CogScreen-AE Subtests: A Pilot's Definitive Guide

If you're a pilot facing a CogScreen-AE evaluation, you're probably wondering: What exactly will I be tested on? The anxiety of not knowing what to expect can be worse than the test itself. You're putting your career on the line, and the FAA's vague descriptions don't help much.

The official descriptions are clinical and abstract—"visual-motor tracking with concurrent memory task"—but what does that actually mean when you're sitting in front of the computer?

This guide breaks down all 13 CogScreen-AE subtests in plain language. You'll learn what each test measures, why it matters for aviation safety, and what to expect when you're in the hot seat. While you can't truly "study" for CogScreen (and attempting to game the test can backfire), understanding what's coming can reduce anxiety and help you perform at your cognitive best.

What is CogScreen-AE?

Before we dive into the subtests, let's get oriented. CogScreen-AE (Aeromedical Edition) is a computerized test battery specifically designed for pilots. Unlike general cognitive tests, it was developed to assess the mental skills that matter most in the cockpit: rapid decision-making, multitasking, spatial orientation, and maintaining focus under pressure.

The test generates 105 variables measuring attention, memory, visual perception, sequencing, problem-solving, calculation, reaction time, and executive functions. Here's what makes it different from a standard neuropsych test: it doesn't just measure if you can do a task—it measures how fast and accurately you can do it under time pressure, just like flying.

Key facts:

• Duration: 45-90 minutes for the CogScreen portion alone
• Format: Computerized, uses keyboard, mouse, and sometimes joystick
• Scoring: Both speed and accuracy matter equally
• Passing: FAA uses the 15th percentile as the cutoff (you need to perform better than 15% of the comparison group)
• Retakes: Allowed in some cases, but results may raise questions if performance varies wildly

Now, let's break down each of the 13 subtests.

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CogScreen-AE Test Categories

The 13 subtests are organized into 5 cognitive domains. Click any test to jump directly to its detailed explanation.

Category	Subtests	What They Measure
Memory	Backward Digit Span Symbol Digit Coding Matching to Sample	Working memory, visual association, pattern recognition
Attention & Processing	Divided Attention Test Visual Sequence Comparison Auditory Sequence Comparison	Multitasking, scanning speed, sound discrimination
Executive Functions	Shifting Attention Test Pathfinder Manikin Test	Cognitive flexibility, sequencing, spatial orientation
Complex Integration	Dual Task	Simultaneous motor and cognitive performance
Speed & Coordination	Math Word Problems Motor Coordination Reaction Time	Calculation, precision, response speed

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Memory Tests

Backward Digit Span: The Working Memory Test Pilots Struggle With

What It Measures

Working memory—your brain's ability to hold and manipulate information in the short term. You'll see a sequence of numbers on screen (like 7-3-9-2), and you must recall them in reverse order (2-9-3-7).

Why It Matters for Aviation

In the cockpit, you're constantly juggling information: ATC gives you a clearance, you mentally reverse-calculate a descent rate, you remember your assigned altitude while configuring the aircraft. Working memory is your mental scratch pad, and it's critical for safe flight operations.

What to Expect

The test starts easy (2-3 digits) and progressively gets harder (up to 7-8 digits). You'll use the keyboard to enter your answers. The software measures both accuracy and response time.

Common Pilot Experience

"I was particularly nervous about doing simple arithmetic in my head, especially when nervous." —Airline pilot, Pilots of America forum

Many pilots report this is one of the more stressful subtests because:

• Test anxiety makes it harder to concentrate
• The sequences get long quickly
• You feel the pressure of each digit you might miss

Tips

• Don't panic if you miss one—the test adapts to your performance level
• Use whatever mental strategy works for you (some pilots visualize the numbers backward, others chunk them into pairs)
• Take a breath before each sequence starts

Practice working memory tasks →

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Symbol Digit Coding: Speed, Memory, and Pattern Recognition

What It Measures

This is a classic cognitive test: you're shown a key that maps symbols to digits (★=3, ■=7, etc.). You must quickly substitute digits for symbols as they appear. Then, later in the test, you're asked to recall the symbol-digit pairs from memory—both immediately and after a delay.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Pilots must rapidly encode and retrieve information: instrument symbols, chart symbology, checklist procedures. This test measures how quickly you can learn new associations and recall them under pressure.

