Why do Cadets have exams?

As well as all the fun things cadets do such as flying, camping and canoeing cadets have to take exams to determine their rank within the ATC. So, a cadet with the first class badge has probably only been in cadets a few months, leading about a year, and so on. These estimates are only guesses because its really down to the squadron itself, and who they think is eligible to take the tests.

Within the exams there are a few different subjects which include map reading, navigation and principles of flight. Below are the basic guidelines of what you will need and pictures of what the badges look like.

First Class Cadet: For the first cadet badge, cadets must be enrolled and must have completed the full syllabus of subjects.The first class exam is made up of seven subjects these are: First Aid, Basic Airmanship, Expedition Training, The History of The Air Training Corps, Communications and Weapons Handling.

Leading Cadet: For the leading badge, cadets must have already taken and passed first class and passed the full syllabus for leading cadet examinations while having done at least 25 hours of project work. There are only three subjects to study for the Leading Exam, Basic Navigation, Principles of Flight and Airmanship 2.

Senior Cadet: For the senior badge, cadets must have taken and passed the leading cadet examinations and completed the full syllabus, while having done 25 hours or more project work. A cadet has to choose two subjects for this exam from the following four: Aircraft Navigation, Propulsion, Aircraft handling and Advanced Radio and Radar.

Staff Cadet: To be eligible to sit either part 1 or part 2 of the staff cadet examination cadets must have taken and passed the Senior Cadet examinations, reached the age of at least fifteen years and six months,completed the staff cadet syllabus including approved citizenship training and a further 25 hours or more project training. Staff cadets must also have completed the First Class shot test within the last twelve months, it would also be a great advantage if the cadet had been to at least one of the RAF annual camps. There are two parts to this exam. This first is similar to the senior exam. Two subjects must be chosen: Pilot navigation, Airframes, Operational flying and Satellite communications must be chosen and studied. This part of the exam is set by Headquarters Air Cadets. The second part is completed in the squadron and your Wing staff officer assesses you on your knowledge of the Corps and your lecture technique.