The Army General Classification Test (AGTC) was a 40-minute, 150 multiple choice question comprehensive test used in WWII to evaluate verbal, quantitative, and spatial abilities of recruits. The Army used this exam to divide up men into one of five categories based on their raw scores:
Class 1: 130+
Class 2: 110-129
Class 3: 90-109
Class 4: 70-89
Class 5: 69 or lower
Though intended to measure one’s intelligence, the test seemed to be more of a measure of education. Regardless, it was still a reasonable way of measuring a recruit’s ability level.
The Army Air Corps received a very high number of men who scored in Classes 1 and 2. In 1942 and 1943, approximately 44% of men in the AAC scored in Class 1 or Class 2, with an additional 35% scoring in Class 3. But it’s important to remember that the Army Air Corps ONLY accepted volunteers. Of course, there’s more intensive training and exams that recruits must pass in order to become a Pilot, Copilot, Navigator, or Bombardier, but scoring high was an important first step.