What is COMPASS™? A Complete Guide for Aspiring Pilots in Nepal
COMPASS™ (Computerised Pilot Aptitude Screening System) is the world’s leading pilot selection tool, developed by COMPASS International B.V. in the Netherlands. With over 200,000 tests completed across 50+ countries, it is the global benchmark for measuring whether a candidate has the natural aptitude to complete pilot training — before investing years and significant funds in flight school.
In Nepal, it is mandatory. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) requires all aspiring student pilots to pass the COMPASS™ Ab-Initio test before commencing CPL training abroad.
The 8 COMPASS™ Test Modules
COMPASS™ does not test aviation knowledge. It measures natural cognitive and psychomotor aptitudes. The Ab-Initio version — for candidates with no flying experience — has 8 modules:
| Module | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| M1 — Hand-Eye-Foot Coordination | Simultaneous psychomotor control using joystick & rudder pedals |
| M2 — Spatial Orientation | 3D spatial reasoning without visual reference |
| M3 — Multi-Task Management | Divided attention across concurrent tasks under pressure |
| M4 — Mental Calculations | Rapid mental arithmetic — speed and accuracy under time pressure |
| M5 — Short-Term Memory | Working memory — retain and retrieve sequences quickly |
| M6 — Mental Capacity | Overall cognitive processing speed and accuracy |
| M7 — Verbal Reasoning | Logical deduction from written information |
| M8 — Aviation English | English comprehension in an aviation context |
Module 1 requires a joystick and rudder pedals — it cannot be completed on a standard keyboard. SAC offers hardware practice sessions at our Kathmandu office so you can practice on the actual COMPASS hardware before your official test.
How to Prepare
COMPASS™ is not an academic exam — you cannot memorise your way to a better score. It tests natural aptitudes. That said, two to three weeks of focused daily practice makes a genuine difference, especially in multi-tasking, coordination, and mental calculation speed.
- Use the LatestPilotJobs aptitude practice platform — the closest browser-based simulation available. Contact SAC for a free trial session.
- Practice 20–30 minutes daily across all modules
- Focus extra time on your weaker modules — not the easy ones
- Book a hardware practice session at SAC before your test — Module 1 cannot be replicated on a keyboard
- Rest well the night before — reaction time and working memory both drop significantly with poor sleep
Where to Take the Test in Nepal
Option 1 — CAAN (Government)
Contact CAAN’s Flight Safety Standards Department directly for the current fee structure and booking process for the government-administered test.
- Email: licensing@caanepal.gov.np
- Phone: +977-1-4111075
- Website: flightsafety.caanepal.gov.np
Option 2 — SAC (Authorised COMPASS™ Centre)
Sudisha Aviation Consultant is officially authorised by COMPASS International B.V., Netherlands to conduct COMPASS™ tests in Nepal. SAC currently runs Advanced COMPASS™ assessments and guides Ab-Initio candidates through the full CAAN process — including hardware preparation sessions before the official test.
→ Explore SAC’s COMPASS™ Test page
→ Book a hardware practice session or send an enquiry
Ab-Initio vs. Advanced COMPASS™
| Ab-Initio COMPASS™ | Advanced COMPASS™ | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Aspiring student pilots with no flying experience | Licensed pilots applying to airlines or ATOs |
| When required | Mandatory by CAAN before CPL training abroad | Professional airline and ATO selection |
| Test complexity | 8 standard aptitude modules | More complex, advanced assessments |
Common Questions
Can I retake COMPASS™ if I don’t pass?
Yes. CAAN allows retakes, but there is a mandatory waiting period between attempts. Confirm the current retake policy directly with CAAN or SAC before booking.
Do I need aviation knowledge to pass?
No. COMPASS™ tests natural aptitude, not aviation knowledge. Module 8 tests general English comprehension in an aviation context — not technical aviation terminology.
Does my COMPASS™ result expire?
CAAN specifies validity periods for COMPASS™ results. Always confirm the current validity window with CAAN or SAC before booking your test.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQs page or contact SAC directly. As Nepal’s officially authorised COMPASS™ testing centre, we guide you through every step — from preparation to booking.
