CUT-E tests, prepare for the online assessment

CUT-E tests (part of the AON group since 2017) are online cognitive assessments created in 2002, widely used as a preselection tool by airlines such as Ryanair, Aer Lingus and L3 to screen large numbers of pilot applicants. Deceptively playful yet highly selective, they are best prepared with realistic practice tests.

A short history of the CUT-E tests

Easy Jet used the CUT-E tests to preselect its pilot applicants; the airline now uses the ADAPT / Symbiotics tests. — Easy Jet has moved to the ADAPT / Symbiotics tests

The first CUT-E tests were originally created in 2002. They are a new type of cognitive aptitude assessment tool designed to be taken online. They don't require a physical presence anymore. They are often used as a preselection means to reduce the cost of a screening where candidates apply in droves. The CUT-E tests' ergonomics is based on gamification and the test rules are easy to understand. However, note that this apparent simplicity may in fact hide a rigorous selectivity. In 2017, CUT-E tests were acquired by the AON group, thus becoming a giant in recruitment and professional assessment. CUT-E tests are used worldwide for pilot selection assessment whether by airline companies or pilot schools.

Who uses the CUT-E tests for pilot screening?

CUT-E tests are used at Aer Lingus to scrutinize pilot and cadet applicants. — Aer Lingus applicants take the CUT-E tests

Here is a non-exhaustive list of companies or flight training schools that use the online CUT-E tests to scrutinize and select pilot applicants:

→ Aer Lingus, Etihad, L3/CTC, Norwegian, Scoot, Thai Airways, Finnair, FlyDubai, Air India (cadet program), United Airlines, British Airways (including the Speedbird Academy), Qantas and QGPS (Qantas Group Pilot Academy), Ryanair (including its mentored programs), Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Luxair, Wizz Air, Smart Lynx, CityJet, NAV Canada (air traffic controller selection), FTE Jerez, Indigo / FTA, Baltic Aviation Academy (including the LOT Polish Airlines cadet program), AFTA Atlantic Flight Training Academy, Leading Edge Aviation and Cannes Aviation Flight School.
⚠ Since the 2017 acquisition, these tests are increasingly marketed under the AON brand. Some selections, such as Aer Lingus, now refer to them by that name only.
⚠ No longer concerned: Easy Jet (moved to the ADAPT / Symbiotics tests), Jet2.com, Swiss (moved to the DLR) and Dragonair (airline closed down in 2020).

If you happen to take the CUT-E tests in another company or flight school that is not listed above or if one of these companies doesn't ask for the CUT-E tests anymore, please contact us and we will update the list above.

Why take the CUT-E assessment?

CUT-E tests are part of the selection process at Norwegian — CUT-E tests are also used at Norwegian

When you apply to an airline company or a pilot school, the selection outcome is highly committing for both you and your future employer. It involves not only the aviation safety but mostly financial matters. Indeed, the sum at stake for an ab-initio training often exceeds 100.000 Eur. Thus, a recruitment decision represents a long-term investment for an airline company which tries to statistically reduce its technical or human risks while maintaining a training cost within acceptable limits. The purpose of the CUT-E tests is precisely to oversee and maintain such a risk as low as possible by measuring the correlation between this risk and the applicant's test results.

Should I train before taking the CUT-E tests?

CUT-E tests allow a recruiter to judge the candidate's psychometric aptitudes — CUT-E tests are used worldwide

Yes! Training has almost become a mandatory phase for anyone willing to pass the CUT-E tests. However, rather than cramming just a few days before the session, we advise you to use Pilotest to identify the psychometric aptitudes that you lack. Don't hesitate to explore all the tests on the website to diversify your training and to progress. Moreover, note that you will certainly receive the CUT-E email just a few days before the assessment. Don't wait for it to practice. We encourage you to train well ahead of the assessment to carry out a thorough preparation.

Prepare for the CUT-E tests with Pilotest

L3 Academy has recently changed and now uses the CUT-E tests — L3 screening includes the CUT-E tests

The tests we have developed to prepare for the CUT-E assessment recreate your upcoming exam under ultra-realistic conditions. Your test results are given not only as a classical mark (%) but above all as a stanine class. A stanine class represents your position relative to the other website users. Since the vast majority of pilots train on Pilotest, this result is all the more relevant. We advise you to target a class 6 in every aptitude involved and no test result below 3.