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Practice library

Assessment guide / Vigilance & reaction time

WAFV practice guide

Stay ready through the quiet moments. Learn the visual target task, then choose a practice length that suits your session.

3–30 minute sessions4 practice lengthsVisual reaction task
Inside the practiceWAFV
WAFV practice interface showing the target area and response task

Watch for a change in the target

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

01 / Get familiar

What you’ll practise.

In this practice, a grey target changes to black at varying intervals. Respond when that change happens and avoid clicking when nothing has changed.

Four session lengths are available: 3, 10, 20 and 30 minutes. The short sample lets you learn the task before choosing a longer period of sustained attention.

Sustained Attention

Ability to maintain focus over extended periods

Reaction Time

Speed of response to visual changes

Vigilance

Remaining alert despite long periods of inactivity

Impulse Control

Avoiding false reactions when nothing has changed

02 / The format

How the practice works.

  1. Watch the Box

    A grey box appears on screen—stare at it continuously

  2. React to Changes

    Click immediately when the box turns black

  3. Stay Alert

    Maintain focus for the full test duration (3-30 minutes depending on test)

See the available mocks

03 / Your approach

A few things to try.

Stay Focused

The box changes infrequently. Don't let your mind wander—stay visually locked on the target area.

React Fast

Click immediately when you see the change. Even a fraction of a second delay affects your score.

Find Your Rhythm

This is an endurance test. Pace yourself mentally to maintain alertness throughout.

Minimize Errors

Respond when the target changes and avoid clicking prematurely. Review incorrect responses and missed changes after the session.

04 / Before you begin

Common questions.

What is the WAFV test?

This WAFV-style practice is a visual vigilance task: watch a grey target and respond when it changes to black. It focuses on sustained attention and reaction timing.

How do the practice tests work?

We offer 4 practice tests: a 3-minute sample, and full tests at 10, 20, and 30 minutes. Start with the sample to try it out, then progress to longer tests that build real endurance.

How often does the box change?

The timing varies. Sometimes it changes quickly, other times there are long gaps. This unpredictability is part of what makes the test challenging.

What happens if I miss a change?

Missed changes and incorrect responses are shown in the results. Review those counts alongside accuracy and reaction time to understand your session.

Can I pause during the test?

No. The WAFV test is designed to measure sustained attention without interruption. Once started, it runs continuously. Take bathroom breaks before starting longer tests.

What if I experience technical issues?

Check your browser and connection before starting. If a session is interrupted, you may need to restart it. Completed results can be saved when you are signed in.

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 WAFV practice guide Explore the other practice tests

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