SIFT is an examination that measures various aptitudes. For instance, it evaluates mathematical knowledge and verbal skills to find out whether or not you can extract meaning. The nature of extraction could be from mechanical concepts, written passages, or simple machines.

Similarly, it also assesses your practical application to check mental rotations and find out if you can pinpoint an aircraft’s orientation in 3D space. Several test-takers, for example, view the SIFT exam synonymous with pattern recognition skills of images and objects.

Candidates should also be aware that SIFT also checks your familiarity with aviation terminology, aircraft functions, and numerous components. Furthermore, it measures your knowledge of basic flight regulations and aerodynamic principles. Although rigorous preparation from updated study material would improve your performance, the candidates who have aviation experience will comparatively perform better.

Currently, the validation of the SIFT exam is an on-going process for Army personnel. And that’s because SIFT is not the only battery test when it comes to selection criteria in Aviation fields. That said, validity coefficients yield range around 0.40 for most of the training performance related to Aviation test batteries (i.e., flight grades and academic grades).

Remember, the validity coefficients are generally between 0 and 1. The “0” doesn’t predict your academic or training grades in advance. On the other hand, the validity of “1” predicts your training grades. However, validities can differ as per the testing standards of each industry or field. For the most part, SIFT is one of the best attrition predictors when it comes to candidates’ probability of finishing aviation training.

Candidates would fair well with an unbiased view of all the SIFT sections. And that’s because each section is a unique predictor for your training performance. For example, candidates who partake in a flight program with high cognitive functions and aviation experience achieve a better score.

However, if you don’t have a practical understanding of aviation concepts, you should still be able to qualify for the Aviation training program. The multiple sections and sub-topics of the SIFT account for the constructive variance of test-takers. As a result, it allows recruiters to make the right decision and make sure that aviation programs work in the future. 

The score for the SIFT ranges between 20 and 80. Currently, the candidates who want to apply in an Aviation program will have to get a minimum score of 40. However, once the score validity gets through, your minimum score requirement might be different to correspond with a specific Aviation branch. Ideally, you should get in touch with your local education facility to find out about current information.

If you failed to attempt or complete a specific portion of the section, you won’t be able to get the score on it. Ideally, you should not take the exam with the fear of leaving out anything. Instead, memorize the number of questions and time allocation for each section.

You may be assigned to one of the three locations to attempt the SIFT exam:

1. Post-servicing Academic Centers
2. MEPS or Military Entrance Procedure Stations
3. ROTC or Programs of Military Academies

However, you have to ensure that you have registered for the exam at the same spot you intend to take the SIFT test.

Once you obtain a qualifying or passing score, you will lose the ability to retake the exam. However, if you weren’t able to obtain a minimum score for the first time, you can retake the SIFT exam. However, you will have to wait six (6) months before you take your shot at the second attempt.

Primarily, if you fail to obtain the minimum score on the second attempt, you will be barred ever to retake the SIFT exam and deemed unfit to qualify for any Aviation program. That’s why it is so important to put all your efforts on the first attempt.

You cannot use a standard or advanced calculator during the exam to solve math problems. The design of the test is straightforward and doesn’t require the use of a basic or advanced calculator. However, you can expect to see essential formulas along with questions. Similarly, you will get a scrap paper to compute mathematical problems.

The time it takes to complete the SIFT exam can vary from candidate to candidate. However, checking the testing area, exam setup, availing break option, and finishing the SIFT can take roughly 3 hours. However, several candidates with excellent preparation often finish the SIFT exam within 2 hours.

You will have to schedule your exam at the testing center you want to attempt the SIFT exam. Military service individuals, however, can contact their local education service center. Also, you can contact a local recruiter to get more assistance to schedule your SIFT exam.

It is vital to understand for new candidates who want to take the SIFT exam that the method that Aviation uses to compute your overall score is exclusive. It means the parameters to assess each aspect of your score are not made public.

However, you can assume that Aviation uses a compensatory method to compute your SIFT score. So, if you perform poorly in one section, it would impact your excellent performance in another section. Therefore, try to attempt each section with the best of your abilities.

Although most candidates prefer to take the SIFT exam online, the control and monitoring of the paper version is relatively more secure.

You will have to bring your Common Access Card or CAC with you as a primary source of identification.

You don’t have to pay any sum to attempt the SIFT exam.