Every branch has its own aviation selection test. Learn which one you need, how it works, and how to prepare.
Each branch uses a different test to select its future pilots. Find yours below.
Selection Instrument for Flight Training. Required for all U.S. Army aviation candidates.
Air Force Officer Qualifying Test + Test of Basic Aviation Skills. Combined into a PCSM score for Air Force pilot selection.
Aviation Selection Test Battery. Required for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation officer candidates.
A side-by-side comparison of all three aviation selection tests.
| Feature | SIFT | AFOQT + TBAS | ASTB-E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch | Army | Air Force | Navy & Marine Corps |
| Subtests | 7 subtests | 12 (AFOQT) + 9 (TBAS) | 7 subtests |
| Duration | ~2-3 hours | ~3.5-5 hours (AFOQT) + ~1.5 hours (TBAS) | ~2-3 hours |
| Format | Computerized, some adaptive sections | Paper-based (AFOQT) + computerized (TBAS) | Computer-adaptive |
| Key Scores | Composite score (40-80 range) | Pilot composite + PCSM (1-99 percentile) | OAR, AQR, PFAR, FOFAR (1-9 stanine) |
| Retake Limit | No strict limit; 180-day wait | 2 lifetime attempts; 150-day wait | 3 lifetime attempts; 31-day wait |
| Unique Feature | Rotary-wing focused aviation knowledge | Psychomotor testing with joystick and pedals | Includes personality assessment (NATFI) |
From first contact to flight training, here is the typical progression for aspiring military pilots.
Research which branch aligns with your goals. Army focuses on rotary-wing (helicopters), Air Force on fixed-wing and advanced aircraft, Navy and Marines on carrier-based and tactical aviation.
Most pilot programs require a bachelor's degree (or enrollment in one). You'll enter through ROTC, OCS/OTS, or a service academy. Basic medical and physical fitness standards must be met.
Pass the SIFT (Army), AFOQT + TBAS (Air Force), or ASTB-E (Navy/Marines). Your score directly impacts your competitiveness for a pilot slot.
Complete a Class I or Class II flight physical at a military medical facility. Vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and neurological function are all evaluated to stricter standards than regular military physicals.
Your application is reviewed by a selection board. They consider your test scores, GPA, physical fitness, leadership experience, and interview performance.
If selected, you report to your branch's flight training program. Army aviators go to Fort Novosel (Alabama), Air Force to various UPT bases, and Navy/Marines to NAS Pensacola (Florida).
It depends on the branch. Army aviation candidates take the SIFT. Air Force pilot candidates take the AFOQT and TBAS, which combine into a PCSM score. Navy and Marine Corps aviation candidates take the ASTB-E. Each test evaluates different skills but all assess aviation aptitude, math, and reading comprehension.
For enlisted-to-officer pathways, yes, your ASVAB score matters. However, most pilot candidates enter through officer commissioning programs (ROTC, OCS/OTS, or service academies) where the aviation-specific test is the primary requirement. Your recruiter or program advisor can clarify what applies to your situation.
Retake policies vary by test. The SIFT can be retaken after 180 days with no strict lifetime limit. The AFOQT allows only 2 lifetime attempts with a 150-day wait. The ASTB-E allows 3 lifetime attempts with a 31-day wait between each. Because attempts are limited, thorough preparation before your first test is critical.
Yes. Each test is specific to its branch, and taking one does not affect your eligibility for another. If you are considering aviation careers across multiple branches, you can prepare for and take each test independently.
Choose your test below and start with a free practice test, detailed study guides, and expert tips.