COMPASS™
Pilot Aptitude Test
Nepal’s first step to your pilot career starts here. Everything you need to know about the COMPASS test, your NOC process, and how SAC supports you.
No student needs dedicated COMPASS preparation classes, coaching institutes, or paid preparation programs to appear for the COMPASS test. The test measures your natural abilities and aptitudes — not what you have studied. With the right understanding of the test structure and a little home practice, any student can walk in with confidence — for free.
The World’s Leading Pilot Aptitude System
COMPASS™ (Computerised Pilot Aptitude Screening System) is a scientifically validated pilot selection system developed by COMPASS International B.V. in partnership with the Institute for Aviation Psychology (IAP) and the University of Amsterdam. It is trusted by aviation authorities and airlines across more than 50 countries worldwide.
The COMPASS test is not about aviation knowledge — it measures whether a person has the natural cognitive and psychomotor aptitudes required to successfully complete pilot training. It gives flight schools and aviation authorities an objective, standardised picture of every candidate’s real potential.
Your NOC Process — Step by Step
CAAN requires all Nepali students to pass the COMPASS Ab-Initio test before commencing Zero to CPL training abroad. Pilot training costs USD 55,000–90,000 or more — COMPASS protects students from investing this amount without an honest assessment of their natural flying aptitude first.
flightsafety.caanepal.gov.np
licensing@caanepal.gov.np
+977-1-4111075
The 8 Test Modules — Full Breakdown
Designed for students with zero flying experience. No prior aviation knowledge required. Each module tests a distinct natural aptitude critical to pilot training success.
Hand-Eye-Foot Coordination
Simultaneously coordinate hands and feet using a joystick and rudder pedals to keep a simulated aircraft stabilised while other tasks compete for attention. One of the most critical and challenging modules.
Psychomotor coordination — simultaneous aircraft controlSpatial Orientation
Interpret aircraft instrument readings — Direction Indicator, Artificial Horizon, Relative Bearing Indicator — and identify the corresponding aircraft position from options on screen.
3D spatial reasoning — flying without visual referenceMulti-Task Management
Manage two or more tasks simultaneously on the same screen under time pressure — directly mirroring the cockpit environment where a pilot monitors instruments, communicates with ATC, and navigates at once.
Divided attention across concurrent tasksMental Calculations
Rapid mental arithmetic under time pressure — addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division without a calculator. The maths is high-school level; the challenge is speed and accuracy under pressure.
Numerical aptitude and mental processing speedShort-Term Memory
Presented with sequences of numbers, letters, or shapes — recall them accurately shortly after. Sequences become longer and more complex, mirroring ATC clearances and checklists in real flight operations.
Working memory — retain and retrieve information quicklyMental Capacity
Overall cognitive processing speed and accuracy — how quickly and correctly your brain processes and responds to information under varying levels of complexity. The foundation for learning aviation theory.
General cognitive processing abilityVerbal Reasoning & Comprehension
Read and interpret short passages or statements and answer questions based on logical reasoning. Critical for understanding aviation regulations, procedures, and manuals in ground school and professional operations.
Logical deduction from written informationCOMPASS Aviation English
Evaluates English proficiency in an aviation context — assessing whether you have the foundation to reach ICAO Language Proficiency Level 4 by the end of training, the minimum standard for all commercial pilots worldwide.
Aviation English comprehension and communicationHow to Prepare — Completely Free
You are not preparing for an academic exam — you are sharpening natural abilities that already exist in you. There are no official COMPASS study guides. What you can do entirely for free at home is familiarise yourself with the test format and practice the tasks involved.
latestpilotjobs.com/aptitudetest
- Explore the practice platform 20–30 min daily
- Identify which modules feel natural vs. challenging
- Focus on weaker areas — not the easy ones
- 15–20 min timed mental maths daily
- Multi-task exercises every day — they improve fast
- Spatial reasoning and 3D orientation puzzles
- Read and summarise short passages quickly
- Full sessions — all modules attempted daily
- Practice under light time pressure with a timer
- Watch basic aviation YouTube for English familiarity
- Rest well in the final days before your test
Practice on the Real Hardware Before Your Test
Module 1 — the Coordination module — requires a joystick and rudder pedals which cannot be replicated on a standard keyboard. This is the one module that genuinely benefits from hands-on hardware practice before the official test.
- Practice on the exact official COMPASS hardware at SAC’s Kathmandu location
- Even 1–2 sessions significantly reduces first-time anxiety on test day
- Builds the coordination muscle memory needed for Module 1
- Available at a minimal charge — contact SAC to book a session
as specified by COMPASS International B.V.
For Licensed Pilots — Airline Selection
COMPASS Advanced Test
The Advanced COMPASS is a separate, more complex test designed for trained and licensed pilots applying for airline positions. It is not required by CAAN for NOC purposes — it becomes relevant when you return to Nepal as a licensed pilot and begin applying to airlines.
Includes all standard modules plus complex control tasks, ATPL theoretical knowledge questions, and advanced decision-making assessments. SAC is authorised to conduct Advanced COMPASS testing.
SAC — Official COMPASS™ Authorised Test Centre
Sudish Aviation Consultant (SAC) holds a direct partnership with COMPASS International B.V. and is one of Nepal’s very few officially authorised COMPASS™ testing centres.
- Test conducted using official COMPASS software and recommended hardware — exactly as specified by COMPASS International B.V.
- Results are legitimate, official, and directly accepted by CAAN for your NOC application
- Authorised to conduct both COMPASS Ab-Initio and Advanced assessments
- Our team guides you through the full NOC process before and after your test result
Only officially authorised centres using genuine COMPASS hardware and software can issue results accepted by CAAN. Always verify authorisation before booking your test. Unauthorised centres claiming to offer COMPASS testing in Nepal cannot issue valid results.
Fees & How to Book
COMPASS International B.V. charges a per-test fee for every test taken. Always confirm the latest fee directly with CAAN or SAC before making any payment.
CAAN-Administered Test Fee
For the CAAN-administered COMPASS test fee, contact CAAN Flight Safety Standards Department directly for the latest fee structure.
Book at SAC
For SAC COMPASS test booking and our current test fees, contact us directly. Hardware practice sessions for Module 1 are also available.
Book NowCOMPASS — At a Glance
Book Your COMPASS Test with SAC
SAC guides you from test booking to your CAAN NOC — every step of the way.