What to Expect

Phase 1: Substitution task with the key visible (speed and accuracy) Phase 2: Immediate recall (how many pairs do you remember?) Phase 3: Delayed recall (tested again 10-15 minutes later after intervening tasks)

The "Sneaky" Part

"One tip: memorize perhaps 3 symbol/digit pairs during the test, as it will quiz you on how many you recall, and sneakily will do this again a few minutes later after a completely different test." —Experienced pilot, Pilots of America forum

This is one of the few subtests where a simple strategy can help: during the substitution phase, try to memorize 3-4 pairs. You'll be tested on them twice.

Common Pilot Experience

Pilots report this test feels like a race—your fingers are flying across the keyboard trying to match symbols as fast as possible. Some describe hand cramping from the rapid input.

Practice pattern recognition and memory →

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Matching to Sample: Visual Memory Under Time Pressure

What It Measures

Visual recognition memory. You're briefly shown a checkerboard pattern, then it disappears. You must immediately identify which pattern you just saw from a set of similar options.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Pilots must rapidly encode visual information: runway configurations, aircraft positions on TCAS, instrument indications. This test measures your ability to form accurate visual memories quickly.

What to Expect

• Patterns appear for just a few seconds
• You must select the matching pattern from 4-6 options
• Patterns become more complex as the test progresses
• Both speed and accuracy are measured

Common Pilot Experience

"The visual tests were challenging because the patterns look so similar—you have to really focus during that brief exposure." —Commercial pilot

Practice visual memory tasks →

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Attention & Processing Tests

Divided Attention Test: The Multitasking Challenge

What It Measures

Your ability to monitor multiple information sources simultaneously—exactly what pilots do every flight. You'll track a moving target while simultaneously responding to other stimuli.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Flying is continuous multitasking: monitor instruments, listen to ATC, manage aircraft systems, watch for traffic, navigate. Divided attention is perhaps the core cognitive skill for safe flight operations.

What to Expect

The test presents this task alone first (baseline performance), then combines it with other cognitive tasks. The comparison shows how much your performance degrades under multitasking conditions.

Common Pilot Experience

This is where pilots often feel the test is most relevant to actual flying. You're juggling multiple inputs, just like in the cockpit. The challenge is maintaining accuracy on both tasks simultaneously—many pilots report focusing too much on one and missing the other.

Practice multitasking and divided attention →

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Visual Sequence Comparison: Scanning Speed and Accuracy

What It Measures

Your ability to rapidly compare two sequences of letters and numbers and determine if they're identical. For example:

• Sequence A: K-7-3-R-9
• Sequence B: K-7-3-R-9
• Answer: Same

Why It Matters for Aviation

Pilots constantly verify information: comparing clearances to what you heard, checking altimeter against assigned altitude, verifying waypoint sequences. This test measures scanning speed and attention to detail.

What to Expect

• Sequences are displayed side-by-side
• You must quickly determine: Same or Different
• Sequences get longer and more complex
• Time pressure increases

Common Pilot Experience

"It sounds simple, but when you're under time pressure and the sequences are long, it's easy to miss a single digit difference." —Pilot, AvCanada forum

Practice visual scanning and comparison →

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Auditory Sequence Comparison: Sound Discrimination and Memory

What It Measures

Auditory processing and memory. You'll hear two sequences of tones and must determine if they're identical or different.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Pilots process critical auditory information: ATC communications, warning tones, engine sounds. This test measures how well you can encode and compare auditory patterns.

What to Expect

• Sequences of high and low tones
• Presented in pairs
• You must identify: Same or Different
• Tones may vary in pitch, duration, or sequence

Common Pilot Experience

"The audio tests were harder than I expected—tones sound similar, and under pressure it's tough to be certain." —Pilot forum member

This test can be particularly challenging for older pilots or those with hearing loss. If you use hearing aids, make sure you wear them during testing.

Practice auditory discrimination tasks →

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Executive Functions Tests

Manikin Test: Mental Rotation and Spatial Orientation

What It Measures

Spatial orientation and mental rotation. You see a manikin (stick figure) holding an object in one hand. The manikin is rotated to different orientations, and you must identify which hand is holding the object—accounting for the rotation.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Spatial disorientation kills pilots. This test measures your ability to mentally manipulate three-dimensional space and maintain orientation—critical skills for unusual attitudes, IFR flying, and aerobatic recovery.

