VMC is the module in the DLR test that really puts you through your paces—literally. You look at a symbol and ask yourself, “Wasn’t that the same as three symbols ago?” The greater the distance, the less reliable the memory becomes. VMC specifically tests how far back your visual memory reliably extends—and with the right training, this can be systematically expanded.
What is the VMC test?
VMC stands for Visual Memory and Coding Test and is one of the ten modules of the DLR Cockpit Certificate. It tests visual working memory using the principle of the so-called N-Back test —one of the most extensively researched methods for measuring cognitive capacity.
Visual memory is constantly in demand in the cockpit: remembering instrument readings shown briefly, coordinating visual information across displays, retaining positional data while new information comes in. VMC tests the basic ability for this in a standardized, clearly measurable form.
Format and Procedure
VMC works according to the following principle:
- There are a total of 21 different symbols, divided into 6 groups
- The symbols are displayed in black, blue, or red
- Only one group of symbols is used per run—so you see a sequence of symbols exclusively from that one group
- Your task: For each new symbol, you decide whether it is identical to the symbol shown N positions earlier
- The N-distance increases with the difficulty level—from 1-back (one symbol back) to 6-back (six symbols back)
- The test consists of several rounds with increasing N-distance
A concrete example: The N-distance is 3. You see the sequence of symbols: △ — ○ — ✦ — △. For the fourth symbol (△), the question is: “Was the symbol shown three positions earlier the same?” Three positions back was △ — so the answer is: Yes.
What makes the module challenging with increasing N-distance: With 1-back, a quick glance back is enough. With 4-back or 5-back, you have to hold an increasingly longer chain of symbols in your visual working memory—while new ones come in and older ones are pushed out.
What the test really measures
- Visual working memory: How many visual units can you actively hold in memory at the same time and recall correctly?
- Updating ability: Working memory must be constantly updated—new symbols in, older ones out, without breaking the chain
- Symbol discrimination: Within a group, similar symbols must be reliably distinguished—even when separated by several positions
- Resilience with increasing distance: At low N-values, VMC is comfortable for most candidates—the actual measurement takes place at higher N-values, where working memory reaches its limits
Both VMC and RMS test working memory—but through different channels. RMS is auditory, VMC is visual. Being strong in one module does not automatically mean you’re strong in the other. Both must be trained separately.
The most common mistakes in VMC
1. Not distinguishing symbols within a group well enough
Since only one symbol group is used per run, all visible symbols are relatively similar to one another—this is intentional. Those who do not precisely memorize the subtle differences between the symbols in a group will confuse them at higher N-distances. The symbols in a group must be carefully distinguished from the very beginning.
2. Aiming for high N-values too soon
Many candidates want to start training with 4-back or 5-back right away—and fail because the basic principle hasn’t become automatic yet. 1-back and 2-back must be so firmly established that they require hardly any cognitive resources—only then does increasing the distance pay off.
3. Letting the symbol chain break
At higher N-values, you must maintain a continuous mental chain of the last N symbols. If you lose focus for a moment on one symbol and fail to memorize it, you lose track of the next N tasks—not just one. A moment of inattention therefore has disproportionately severe consequences in VMC.
4. Mixing color and symbol
Symbols appear in black, blue, or red. The question refers to the symbol itself—and the color.
Specific training tips for VMC
Tip 1: Actively memorize symbols in a group
Before you start a run, consciously look at the symbols in the active group and memorize their differences. Give each symbol a short mental description or a nickname—this makes it much easier to recall them quickly at higher N-distances.
Tip 2: Repeat the sequence aloud in your head
A proven strategy: mentally repeat the last N symbols as a short list—e.g., “star—circle—arrow—now star.” This anchors the sequence in phonological working memory and reduces the load on the purely visual channel.
Tip 3: Gradually increase the N-distance
Start with 1-back and only move up to 2-back once 1-back works effortlessly. Then 3-back—and so on. This gradual increase trains working memory progressively without overloading it. Too big of a leap leads to frustration without any learning effect.
Tip 4: Consciously remember color
Actively train yourself to remember the color of the symbols. This sounds simple, but it requires conscious discipline—especially when a striking forms draws attention. Selective attention to the symbol itself must be practiced.
Tip 5: Full attention on every single symbol
With VMC, there is no room for even a moment of inattention—a missed symbol breaks the chain for multiple tasks. Practice being fully focused for every run—and build this ability to concentrate step by step.
How to integrate VMC into your preparation
Like RMS, VMC benefits from regular short sessions throughout the entire preparation period. Recommended structure:
- Weeks 1–2: Get to know symbol groups, automate 1-back and 2-back, practice actively ignoring color distractions
- Weeks 3–5: Gradually increase N-distance to 3–4-back, practice silently repeating the chain in your head
- Weeks 6–8: Aim for higher N-values, practice VMC after other modules — maintain performance even under overall stress
On DLR-TEST.TRAINING, you train VMC in the authentic format—with all 21 symbols from 6 groups, the three colors, and increasing N-distance. The adaptive stage system automatically increases the distance as soon as you’re stable at your current level. After each run, you’ll see exactly at which N-distance your hit rate drops.
Go directly to VMC training: app.dlr-test.training →VMC
Train VMC now
N-Back with authentic symbols — systematically train visual working memory from 1-Back to 6-Back.
Frequently asked questions about the VMC test
What is the difference between VMC and RMS?
Both test working memory — but through different channels. RMS is auditory: listening to number sequences and repeating them backward. VMC is visual: viewing symbols and comparing them back N positions. The skills are related but not identical — both modules must be trained separately.
Does the color of the symbols matter?
Yes—the question refers to the symbol itself and its color. Black, blue, and red are part of the image and serve as points of comparison. Anyone who unconsciously takes the color into account has an advantage.
Why are only symbols from one group shown per trial?
Because within a group, the symbols are more similar to one another than they are between groups—this increases the demand for symbol discrimination. If all symbols were clearly different, the test would be too easy. The group structure is a deliberate difficulty.
At what N-distance does VMC become truly difficult?
This varies from person to person — most candidates report that a noticeable threshold is crossed at 3-back or 4-back. With targeted training, however, this threshold can be systematically raised.