SIFT INFORMATION

[xavierwayne]

Looks like the SIFT has been pushed from 1 OCT to 1 JAN according to the Warrant website. You will notice how they tried to just sneek it in there by changing the dates without posting a new annoucement under Hot Topics. I'm pretty sure that is the hottest topic of the day.

 

This sucks, because I really hate the complex movement seciton of the AFAST. Although it will be nice to know what to expect on the test. I'm going in on Friday to take the test. Wish me luck.

[xavierwayne]

Speaking of the AFAST and complex movements. Does the key change, or is it the same for all thirty questions? Is the key from the study guide the same as the test?

[01CelicaGTS]

The key is the same. It's the same as the study guide and the same for each question. Just spend some time memorizing it. Once you have it memorized it's easy. Practice practice practice.

[Lindsey]

Looks like the SIFT has been pushed from 1 OCT to 1 JAN according to the Warrant website. You will notice how they tried to just sneek it in there by changing the dates without posting a new annoucement under Hot Topics. I'm pretty sure that is the hottest topic of the day.

 

 

Whoa, nice find. That's the best news I've heard all week! An extra incentive to get my packet done (like I need any more).

[Hellfire]

THAT IS AWESOME! (yes I yelled it) finally some good news..

[xavierwayne]

Now that I know the key stays the same, and have memorized it, my score has gone from 11 to 26 out of 30 in five minutes. Just a couple more practices, and I should be able to nail it.

 

I noticed that the PDF download is a little fuzzy. It is hard to tell which direction the arrow points as it is, but it is impossible to tell the thickness of the lines. I can only distiguish two thicknesses. Is the actual test more clear? Is it easy to tell the thin, medium and thick lines apart?

[Helipilot PTK]

Any new news on the SIFT, anyone scheduled to take it or has taken it? If so how are/did you prepare? Whenever someone takes the SIFT test be sure to leave a detailed analysis of the test on this board, I would bet some people would even pay for that analysis! Anyway good luck to any one taking it soon!

[mickeygardner]

Just took the SIFT this afternoon. I studied the Navy flight materials and principles of helicopter flight workbook. I used the Navy test because, after some research, it seemed like this test might be heavily based on that one. I don't know how well I did exactly, but 40 is passing and I got a 65. If anyone has any more questions, let me know.

[Blue2Green4WOFT]

had you taken the afast before this? if so were any of the sections the same? I.E. complex movements or cyclic orientation, and instrument comprehension? I took the afast and scored a 130 but couldnt get my packet ready in time do to a delay on my DD 368 so I have to take the SIFT now!!

[Helipilot PTK]

Just took the SIFT this afternoon. I studied the Navy flight materials and principles of helicopter flight workbook. I used the Navy test because, after some research, it seemed like this test might be heavily based on that one. I don't know how well I did exactly, but 40 is passing and I got a 65. If anyone has any more questions, let me know.

 

How long did the test take?

How many sections were there?

What were the section titles?

Was there a personality test, if so was it the same as the AFAST one?

What were the differences between the AFAST and SIFT? (assuming you took the AFAST)

How in depth were the helicopter questions?

[shaza24]

Just took the SIFT this afternoon. I studied the Navy flight materials and principles of helicopter flight workbook. I used the Navy test because, after some research, it seemed like this test might be heavily based on that one. I don't know how well I did exactly, but 40 is passing and I got a 65. If anyone has any more questions, let me know.

 

Although you don't know how your score competes, did you feel the study material you used prepared you? Did anything sneak up on you that you did not expect?

 

As a side note, I appreciate you offering to answer everyone's questions on this.

[Yamer]

Agreed, thank you for offering whatever insight you have on it! Its much appreciated!

[Smikers2030]

Hi everyone I an Army ROTC cadet looking to take the SIFT soon. Here's some information about it that I recieved from my cadre about the test:

 

First Component – Perceptual Speed and Accuracy:

Simple Drawings – assesses the Examinee’s ability to rapidly detect the unique object within a group of similar objects

Hidden Figures – assesses the Examinee’s ability to rapidly identify symbols contained within a larger, complex pattern

Second Component:

Army Aviation Information - assesses the Examinee’s knowledge of terminology and concepts relevant to Army Aviation

Third Component:

Spatial Apperception – assesses the Examinee’s ability to perceive spatial relationships from differing visual orientations

Fourth Component – Cognitive Abilities:

Reading Comprehension Test – assesses the Examinee’s ability to extract information from passages of text

Math Skills Test – assesses the Examinee’s computational skill and mathematical aptitude

Mechanical Comprehension – assesses the Examinee’s ability to perceive physical relationships and solve practical problems in applied mechanical science

 

 

The SIFT exam takes approximately 2.5 hours to administer in its entirety. This timeframe includes Examinee registration and the 15 minute break. The individual time limits for each subtest are as follows:

Simple Drawings – 2 minutes

Hidden Figures – 5 minutes

Army Aviation Information – 30 minutes

Spatial Apperception – 10 minutes

Reading Comprehension Test – 30 minutes

Math Skills Test – 40 minutes

Mechanical Comprehension Test – 15 minutes

[DC8488]

The first section sounds very similar to a section on the Air Force's AFOQT. May be worth checking out a study guide for that, many are available.

