As part of the airline cabin crew assessment day, you may be asked to perform a series of tests, writes Patricia Green.
I am often asked on the forum what are involved in these, so
thought it would be helpful to cover them in more detail here! They are
not there to be difficult or to trick you but to see if you have the
basic knowledge skills that a cabin crew member needs.
Tests do differ from airline to airline and the questions here are examples taken from different airlines over the last year. There are also a few simple tips I can give you - it is all in the preparation!
The Reach Test
Firstly, there is the ‘reach test’ this is the first and most important as it is simply pass or fail as you have to be able to reach to 210 or 210 cm for most airlines. This is without shoes and allowed on tip toes with either one or both hands, fingertips reaching to the marker.
You do need to be able to do this as you have to be able to reach the safety equipment onboard the aircraft in the overhead lockers. Do mark a point on the wall and practice reaching it – it is surprising how many people miss this opportunity by not realizing how important it is! Some airlines in Asia have a slightly lower reach test as do some of the regional airlines, depending on aircraft type, so these are worth considering if you cannot reach the marker.
Maths Tests
The maths test always worries everyone but you don’t have to be a star maths pupil to survive it, just think practically. It will involve using basic maths in a cabin crew situation - so for example:
• A meal cart fits 6 trays horizontally and 12 trays vertically, how many trays are there in the cart?
• A passenger buys 2 coffees at 2.99 GBP and gives you 10.00 GBP, what change do you give?
Also consider currency exchange (they will give you the rate... and you may get a calculator!) so with the last question:
• What if they gave you 10 euro, what change would you give? The rate is 1.10.
Basically, if you have passed your maths GCSE or equivalent as the requirements ask, then you will be fine!
Language Tests
The English test used by some of the airlines in the Middle East is about an hour long. It does change and subjects will differ, but just as an idea of what to expect:
Read a cabin crew story – you must answer 5 multiple choice questions about the story to check your understanding.
• Match the task to text - this checks that you understand the meaning of words eg. reliable, considered etc. and phrases such as 'take it or leave it' for example.
• Read a cover letter - answer 5 multiple choice questions about it
• Essay - write about a specified subject. 'Who is your inspiration and why?', 'If I ruled a country, which country would I rule and why?' or 'What traits do you like or not like about yourself? How and why would you change them?'
If you are worried about your English skills there are books and courses online that specialize in English for Cabin Crew, so it may be worth perfecting your fluency. The current standard for cabin crew in Aviation English is ICAO level 4, but you do not need a special qualification.
Foreign language speakers may also be asked to complete a test in their alternate language to check fluency level, if they are being recruited for language skills. This is often an oral test with a recruiter who speaks your language.
General Knowledge Tests
Of course, no two airline tests are the same, so you can just use this as a basic guide for the assessment day. There may also be a general knowledge test which includes things like geography, airport codes, currency or the 24 hour clock.
While you do not need to study any of these in detail, they will also be useful for your training once you get through. Do take a look too at the airlines route map (learn some airport codes…) and also research a little about the aircraft fleet and the airlines current product and history. This will really help you shine in your tests and show professional knowledge in the final interview stage.