You have been invited to take part in a selection procedure containing computer based psychological tests of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Everyday experience shows, that repeating a task for several times usually improves the achieved performance. This is also confirmed by psychological research. A suitable preparation for such a selection procedure should therefore include appropriate training.

The DLR would like to minimize any uncertainties applicants might have with regard to a forthcoming selection event and offer fair and freely accessible preparation materials. Therefore we have developed this CBT program (CBT = computer based training), which is specially tailored for our tests, because applicants who train incorrectly under unqualified guidance may not be able to perform optimally in the actual test in the selection procedure.

The free DLR preparation programs and exercises are exclusively provided by DLR or the ordering party of your selection event. We expect you to work through the training program according to our instructions and recommendations and that you take enough time for the preparation (at least ten days, better three weeks or more).

Each CBT module contains an instructional part in which the respective task is explained. In some modules you have the option to choose different levels of difficulty for the training. Start with the lowest level and then work your way through the different levels. You will notice the performance gains yourself. In total, you should complete each of the modules at least 20 times. If you notice that you can still increase your performance, or if you observe a drop in performance after a break from training, you should train more often.

When preparing for knowledge tests, e.g. in the fields of aviation, technics/physics, English or mathematics, we recommend a different approach. In the respective CBT modules you will find a collection of sample tasks. These will give you an overview of the relevant subtopics and provide an impression of the difficulty level of the actual test items in the later selection examination. Work through each module first without any preparation in order to identify your personal strengths, weaknesses and knowledge gaps you might have. This will help you to assess your individual training needs. Then use further literature, your own school records or other sources to work on your deficits. Use the CBT module again from time to time to assess your learning progress.

An individual training schedule with regular times when you are not disturbed can be helpful for the overall preparation for the selection examination. It is generally advisable to limit your daily learning time, take regular breaks and occasionally switch between modules and tasks. It may also be useful to go through the entire program again the day before the selection examination or at a time close to that date.

If you have conducted your training according to our recommendations, then you have prepared yourself optimally, enhanced your knowledge and optimized your test processing speed. This is also scientifically proven (see Hermes et al., 2019). The process is basically similar to learning to play a musical instrument, in which the complex sequences of movements become more and more fluid as the practice time increases. However, even between musicians with many years of experience, differences in performance are noticeable, as the specific individual talents of each person remain.

In the "Important documents" section you will find further information as well as forms that are especially important for your selection examination.

Hermes, M., Albers, F., Böhnke, J.R., Huelmann, G., Maier, J., & Stelling, D. (2019)."Measurement and structural invariance of cognitive ability tests after computer-based training." Computers in Human Behavior 93: 370-378.