New Zealand Defence Force Assessments

Prepare for the New Zealand Defence Force aptitude tests with tailor-made practice materials.

What Is The NZDF Aptitude Test?

As well as a rigorous interview and background checking process, the New Zealand Defence Force requires every interested applicant to take, and pass, a selection of NZDF aptitude tests.

There are seven different aptitude test sections, but you won't be asked to take all of them. Your tests will be selected depending on which careers you're interested in applying for.

The results of the aptitude tests determine whether you're eligible for a place in the NZDF, but also which particular roles and responsibilities you'd be best suited to. This means that putting the work in beforehand and doing your best on the test is really important if you want to increase the opportunities and jobs available to you.

How Is The NZDF Aptitude Tests formatted?

The aptitude tests are completed online, with a mix of multiple choice questions, fill in the blanks and short free-form answers. Candidates are given seven days to complete the assessments, and if you are successful you will be invited to an assessment day (commonly known as A-Day).

New Zealand Defence Force Aptitude Tests

NZDF Numerical Ability Test

The numerical ability test is designed to assess how comfortable you are working with numbers and basic mathematical principles.

You'll need to show you can work out the basic relationship between a series of numbers by filling in the blanks with the answer you believe to be correct.

Want to know more about the Numerical Ability Test? Check out our full page here.

NZDF Inductive Reasoning Test

The inductive reasoning is there to give NZDF employers a sense of your general mental ability.

Inductive reasoning tests are non-verbal. Instead of words or numbers, they require you to make sense of a seemingly random pattern or sequence by using logic to determine its governing rules.

Click here to find out more about the Inductive Reasoning Test.

NZDF Deductive Reasoning Test

Just like inductive reasoning tests, deductive reasoning tests use patterns and shapes to draw out how able you are to work with patterns and sequences.

The main difference between inductive and deductive reasoning is that the inductive test is about developing theories based on limited information, while the deductive reasoning part of the test is about putting the theory to the test.

For more information on the Deductive Reasoning Test, check out our full page.

NZDF Mechanical Comprehension

The mechanical comprehension test is designed to probe your understanding of general mechanical theories and principles — which is really important for many roles within the New Zealand Defence Force.

Most of the questions will consist of diagrams and illustrations with accompanying questions that put your knowledge of mechanical theories to the test.

Take a look at this full guide to learn more about the Mechanical Comprehension test.

Top Tips To Pass NZDF Aptitude Tests

1. Brush up on your knowledge

Before taking any past tests, it's a good idea to revisit all of the theories and principles you're likely to see come up on the aptitude test. Once you've got a better grasp on what you're being tested on, you'll be in a good position to take a mock test and see how you do.

2. Practice past tests

Taking past tests is the best way you can prepare yourself for A-Day. Not only will you familiarise yourself with the questions and the speed at which you'll need to work through them, you'll also improve your accuracy and confidence.

3. Think outside the box

Practising past tests can get dull. So if you find your attention waning, why not mix up your learning? You might find you take in a lot more if you look at mechanical principles in practice, try out your inductive reasoning skills on a game or bring mental maths and number work into your day-to-day activities.

4. Keep calm

Tests are stressful and there's nothing worse than feeling like your mind has gone blank or you don't know the answer to a particular problem. Make sure you read through every question thoroughly and take plenty of deep breaths if you feel yourself panicking. If you're unsure, make an educated guess rather than leave an answer blank.

5. Visualise the end goal

At the end of the day, the more work you put in the more you'll get out of the test. Not only in terms of your test score, but also the additional opportunities that may open up to you if you do well. Remember that the better you score across the board, the more career options you'll have.

Sample New Zealand Defence Force Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

In a propulsion system, if one gear with 20 teeth turns a second gear with 40 teeth, how many revolutions will the second gear make if the first gear makes 30 revolutions?

  • 60 revolutions
  • 15 revolutions
  • 30 revolutions
  • 20 revolutions

If a reconnaissance team is traveling at a constant speed of 60 kilometers per hour and needs to deliver critical information to a base 180 kilometers away, how long will it take for them to reach their destination?

  • 2 hours
  • 3 hours
  • 4 hours
  • 5 hours

When presented with a scenario of conflicting orders during a field exercise, which of the following should be your first action?

  • Follow the most recent orders received.
  • Seek clarification from a direct superior.
  • Disregard both sets of orders until further notice.
  • Choose the orders that appear to have the highest priority.

Analyze the statement: If all radios must be checked before a mission and some equipment has not been checked, what can be concluded?

  • The mission will proceed with unchecked equipment.
  • Some radios may not have been checked.
  • All radios have been checked.
  • No equipment requires checking before a mission.

A platoon needs to communicate in secret using a pre-arranged method where each letter of the alphabet is replaced by the letter three positions ahead in the alphabet. If the original message is 'ATTACK AT DAWN', which of the following is the encoded message?

  • DWWDFN DW GDZQ
  • XWWDFN XW ZDUP
  • CZZCJL CZ CXZM
  • ATTACK AT DAWN

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New Zealand Defence Force Assessments Tips

Understand the Format

Before you tackle the NZDF aptitude tests head-on, take a moment to understand the type of questions you'll be facing. Familiarity breeds confidence, and with confidence comes success. Dive into the format of each section with our simulations at Military Aptitude Tests to get a real feel for what you'll encounter on the big day.

Simulate Test Conditions

Practicing under realistic conditions can do wonders. Try to simulate the testing environment—time yourself, find a quiet space, and restrict any aids that won't be available on test day. At Military Aptitude Tests, we offer timed practice sessions that mirror the actual exam pressure.

Review and Reflect

After each practice test on Military Aptitude Tests, take the time to review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Understanding your mistakes is key to not repeating them. Reflecting on your practice exams helps you pinpoint areas for improvement.

Stay Relaxed and Rested

Your mental and physical well-being can impact your performance. Ensure you're well-rested and relaxed before taking the tests. Adequate sleep improves cognitive functions and helps you stay alert and focused during the exam.

Develop Good Test-Taking Strategies

Having solid test-taking strategies in place, like time management skills and the ability to prioritize questions, can greatly improve your performance. Our practice environment at Military Aptitude Tests allows you to develop these strategies so that when test day comes, you're ready to conquer.

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New Zealand Defence Force Assessments FAQs

What do I need to complete the NZDF aptitude tests?

In terms of preparation, it's recommended that you turn up for assessment day having tried some practice papers out. This will help to ensure you get the most out of the tests.

The tests themselves are largely computer-based, but there may be some paper elements too. Everything you need to take the test will be provided for you on the day, unless you've been told otherwise.

Are the NZDF aptitude tests hard?

All aptitude tests are designed to be challenging, and the NZDF aptitude test is no different. But with the right amount of practice and preparation, there's no reason you can't excel on the day.

Can you fail the NZDF aptitude test?

Yes, it is possible to fail. However you can take the test once more, you'll just have to wait six months before you're able to.

How is the NZDF aptitude test scored?

Once you've completed each section of the test it'll be marked and you'll be given your score. The score will give an indication of the kind of jobs and areas you are eligible to work in, so it's really important to do as well as you can to ensure you open up as many doors as possible.