism that would further hinder your chances of improvement. So, jump right into what makes up an average passing score when it comes to SIFT.
SIFT: General Passing Score
Minimum: 20
Passable: 40
Average (Mean): 50
Highest (Maximum): 80
SIFT: Test Format
The vitality to understand the small details of the SIFT’s exam format couldn’t be overstated. Just like you master the study material, get to know the format and structure of the SIFT to simplify your attempt. Besides, you don’t want to get caught in the cobweb of a complicated format.
Your underlying purpose of understanding the format of the SIFT test better is to avoid unexpected timing. In fact, you should be able to encounter a wide array of questions in each section with strict time management. And you can only adhere to the time management when you are aware of the test format.
You’d be surprised how many candidates who receive lower scores tend to presume they knew the format of the SIFT test. For instance, one you make continuous-time management changes in different sections of the test, your preparation can fall apart.
For the most part, you should memorize the total questions in each section and the type of information you can expect. Sure, you may overlap or confuse the total number of items of one section with another. However, don’t overlook the fact that it is the direct correlation that ensures outstanding performance in the SIFT.
The test format of the SIFT is computer-adaptive. As a test-taker, you will receive the necessary scratch papers and pencils. Furthermore, each section comes with its time limitation and the total number of items. Fortunately, five out of seven sections come with fixed total questions.
The last two sections, on the other hand, can have a different number of total questions. Again, understand that the number of items in the last two sections (mathematical skills and mechanical comprehension) is subject to change because they are adaptive.
The computer system algorithm identifies your weaknesses and strengths and adjusts the format of the SIFT test on your personality. A good tip would be to remember the total number of questions and time allocation in ascending order. The table below summarizes the format of the SIFT test.
SIFT Sections
Current Eligibility Criteria
The current eligibility criterion of the SIFT evaluates core competencies, judgmental measures, cognitive skills, preferences, mandatory screening, behavioral study, and a job preview in a realistic setting to understand the candidate’s situational judgment abilities.
That said, each evaluation phase goes through adjustments as per the role requirement of a candidate to increase the prediction level and see the candidate’s full potential. Also, the experience of the candidate offers better value proposition to Army Aviation recruiters.
Take Retake Requirements Seriously
Test-takers can attempt the SIFT test just twice in their entire lifetime. Once you take the exam for the first time completely, you will have to wait 180 days before applying and then retaking the test. However, if you pass the exam with a minimum qualifying score, then you lose the option to retake the test to avail a much higher score.
Similarly, if you don’t get a qualifying score of your state after the second attempt, you will no longer be able to take the SIFT. In short, you will face a lifetime ban to attempt the SIFT. Therefore, try to put all your efforts into the first attempt.
Remember, you can only take the test twice after six months of the first failed attempt. Technically, you need to get a 40 or higher to avoid the retake. Mostly, bright candidates who put an effort and study manage to get a score of 50 or 40.
Your approach, for instance, shouldn’t be to preconceive that the test assesses your ability to be an expert in aviation. Instead, get to know the format better, general guidelines, and sub-topics of the sections to attain more than just a passable score.
Also, if you managed to pass the exam in the first attempt, your overall scores will have the validation of six months. So, if you decide to apply for a specific position of the same grade, you wouldn’t have to retake the test.
You can retake it to fill out another position in the Army Aviation if you fail to pass the SIFT exam. In hindsight, make sure your score becomes the best representation of your skills in the first attempt.
To Use or Not to Use the Calculator
The same freedom that comes with using scratch paper at the time of the test is not the case for the calculator. In simple terms, you cannot use a basic or advanced calculator to solve the equations or simple numerical problems of the SIFT. In fact, most of the mathematical problems require foundational understanding, and you can do it on scratch paper by hand.
SIFT: Test Dates
When it comes to the SIFT exam, the test date can vary and inherently depend on your test location. Typically, you will receive a notification alert about selective test dates. Once you choose a test date from the available options, you can register to attempt the SIFT for the first or second time.
That said, if you aim to take the SIFT exam in-person rather than online, you will have to bring your Social Security and current photo identification so that administrators can confirm your identity. Also, before the test date, inquire about what you can and cannot bring during the test.
Of course, you cannot use calculators and smartphones in the testing area. Similarly, follow the official protocol laid out by the test proctor. Whether you get the test date in summer or winter, you will still get scratch paper and pencils to solve the mathematical or mechanical problems.
SIFT: Registration
Whether you are part of the military or have a close association with Army personnel, you can reach out to your local academic center about the service. You can talk to your local Army Aviation recruiter about the schedule to take the SIFT.
Remember, you cannot register at one spot and then decide to attempt the exam in another location. If you, for instance, are a WOFT candidate, you can get the help from a local recruiter regarding scheduling for the SIFT exam.
SIFT Pricing
The Army nor the recruitment center charges you to attempt the SIFT exam.
Conclusion
UGO Prep wants you to have the most effective study material. We understand how achieving success on the SIFT exam can help you climb the ladder of success. Our comprehensive preparation material is perfect for aspiring Army recruits.
Our assessment guide includes the most updated and simplified content that will help you take the edge off of your anxiety. You can improve your cognitive memory and make the most out of the first SIFT test. We want to help you improve your overall ability to attempt the test.
Your exciting journey to become an Army recruit begins now!
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