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Assessment guide / Attention & multitasking

TEA-OCC practice guide

Listen, search and bring both tasks together. Explore the three practice modes and find a clear starting point for your next session.

3 practice modesAudio & visual searchSingle and combined tasks
Inside the practiceTEA-OCC
TEA-OCC practice interface showing a directory search and tone-counting task

Practise attention tasks separately or together

An example of the practice format. Read the instructions for your chosen mock before starting.

01 / Get familiar

What you’ll practise.

The practice separates auditory attention, visual search and combined attention into three modes. This lets you get familiar with each task before bringing them together.

Tone Counting uses audio while visual distractions are on screen. Directory Search asks you to find entries matching both a symbol and a number prefix in a shuffled 180-entry fictional directory. Dual-Task combines that search with counting tones. Similar prefixes and other business types act as distractors.

Three ways to practise

Tone Counting

1, 3, or 5 minutes

Auditory attention test with actual audio tones played at random intervals. Test your ability to maintain focus on sound while ignoring visual distractions. Choose your test duration.

  • Sustained auditory attention
  • Resistance to visual distraction
  • Auditory processing accuracy
Try tone counting

Directory Search

5 minutes

Visual search practice with 180 fictional directory entries, matching both a category symbol and a number prefix among similar distractors.

  • Selective visual attention
  • Visual search efficiency
  • Processing speed
Try directory search

Dual-Task

10 minutes

Combined test - search the directory while simultaneously counting audio tones. The classic TEA-OCC challenge measuring task switching and divided attention.

  • Task switching
  • Dual-task performance
  • Divided attention
Try dual-task

02 / The format

How the practice works.

  1. Select Mode

    Choose tone counting, directory search, or dual-task based on what you want to practice

  2. Follow Instructions

    Each mode has clear instructions explaining the task and time limit

  3. Get Results

    Complete the test to see detailed performance metrics and improvement areas

See the available mocks

03 / Your approach

A few things to try.

Start with Tone Counting

Mock 1 isolates auditory attention. Practice focusing on audio while ignoring visual distractions.

Master Directory Search

Mock 2 focuses on visual search. Learn to work systematically through the directory entries.

Combine Skills

Mock 3 puts both together. Stay calm - the audio counting is secondary to the main search task.

Build Endurance

Practice shorter durations first, then work up to the full 10-minute dual-task test.

04 / Before you begin

Common questions.

Why are there three different test modes?

The TEA-OCC has been split into three focused tests. Mock 1 tests pure auditory attention, Mock 2 tests visual search, and Mock 3 combines both. This lets you practice each skill in isolation before attempting the dual-task challenge.

Which test should I start with?

Start with Mock 1 (Tone Counting) - it tests basic auditory attention. Then try Mock 2 (Directory Search) to master visual search. Finally, attempt Mock 3 (Dual-Task) when you're comfortable with both skills separately.

Do I need headphones for the tone counting tests?

Yes, headphones or speakers are required for Mock 1 and Mock 3 as they include actual audio tones. Make sure your audio is working before starting.

How often do the tones play?

The tones are generated at varying intervals. Listen throughout the session and use the instructions for the selected mode and duration.

What equipment do I need?

For Mocks 1 and 3: headphones or speakers for audio. For all tests: a computer or tablet with stable internet. A mouse helps with the directory search task.

My audio isn't working - what should I do?

Check the device volume and audio output, and make sure your browser is allowed to play sound. Test your headphones or speakers before starting a timed audio session.

Can I practise for free?

Core practice is free and can be used without an account. Sign in if you want completed results saved to your account. The optional additional practice pack is a separate purchase.

Keep exploringRead the TEA-OCC preparation guide Explore the other practice tests

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