The Vocational Assessment Centre (VAC) conducts a battery of
tests called the Manpower Aptitude Assessment System (MAPAS) to
assess your mental abilities. This is so that we can maximize our
limited manpower by putting people where their abilities can be
best used.
Your Vocational Assessment scores will affect important decisions,
which include assignment to a vocation and selection to be a
commander (Officer, Specialist).
Therefore, you should put in as much effort as possible to do the
tests well and accurately, as this will not only help the nation
maximize it's limited manpower, but also help us place you into
vocations that will make good use of your abilities.
What are the tests like
We use different sub-tests to measure different types of mental
ability. Some of the mental abilities that we measure include
memory, speed of responding, abstract reasoning, following complex
instructions, solving mathematical problems, mental spatial
ability, and psycho-motor skills. Please click on the following
links to try out some of these tests.
a) Word analogies
b) Number reasoning
c) Picture reasoning
All the sub-tests are computer administered. Most of the sub-tests
will present a problem or question on the screen and you will need
to respond accordingly. Some sub-tests however, measure speed or
hand-eye co-ordination and may look like simple computer
games.
How long is the test at VAC
Since we have to be as accurate as possible, we need to measure as
wide a range of your abilities as is possible. Thus, the testing
will require about 2 to 2 1/2 hours of your time.
What to do
Do not worry too much. All we require you to do is to do your best.
Each sub-test has instructions to guide you on what to do.
Ask for help: If you have problems understanding any of the
sub-tests or the instructions during testing, there will be people
on-site to help you.
Get a good night's sleep. Come for the test with a fresh mind.