 

Spatial Appreception sounds like a bad drug experience someone had.

[I3uller]

The first section sounds very similar to a section on the Air Force's AFOQT. May be worth checking out a study guide for that, many are available.

 

Spatial Appreception sounds like a bad drug experience someone had.

 

DC, I really hope that if I get selected, I have an opportunity somewhere down the line to serve with you.

[darkstarx87]

Hot off the USAREC website ...

 

Download: http://www.usarec.ar...d/SIFT FAQ.docx

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the SIFT

 

What does the SIFT measure?

The SIFT is a measure of multiple aptitudes. It assesses mathematical skills and aptitude, the ability to extract meaning from written passages, familiarity with mechanical concepts and simple machines, the ability to perform mental rotations to determine the orientation of aircraft in 3-dimensional space, and the ability to quickly recognize patterns within objects and groups of images. The SIFT also measures an examinee's knowledge of aviation terminology, familiarity with aircraft components and function, knowledge of basic aerodynamic principles, and a grasp of basic flight rules and regulations. Performance on this part of the battery can be improved by study, and examinees with aviation experience will typically do well.

 

All components of the SIFT have proven to be excellent predictors of training performance. That is, individuals who enter the flight program with high levels of cognitive aptitude and have background knowledge of aviation concepts are more likely to both achieve higher grades in aviation training and successfully complete the training program. By including multiple subtests that measure different constructs shown to predict success in aviation training, we can account for the more variance in training outcomes and help ensure that aviation programs make more efficient and accurate selection decisions.

 

How well does the SIFT predict training performance and attrition?

 

At present, the validity of the SIFT is still being assessed by Army personnel. However, similar test batteries used for aviation selection in the Navy and Air Force typically yield validity coefficients of approximately 0.40 between selection test scores and training performance (e.g., academic grades, flight grades). Validity coefficients range from 0 (the test does not predict grades in training at all) to 1 (the test predicts training grades perfectly). These validities compare favorably with industry selection testing standards. In addition, these tests have been a valuable resource for predicting attrition, or the student’s probability of completing aviation training.

 

How long does the SIFT take to administer?

Total time required to take the SIFT may vary from individual to individual. All together, checking in at the exam site, exam setup, an optional exam break, and completing the SIFT may take up to 3 hours, though many individuals can often complete the exam in approximately 2 hours.

 

What if I don't answer all of the questions on the test before time expires?

The time limits and number of questions for the SIFT subtests are as follows:

• Simple Drawings (SD) – 2 minutes, 100 questions
  
• Hidden Figures (HF) – 5 minutes, 50 questions
  
• Army Aviation Information Test (AAIT) – 30 minutes, 40 questions
  
• Spatial Apperception Test (SAT) – 10 minutes, 25 questions
  
• Reading Comprehension Test (RCT)– 30 minutes, 20 questions
  
• Math Skills Test (MST) – 40 minutes, test length varies
  
• Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT) – 15 minutes, test length varies
  

The recommended strategies vary between different components of the test:

 

Simple Drawings and Hidden Figures: Work quickly and don’t guess. The SD and HF subtest scores are derived from the number of problems that you answer correctly, with a portion of the number of problems answered incorrectly being deducted from your score. In the majority of cases, examinees will not be able to answer all questions presented. Responding as quickly and as accurately as possible without randomly guessing as time is about to expire will, in most cases, work in the favor of the examinee.

 

Army Aviation Information Test, Spatial Apperception Test, and Reading Comprehension Test: Work quickly and guess at items you haven’t reached if time is about to expire. The AAIT, SAT, and RCT include a fixed number of questions for each subtest. On these subtests, any items left unanswered will be scored as incorrect. It is therefore to the examinee’s advantage to rule out poor answer choices on remaining questions and make educated guesses if time is about to expire.

 

Computer Adaptive Subtests (Math Skills Test and Mechanical Comprehension Test): Work quickly and don’t guess. Due to the nature of adaptive tests, the number and difficulty of questions presented to different examinees may vary on the MST and MCT. Scores generated by examinees who fail to complete a sufficient number of items on any SIFT adaptive subtest before time expires may have a penalty applied to their scores. Therefore, examinees are expected to work as briskly as possible without losing accuracy. The severity of the score penalty will increase as the number of questions answered decreases. This penalty will never be applied to scores on adaptive subtests that automatically terminate before time has expired.

 

On the adaptive subtests, examinees are advised against randomly guessing as time is about to expire. The current time limits for each subtest have been established to allow as many examinees as possible to finish the test without time expiring. If an examinee has worked diligently and quickly on a given subtest, random guessing will, in most cases, be more detrimental to scores than the penalty received for not completing the entire test.

