How to Prepare for Airline Recruitment Exams in Nigeria (2025 Guide)

Airline Recruitment Exams in Nigeria: The Nigerian aviation industry is entering a new era of growth. More airlines are expanding their fleets, opening new routes, and improving service delivery. As carriers such as Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, Green Africa, Overland Airways, Azman Air, and United Nigeria Airlines continue to recruit new staff, thousands of applicants compete for limited slots across various departments.

Whether you’re targeting a job as a cabin crew member, ticketing officer, customer service representative, flight dispatcher, security staff, ramp officer, engineer, or administrative personnel, most airlines require candidates to pass a recruitment exam usually a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The CBT serves as the first major filter in the hiring process, and your performance determines whether you move to the interview and physical assessment stage.

Understand the Recruitment Stages

Nigerian airlines often follow similar recruitment patterns, even though the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the carriers. Understanding these stages helps you plan your preparation and reduces anxiety.

Table of Contents

Airline Recruitment Stages

Online Application Submission

You start by filling out an online application form and uploading your CV and relevant documents.

Shortlisting of Qualified Candidates

Applicants who meet the academic and basic professional requirements are shortlisted for the CBT.

Aptitude Test / CBT

This is the most competitive stage. It evaluates your reasoning ability, speed, accuracy, communication skills, and sometimes your basic knowledge of aviation.

Physical Assessment (for cabin crew and some operational roles)

This stage involves assessment of:

Height and reach
Grooming and appearance
Posture
Overall presentation

Interview Session

Interviewers evaluate your personality, communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

Medical Examination

Airlines ensure you meet health and physical fitness standards for safety.

Training School Enrollment

Candidates who pass these stages proceed for professional training before deployment.

While all stages are important, the CBT remains the gateway, so preparing thoroughly is essential.

Know the Types of Questions to Expect

Airline recruitment exams usually cover several categories. Understanding these helps you prepare strategically.

English Language

This section tests your communication ability, since airline roles require clarity, politeness, and professionalism.

Topics include:

Comprehension passages
Grammar and punctuation
Synonyms and antonyms
Sentence correction
Vocabulary usage

Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning

Airlines test your ability to make quick and accurate calculations.

Be prepared for:

Word problems
Ratios and proportions
Percentages
Time, distance, and speed
Basic arithmetic

Logical Reasoning & Critical Thinking

These questions check your mental sharpness and problem-solving skills.

Examples include:

Pattern recognition
Puzzles
Odd-one-out
Number and letter sequences
Analytical reasoning

Aviation Awareness

Some airlines include a general aviation section.

Expect questions on:

Duties of cabin crew
Common airport codes (LOS, ABV, PHC, KAN, etc.)
Basic aircraft types
Safety procedures
Airline terminology (ETA, ETD, boarding, taxiing, turbulence, etc.)

Customer Service & Behavioural Questions

These are scenario-based questions aimed at measuring your interpersonal skills.

Airlines want candidates who remain calm, empathetic, and professional.

Study Updated Airline Past Questions

One of the best ways to prepare is by using real past questions from airlines such as:

Air Peace
Ibom Air
Arik Air
Green Africa
Overland Airways
United Nigeria Airlines
FAAN (for airport roles)

Past questions reveal the patterns and difficulty level of actual exams. When you practice them repeatedly, you improve your speed, timing, and confidence.

Improve Your Physical Appearance (Especially for Cabin Crew Roles)

Airline cabin crew applicants must meet certain physical requirements. These standards exist to ensure safety and enhance brand image.

Common Cabin Crew Physical Requirements

Minimum height: 5’4” for females, 5’6” for males (may vary)
Well-groomed appearance
Clear skin and neat hairstyle
Professional and confident posture
Good communication skills

Even if you’re not applying as cabin crew, neat dressing is important for interviews. Always appear polished, confident, and professional.

Build Strong Communication Skills

Airline staff interact with passengers and team members daily. To excel:

Practice clear and polite speech
Improve listening skills
Learn conflict management techniques
Build confidence through mock interviews
Develop emotional intelligence

Strong communication makes you stand out during interviews and assessment centers.

Take Practice Tests Regularly

Daily practice helps you:

Improve your speed
Build accuracy
Master time management
Reduce exam tension

Research the Airline You Are Applying To

Recruiters appreciate candidates who know about the company. Before your exam or interview, research:

The airline’s history
Fleet size and aircraft types
Domestic and international routes
Leadership (CEO, COO, etc.)
Core values, mission, and vision
Recent achievements or awards

Gather Your Documents Ahead of Time

Airline recruitment often requires multiple documents. Keep the following ready:

CV/Resume
Passport photographs
NYSC certificate (discharge or exemption certificate)
Academic certificates
Birth certificate
Valid ID (NIN, passport, or driver’s license)
Local government certificate

Physically and Mentally Fit

Many aviation roles require alertness, stamina, and quick thinking.

Engage in:

Light workouts
Stretching exercises
Jogging
Healthy sleep patterns
Meditation for mental clarity

Rest Well Before the Exam

A well-rested mind performs significantly better during CBTs. Avoid late-night cramming. Sleep well, hydrate, and eat lightly so you remain alert during the test.

FAQs: Airline Recruitment Exams in Nigeria (2025)

Which airlines are recruiting in Nigeria in 2025?

Some major airlines that regularly recruit include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, Green Africa, United Nigeria Airlines, Overland Airways, and Azman Air.

How long does the airline recruitment process take?

The process usually lasts between 3 weeks to 2 months, depending on the airline and the number of applicants.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

Most entry-level airline jobs require at least OND, HND, or B.Sc, depending on the position. Cabin crew roles may also require certifications like C1/C2 after recruitment.

Are airline CBT exams difficult?

They are competitive but manageable with regular practice, past questions, and proper preparation.

Can I apply without aviation experience?

Yes. Many airlines provide training for entry-level positions

Conclusion

Preparing for airline recruitment exams in Nigeria in 2025 requires focus, consistency, and a clear understanding of what recruiters expect. By studying airline-specific past questions, improving your communication skills, working on your physical presentation, practicing regularly, and familiarizing yourself with aviation basics, you significantly increase your chances of passing the CBT and securing your dream job.

Whether your goal is to become a cabin crew member, customer service officer, flight dispatcher, or ground staff professional, the aviation sector offers exciting and rewarding career paths. With the right preparation, your journey into Nigeria’s thriving airline industry can begin smoothly and successfully.