What the five formats involve
Error Detection compares character strings and asks how many positions differ. Orientation asks you to remember arrow rules and identify a diagram that follows them. Number Fluency presents calculations separately, then asks which result is larger or whether they are equal.
Word Rules combines ordered categories with a later set of words; you count the words matching the category for their own position. Deductive Reasoning uses relationships such as order, speed or height to establish a supported answer. These descriptions refer to the public familiarisation formats, not a promise that every applicant receives all five.
Work in two passes: method, then pace
Begin with coached practice. After each item, reconstruct the relevant work: list the differing character positions, apply both arrow rules, calculate both values, check each category slot or write the logical chain. Do not count an answer as understood merely because you recognised it.
Then use a fresh set under a clearly labelled PSP practice time. Review what changed. Did you make an arithmetic error, forget the first rule or spend too long checking? This gives you a more useful next step than repeating an already familiar paper until the score rises.
What your official invitation decides
The competition controls the actual sections, timing, permitted aids and deadlines. A PSP practice timer is a training setting. Our score is not an official mark, percentile or prediction. No universal pass threshold is published here.
Cadetship terms confirm psychometric selection, including supervised verification in the 2026 Army process. Current General Service pages differ about aptitude testing. If your invitation and a general webpage appear to conflict, ask the recruitment contact before assuming a requirement.
Start with an honest baseline
The free diagnostic requires sign-in so practice can be associated with your account. Read the feedback before deciding what to practise next. A weak result in one unfamiliar format can be a useful starting point; it is not a judgement on your suitability for military service.
The official free familiarisation is also worth using. It introduces the interface and task style. PSP is independent of both the Defence Forces and the assessment provider, and uses original educational questions.
Questions about this stage
Are these official past questions?
No. PSP questions are original practice aligned to publicly demonstrated skills. They are not official items or an endorsed assessment.
What is the pass mark?
Your official assessment rules determine progression. PSP does not invent a universal pass mark or convert a practice score into a selection probability.
Sources and current instructions
These guides explain the preparation process. Check your current competition booklet and invitation before relying on a requirement or date.
- Officially linked Mindmill familiarisation practice
- 2026 Army cadetship terms, including Annex D
- Official application process and fitness guidance
Official decisions, eligibility, medical clearance and assessment results belong to the recruiting organisation. A PSP practice score is not an official pass mark or selection prediction.