What to Expect

• Manikin appears in various rotations (upright, inverted, tilted)
• Each manikin holds an object in left or right hand
• You must quickly identify: Left hand or Right hand
• Becomes more complex as rotation angles increase

Common Pilot Experience

Many pilots find this test challenging initially but improve with practice during the instruction phase. The key is developing a mental strategy (some pilots imagine themselves rotating, others use hand gestures).

Tips

• Use the practice trials to develop your strategy
• Don't second-guess yourself—go with your first instinct
• If you get confused, quickly reset and move to the next question

Practice spatial orientation tasks →

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Pathfinder: Visual Scanning and Sequencing

What It Measures

Visual scanning, sequencing, and mental flexibility. Similar to the "Trail Making Test" in neuropsychology, you must connect numbers or letters in sequence as quickly as possible.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Pilots must rapidly scan instruments, follow procedures in order, and switch between different information sources. This test measures visual search efficiency and cognitive flexibility.

What to Expect

• Connect numbers in ascending order (1-2-3...) or alternating number-letter sequences (1-A-2-B-3-C...)
• Use mouse or touchscreen to connect the sequence
• Both accuracy and speed matter
• Complexity increases with each level

Common Pilot Experience

This test feels like a timed puzzle. Pilots report the pressure of finding the next number/letter quickly while the clock runs can create anxiety.

Practice visual scanning and sequencing →

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Shifting Attention Test: Executive Functions and Cognitive Flexibility

What It Measures

Executive functions—your brain's ability to switch between different rules and inhibit automatic responses. You'll be given a rule (e.g., "click the arrow pointing right"), then the rule suddenly changes (e.g., "click the arrow pointing left"), and you must adapt quickly.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Pilots must shift mental sets constantly: transitioning from climb to cruise checklist, switching from VFR to IFR, adapting to emergency procedures. Cognitive flexibility prevents you from getting locked into the wrong mental mode.

What to Expect

• Rules change without warning
• You must inhibit your previous response pattern
• Measures both accuracy and reaction time
• Tests ability to recover from errors

Common Pilot Experience

"The shifting attention test is tough because you get into a rhythm, then suddenly the rule changes and you have to override your automatic response." —Pilot, neuropsych forum

Practice cognitive flexibility and task switching →

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Complex Integration Tests

Dual Task: The Ultimate Multitasking Test

What It Measures

Your ability to perform visual-motor tracking (following a moving target with a joystick or mouse) while simultaneously performing a memory task. This is multitasking at its most demanding.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Flying often requires precise motor control (hand-flying in turbulence) while simultaneously managing cognitive tasks (calculating fuel, responding to ATC). This test measures how well you can do both at once.

What to Expect

• Continuous tracking task (keep crosshairs on a moving target)
• Simultaneous memory/recognition task
• Performance measured on both tasks
• Degradation in one or both tasks shows divided attention limits

Common Pilot Experience

This is often cited as one of the most challenging subtests. Pilots report that performance on one task (usually tracking) suffers significantly when the cognitive task is added.

Practice dual-task performance →

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Speed & Coordination Tests

Math Word Problems: The Test That Shouldn't Scare You

What It Measures

Basic arithmetic reasoning—solving word problems under time pressure.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Pilots perform mental calculations constantly: fuel burn, descent rates, time-to-station, weight and balance. This test measures numerical reasoning under pressure.

What to Expect

• Traditional math word problems with multiple choice answers
• Examples: "If you burn 50 gallons per hour and have 200 gallons remaining, how many hours can you fly?"
• Typically only 4-6 questions (not a major component)
• Time-limited

Common Pilot Experience

"I was particularly nervous about doing simple arithmetic in my head, especially when nervous." —Airline pilot

Good news: this is usually one of the shorter subtests. The math is typically middle-school level, but test anxiety can make even simple calculations feel difficult.

Tips

• Don't overthink—the math is straightforward
• If you're stuck, make your best guess and move on
• Watch for units (gallons vs. pounds, hours vs. minutes)

Practice mental math and word problems →

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Motor Coordination: Hand-Eye Precision

What It Measures

Fine motor control and hand-eye coordination. You'll use a mouse, joystick, or trackball to perform precise targeting or tracking tasks.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Precise control inputs are essential for safe flying, especially during approaches, crosswind landings, and unusual attitudes. This measures your motor precision.

