FEAST Memory Test

What is the FEAST memory test?

The FEAST memory test is not necessarily one single fixed module used in the exact same way by every organization. In FEAST preparation, “memory test” usually refers to the memory-related skills that may appear in FEAST-style air traffic controller selection tasks.

FEAST, the First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test, is a EUROCONTROL-developed test battery used by participating ANSPs, academies, universities, and aviation training organizations.

Memory can matter because air traffic controller candidates may need to hold, update, and use information while also processing new instructions or visual data.

Memory-related preparation may involve:

• working memory
• short-term recall
• visual memory
• sequence memory
• location memory
• information updating
• rule retention
• memory under time pressure
• memory while multitasking

The exact task format depends on the organization using FEAST. Always follow the official instructions from the ANSP, academy, university, or recruiter that invited you.

Why memory matters for air traffic controller selection

Air traffic control training requires the ability to keep relevant information active while making decisions.

A candidate may need to remember:

• instructions
• rules
• priorities
• changing values
• visual positions
• callsigns or labels in practice contexts
• task conditions
• previous events
• response rules
• exceptions

Memory is not only about storing information. It is about using information accurately while your attention is under pressure.

That is why working memory is especially important.

Working memory vs simple memorization

Working memory is different from ordinary memorization.

Simple memorization means storing information and recalling it later.

Working memory means holding information in mind while doing something with it.

For FEAST-style preparation, working memory may involve:

• remembering a sequence while answering another question
• updating values after changes
• holding task rules while applying them
• recalling positions after a delay
• remembering priorities during a multitasking task
• keeping track of which items were already handled

This is closer to the mental control needed in selection tasks.

Memory in FEAST Part 1

Memory is most naturally connected with FEAST Part 1, or FEAST I, because FEAST I is commonly associated with foundational cognitive ability testing.

Memory-related FEAST Part 1 preparation may include:

• number recall
• symbol recall
• visual memory
• sequence order
• short-term information storage
• updating information
• recalling after distraction
• remembering instructions

Related page: FEAST Part 1

Memory in FEAST Part 2

Memory can also matter in FEAST Part 2, especially during complex multitasking tasks.

In dynamic or multitasking tasks, you may need to remember:

• active rules
• current priorities
• items already checked
• moving-object relationships
• pending alerts
• response conditions
• task exceptions
• recent changes

Memory failures in complex tasks often look like multitasking failures.

Related pages:

• FEAST Part 2
• FEAST MULTI-PASS
• FEAST DART

Types of memory to practice

A balanced FEAST memory preparation plan should include several types of memory practice.

Sequence memory

Remembering the order of numbers, symbols, letters, or visual items.

Visual memory

Remembering shapes, locations, patterns, or symbols.

Working memory

Holding and manipulating information while completing another task.

Updating memory

Changing remembered values based on new instructions.

Rule memory

Remembering task rules, exceptions, and priorities.

Delayed recall

Remembering information after a short distraction or time delay.

Each type trains a slightly different skill.

Sequence memory

Sequence memory involves remembering items in order.

Example practice:

Memorize: 8 - 3 - 6 - 1 - 9
Question: What was the fourth number?
Answer: 1

To make this harder:

• increase the sequence length
• use letters or symbols
• ask for reverse order
• add a delay
• add a second task before recall
• ask for the item before or after a target

Sequence memory is useful because order matters in many cognitive tasks.

Visual memory

Visual memory involves remembering what something looked like or where it appeared.

Example practice:

A symbol appears in the top-left corner.
A triangle appears in the bottom-right corner.
A square appears in the center.

After a short delay, ask:

Where was the triangle?

Answer:

Bottom-right corner.

To make this harder:

• add more symbols
• reduce viewing time
• use similar-looking symbols
• add a distraction task
• ask about color, shape, or location
• increase the delay before recall

Related page: FEAST spatial reasoning test

Working memory

Working memory is the ability to hold information while using it.

Example practice:

Start with 4.
Add 3.
Multiply by 2.
Subtract 5.

Final answer:

9

This trains mental updating and rule-following.

To make it harder:

• use more steps
• use multiple values
• add visual information
• add a time limit
• ask for intermediate values
• combine with another task

Information updating

Information updating is especially useful for FEAST-style preparation.

Example:

A = 2
B = 5
C = 8

Updates:

A increases by 4.
B decreases by 2.
C becomes equal to A after the update.

