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Target Recognition Test
CBAT Target Recognition Test (TRT): What to Expect
The CBAT Target Recognition Test (TRT) is a multi-task visual search test used within RAF CBAT. It assesses how effectively you can scan for and identify a range of targets—such as imagery matches, colour patterns, alphanumeric strings, symbols/codes and warning signs—while alternating between tasks and prioritising your attention under time pressure.
This page provides a clear walkthrough of how the test works, what you’ll be asked to do, and how the interface is structured. It does not contain practice tests, as the TRT is designed to assess real-time visual search, prioritisation and work rate rather than learned techniques.
Target Recognition Test Format & Conditions
You have around 23 minutes (including instructions) to work through the test while switching between multiple scan/search tasks and registering as many targets as you can. You’ll be expected to alternate your attention between different target types and maintain accuracy while managing speed and attention across the interface similar to that shown below.
(Note that the following images have been extracted from the CBAT Ready Target Search practice test.)
There are 4 main components within this test which need to be managed separately:
Map Panel / Vehicle Panel / Colour Panel / List Panel
Firstly, the Map Panel is managed by reading the target displayed on the Map Target before selecting all of the written targets on the Map Panel. In this example we see that Damaged Friendly Truck is shown. We must use the Information panel to determine which target correlates with a Damaged Friendly Truck.
Based on the Information panel we can understand that a damaged target is marked with a cross. Additionally, all friendly targets are blue whilst all trucks are shown as circles.
Ultimately, we must select all blue circles marked with a cross. It is not until the Damaged Friendly Truck text within the Map Target is cleared that you can ensure that all targets have been selected.
Secondly, the Vehicle Panel is managed more easily. You must simply select the button within the Vehicle Panel when the image matches the Vehicle Target.
The same goes for the Colour Panel. Simply select the button within the Colour Panel when the 3 lights match the same 3 lights within the Colour Target.
Lastly for List Target, you must search for the code shown in List Target within the List Panel.
Do You Need to Prepare?
You’re often told you don’t need to prepare for the TRT — and it’s true that there’s no “knowledge” to memorise. But treating it as unpreppable is lazy thinking. This test rewards work rate, scanning discipline, prioritisation, and fast pattern recognition — and those improve dramatically with the right practice.
The biggest advantage isn’t learning tricks. It’s removing friction: knowing the layout, the types of targets, how quickly things change, and how to switch tasks without losing accuracy. Candidates who go in cold waste capacity figuring out what they’re looking at instead of registering targets.
This is exactly where CBAT Ready helps. You can train in conditions that feel like the real thing, build a reliable scanning rhythm, and get comfortable alternating between target types so you spend test time performing — not orientating.