What to Expect

• Targeting tasks (click precisely on small targets)
• Tracking tasks (follow a moving target)
• Both speed and accuracy measured
• Tests fine motor control

Common Pilot Experience

Some pilots report hand cramping during motor tasks, especially if they're lengthy. Take the allowed breaks if needed.

Practice motor coordination tasks →

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Reaction Time: Speed of Response

What It Measures

Simple and complex reaction time—how quickly you can respond to a stimulus. Simple RT: one stimulus, one response. Complex RT: multiple stimuli, different responses.

Why It Matters for Aviation

Pilots must react quickly to changing conditions: traffic alerts, terrain warnings, engine failures. Reaction time can mean the difference between a safe recovery and an accident.

What to Expect

• Visual or auditory stimuli appear
• You must respond as quickly as possible (button press)
• Measures both simple RT (one response) and choice RT (select correct response)
• Times measured in milliseconds

Common Pilot Experience

This test feels the most straightforward—see stimulus, press button. However, consistency matters: highly variable reaction times may raise questions about attention or neurological function.

Practice reaction time exercises →

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What Happens After the Subtests?

Once you've completed all 13 subtests, the software generates a detailed report with 105 variables. Your neuropsychologist will interpret these results in the context of:

• Your age and education level
• Your aviation experience
• Your medical history
• Normative data for pilots

The FAA's 15th Percentile Standard: The FAA typically requires performance at or above the 15th percentile. This means you must perform better than at least 15% of the comparison group. Statistically, 85% of test-takers should pass—but pilot forums report much lower pass rates in practice, likely because pilots being tested often have medical conditions affecting cognition.

Consistency Matters: "Some results being amazing while others were bad creates variation that makes the FAA uncomfortable." —Neuropsychologist on pilot forum

The FAA doesn't just look at overall performance—they examine patterns. Excelling in some areas while performing poorly in others may trigger additional scrutiny or supplemental testing.

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Practical Tips for Test Day

Now that you understand what each subtest measures, here are practical strategies:

Before Test Day

1. Get quality sleep (7-8 hours) for at least 2 nights before testing
2. Arrive well-nourished and hydrated (but not over-caffeinated)
3. Bring corrective lenses (critical—visual tests require clear vision)
4. Don't over-prepare using online "brain training" apps—the CogScreen software can detect extensive preparation, and it may not help

During Testing

1. Focus intensely during practice trials for each subtest—you cannot redo a test if you misunderstand the instructions
2. Pace yourself—the test measures both speed and accuracy, so don't sacrifice accuracy for speed
3. Don't panic if something feels hard—it's designed to be challenging
4. Use breaks wisely—stretch, hydrate, reset your focus

After Testing

• Expect mental exhaustion for 24-48 hours
• Don't try to self-assess performance
• Drive carefully after testing (fatigue is real)

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The Bottom Line

The CogScreen-AE isn't designed to trick you—it's designed to objectively measure the cognitive skills that predict safe pilot performance. Understanding what each subtest measures won't change your innate cognitive abilities, but it can reduce anxiety and help you perform at your best.

Remember: if you don't have actual cognitive deficits, you should pass. The stress of the weeks leading up to testing is often worse than the test itself. Thousands of pilots have successfully completed CogScreen-AE evaluations and returned to flying.

If you're preparing for your own CogScreen evaluation, consider using PilotPrep to familiarize yourself with the types of cognitive tasks you'll encounter. While you can't "study" for CogScreen, reducing uncertainty can help you walk into that testing room with confidence instead of dread.

You've got this. Blue skies ahead.

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Sources

• CogScreen-AE Official Site
• FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners - Neurocognition
• CogScreen Subtests Technical Documentation
• AOPA - CogScreen Testing
• Real pilot experiences compiled from Pilots of America forums, Airline Pilot Forums, and AvCanada discussions
• Academic research: "Relationship of CogScreen-AE to flight simulator performance and pilot age" (Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine)

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About PilotPrep: We help pilots prepare for FAA CogScreen-AE evaluations through evidence-based cognitive training designed specifically for aviators. Our platform was built by pilots, for pilots, to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty of neuropsychological testing. Start your preparation today.