Final values:

A = 6
B = 3
C = 6

This trains your ability to remember values, apply changes, and avoid mixing old and new information.

Rule memory

Rule memory means remembering what each response means.

Example rules:

If the shape is blue, press A.
If the shape is red, press B.
If the shape is a triangle, press C instead.

If you see a red triangle, the correct response is:

C

The triangle rule overrides the color rule.

This type of practice is useful because complex tasks may include exceptions or priority rules.

Delayed recall

Delayed recall involves remembering information after a short interruption.

Example:

Memorize: F - 7 - Q - 2

Now complete a quick task:

What is 9 + 4?

Answer:

13

Now recall the original sequence.

Answer:

F - 7 - Q - 2

This trains memory stability under distraction.

Memory and attention

Memory and attention are connected.

If you do not pay attention when information appears, you cannot remember it accurately later.

Many memory mistakes are actually attention mistakes.

For example:

• you looked away too early
• you did not encode the order
• you confused similar symbols
• you missed an instruction
• you focused on the wrong detail
• you rushed before storing the information

Related page: FEAST attention test

Memory and multitasking

Memory becomes harder when multitasking begins.

In multitasking practice, you may need to remember:

• one task’s count
• another task’s rule
• a changing priority
• a previous warning
• a target location
• a response condition

If your memory collapses during multitasking, simplify the practice first.

Build stable memory before adding high workload.

Related page: FEAST multitasking test

Memory and English comprehension

English can affect memory performance.

If you need extra effort to understand the instruction, less mental capacity may remain for the memory task.

This is especially important for non-native English speakers.

Practice:

• reading instructions quickly
• identifying key rule words
• remembering conditions
• understanding before / after
• understanding unless / except
• understanding increase / decrease
• understanding greater than / less than

Related page: FEAST English test

How to prepare for FEAST memory tasks

A practical memory preparation plan should be progressive.

Start with simple recall, then add complexity.

Recommended progression:

1. Short sequence recall
2. Longer sequence recall
3. Visual location recall
4. Information updating
5. Delayed recall
6. Rule memory
7. Memory plus timing
8. Memory plus distraction
9. Memory plus multitasking
10. Mixed practice sessions

The goal is to remember accurately while under pressure.

Step 1: improve encoding

Encoding means how you store information at the beginning.

Good encoding habits include:

• focus fully when information appears
• group items into chunks
• repeat silently if allowed
• notice patterns
• assign meaning where possible
• remember order deliberately
• avoid rushing before the information is stored

Poor encoding cannot be fixed later.

Step 2: use chunking

Chunking means grouping information into smaller units.

Example:

Sequence: 1 9 4 7 2 6

Instead of remembering six separate digits, group them:

194 - 726

Chunking can reduce mental load.

However, chunking must be fast. In timed tasks, do not spend too long building elaborate memory systems.

Step 3: practice recall under time pressure

Once accuracy improves, add timing.

Use short timers:

• 5 seconds to memorize
• 10 seconds to answer
• 30 seconds for a full drill
• short delay before recall

Timing should make practice more realistic, but not chaotic.

If accuracy collapses, reduce difficulty and rebuild.

Step 4: add distraction

After basic recall is stable, add a small distraction.

For example:

1. Memorize a sequence.
2. Complete a simple visual task.
3. Recall the sequence.

This trains memory under interference.

That is more useful than only practicing quiet, isolated memorization.

Step 5: add multitasking

The final stage is memory while multitasking.

Example:

• remember a target symbol
• monitor changing values
• respond to a rule
• recall the target later

This is difficult, so build gradually.

Do not add multitasking too early.

Sample memory practice set

This practice set is original and not official FEAST content.

Question 1: sequence recall

Memorize:

3 - 8 - 1 - 6 - 4

What was the second number?

Answer:

8

Question 2: reverse recall

Memorize:

A - K - 7 - M

Recall it in reverse order.

Answer:

M - 7 - K - A

Question 3: location recall

Memorize:

Circle = top-left
Square = center
Triangle = bottom-right

Where was the square?

Answer:

Center

Question 4: updating

Start with:

A = 3
B = 6

Update:

A increases by 2.
B decreases by 4.

Final values:

A = 5
B = 2

Question 5: rule memory

Rules:

If the item is a number, press N.
If the item is a letter, press L.
If the item is red, press R instead.

A red number appears. What do you press?