 

Is there a paper-based version of the SIFT?

The SIFT is available only in a web-based format. The system is operated on a secure server that is monitored and controlled.

 

What are the current SIFT minimum score requirements?

The current minimum qualifying score to apply for the Army’s Aviation Program is 40 (possible scores range from 20 to 80, with a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10). As the SIFT is validated, the minimum score may change to correspond with the Aviation Branch / U.S. Army Recruiting Commands’ accessions requirements. Contact your local education center for current information.

 

How will I find out my SIFT scores? Is there any way to find out my scores immediately?

Your results (pass or fail) will be generated immediately after completing the test. You will be instructed to see the Test Control Officer (TCO) / Test Examiner (TE) to obtain your score letter. The score letter must be signed by the TCO / TE to be valid.

 

How many times can I take the SIFT? Can I retake the SIFT to get a better score?

If you attain a passing, or minimum qualifying, score you are no longer authorized to retake the SIFT. Additionally, if you fail to attain a minimum qualifying score on your first attempt, you may retake the SIFT no earlier than the 181^st day following the previous attempt. If you fail to attain a minimum qualifying score on your second attempt, you are no longer authorized to retake the SIFT and are not qualified for the Army’s Aviation Program.

 

Which subtests make the greatest contribution to my final SIFT score?

The formula utilized to compute your SIFT score is proprietary information and will not be released by APT. However, examinees should note that the formula used to calculate the SIFT score is compensatory, meaning that poor performance on a given subtest may often be offset by high performance on another. However, examinees are advised to perform as well as possible on all given subtests.

 

Where is the nearest SIFT testing location?

Locations that commonly administer the SIFT include:

• Post-servicing Education Centers
  
• Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS)
  
• Military Academies / ROTC Programs
  

You will need to schedule your SIFT exam at the location at which you intend to test. For military service members, contact your local servicing education center. For WOFT applicants, contact a recruiter for assistance in scheduling the SIFT.

 

What type of identification do I need to bring to the testing site?

You should bring some form of photo identification (i.e., driver's license, military ID card, passport) and verification of your social security number (i.e., social security card).

 

Is the SIFT offered in any language other than English?

No. At present, the SIFT is administered in English only.

 

How much does it cost to take the SIFT?

There is no charge to take the SIFT.

 

Can I use a calculator on the test?

No, the math problems on the exam are designed to be completed without the use of a calculator, but a few formulas are provided. Each examinee is provided scrap paper on which to compute problems.

 

What should I bring with me on the day of the test?

You will need to bring some form of photo identification (i.e., driver's license, military ID card, passport) and verification of your social security number (i.e., social security card).

Electronic devices (e.g., smart phones, cameras, etc.) are not permitted in the testing room. Examinees must stow these items in their automobiles or leave them with the exam proctor before proceeding into the testing room.

In addition, personal belongings (e.g., book bags) should not be brought into the testing room.

Paper and pencils will be supplied for you at the testing facility.

 

I have seen study guides for military aviation tests in bookstores. Would these guides help me study for the SIFT?

APT / OPFD does not endorse any commercial study guides, but the guides might be helpful for examinees who want to acquire testing strategies, review and practice math principles and problems, familiarize themselves with military history and aviation terminology, and practice pacing on timed tests.

 

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the SIFT?

For any additional questions about the SIFT, please contact the Army Personnel Testing-Program Office at usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil.

[Yamer]

Darkstar, you are outstanding. Great find! And thank you for posting

[bizzwriter]

Great job, Darkstarx87 -- thanks!

[christopherdubya]

Are any of these sections in the other branches test?

[DC8488]

Are any of these sections in the other branches test?

 

It seems very similar to the AFOQT.

[Blue2Green4WOFT]

If you go to the free afast guide in the petersons arco provided by usa rec it has all of the different branches equivalent aviation test and the different sections found in them. I already went through it and almost all of the sections described in this new sift announcement can be found in them with sample questions and answers!! here is the link to it http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/download/MilitaryFlight.pdf

[Lindsey]

Great work guys!

[bizzwriter]

Anyone know what Section 1: Simple Drawings looks like? I don't think any other MFAT has it. And do they really expect folks to get through 100 questions in just 2 minutes?!? Wow.

[darkstarx87]

And do they really expect folks to get through 100 questions in just 2 minutes?!? Wow.

 

They dont ...

 

In the majority of cases, examinees will not be able to answer all questions presented. Responding as quickly and as accurately as possible without randomly guessing as time is about to expire will, in most cases, work in the favor of the examinee.

 

Im curious what they look like as well ... dont like the idea of jumping into something without not knowing what to expect ... The Complex Movements portion on the AFAST wouldve been a little more difficult if that was the first time you ever saw it

[DC8488]

Anyone know what Section 1: Simple Drawings looks like?

 

Post deleted. More current info is given later in this thread.