Answer:

R

Memory practice routine

A balanced 30-minute memory session could look like this:

1. 5 minutes sequence recall
2. 5 minutes visual memory
3. 5 minutes information updating
4. 5 minutes delayed recall
5. 5 minutes rule memory
6. 5 minutes mistake review

If you have more time, add a short multitasking drill after the memory work.

One-week FEAST memory preparation plan

If you have one week, use this structure.

Day 1: baseline

Try sequence recall, visual recall, and updating tasks.

Day 2: sequence memory

Practice number, letter, and symbol sequences.

Day 3: visual memory

Practice location, shape, and pattern recall.

Day 4: updating

Practice changing values and applying rules.

Day 5: delayed recall

Add distraction before recall.

Day 6: memory under timing

Complete timed drills and review mistakes.

Day 7: light review

Do short, easy recall tasks and rest.

Two-week FEAST memory preparation plan

If you have two weeks, build more gradually.

Days 1–2: baseline and basics

Identify your weak memory type.

Days 3–5: sequence and visual recall

Build accuracy with simple tasks.

Days 6–8: updating and rule memory

Practice changing information and remembering exceptions.

Days 9–11: delayed recall and distraction

Add interference between encoding and recall.

Days 12–13: timed mixed memory

Combine memory types under time pressure.

Day 14: light review

Avoid heavy cramming and protect sleep.

Common FEAST memory mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• trying to memorize official test content
• practicing only long-term memorization
• ignoring working memory
• skipping visual memory
• adding timing too early
• failing to review errors
• using the same sequences repeatedly
• practicing only easy tasks
• ignoring English instructions
• overtraining before test day
• assuming memory is fixed and cannot improve

Memory can improve with targeted practice.

How to review memory mistakes

After each mistake, ask:

• Did I encode the information correctly?
• Did I forget the order?
• Did I confuse similar items?
• Did I lose the information during a distraction?
• Did I apply the wrong update?
• Did I forget an exception rule?
• Did timing cause panic?
• Did English wording confuse me?
• Did fatigue affect recall?

Then choose your next practice drill based on the cause.

Memory strategies that can help

Useful strategies include:

• chunking
• silent repetition
• visual grouping
• linking items to positions
• focusing on order
• identifying patterns
• reducing distractions
• slowing down during encoding
• reviewing rules before starting
• practicing with increasing difficulty

Do not rely on one strategy for every task. Different memory tasks require different approaches.

Memory strategies to avoid

Avoid strategies that are too slow or fragile.

Examples:

• creating long stories for every sequence
• overcomplicating simple recall
• relying on writing things down if not allowed
• repeating one practice set until memorized
• ignoring time limits
• panicking when the sequence is longer than expected

In FEAST-style tasks, memory strategies must be fast and flexible.

Memory and test-day performance

On test day:

• focus fully when information is presented
• read instructions before memorizing
• identify what must be remembered
• avoid rushing the encoding stage
• use simple mental grouping
• keep breathing steady
• recover after mistakes
• do not let one missed recall damage the next task

A calm mind remembers better than a panicked one.

Ethical preparation

Prepare ethically.

Avoid:

• leaked FEAST memory items
• copied official test content
• screenshots from real sessions
• unauthorized question banks
• claims of exact official replication
• sharing protected test details after your session

Train the memory skill, not the official test content.

What to verify officially

Before taking FEAST, verify:

• whether you are invited to the test
• test date
• test location or delivery method
• required identification
• expected duration
• allowed and prohibited items
• whether official familiarization material is provided
• result communication process
• retake policy
• contact information for questions

If this guide conflicts with your ANSP, recruiter, academy, university, EUROCONTROL, or test-session instructions, follow the official source.

Bottom line

FEAST memory preparation should focus on working memory, visual recall, sequence memory, information updating, delayed recall, and rule retention under pressure.

Do not try to memorize official test content. Practice flexible recall, review your mistakes, add timing gradually, and build the ability to remember accurately while attention is under pressure.

Preparation resources

Free orientation should stay realistic about what your recruiting organization actually uses. Paid catalogs vary by pathway, so match modules to your official instructions before spending money.

You may compare these catalog corners from the same publisher (none are official EUROCONTROL or employer materials): FEAST 2–oriented notes, FAA ATSA–oriented prep for cross-pathway research, and general ATC aptitude pages. Publisher: JobTestPrep.

You may also find our JobTestPrep FEAST Review helpful before buying.

Frequently asked questions