Applicationhintsandtips
The Royal Navy Joining Process
1. REgister your Interest
The first step is choosing the role that you think is right for you. There are lots of ratings roles available, from working as a Chef, to becoming an Engineering Technician. To find the role that’s right for you, visit our Find Your Apprenticeship page.
2. Naval Service Recruiting Test
We’ll then arrange for you to take the Naval Service Recruiting Test (NSRT). To help you get ready for this multiple-choice psychometric test.
3. Interview
We’ll then invite you to a formal interview, focused specifically on the role that you have chosen. This is much like any other job interview, so you should prepare accordingly and ask your AFCO for help if required.
4. Medical & Eye Tests
Your tests must be completed by one of our Ministry of Defence-approved doctors, who are based all around the country. Your local AFCO will arrange an appointment for you at a convenient time and location.
5. take the fitness test
Before you can join you’ll have to pass the Royal Navy’s Pre-Joining Fitness Test. You’ll need to be in the best possible shape to have the greatest chance of passing, which will also help with basic training.
6. Pre-Royal Navy Course
Once you’ve been given an entry date, you’ll need to attend a four-day assessment, the Pre-Royal Navy Course (PRNC). The PRNC is a comprehensive physical examination, including a number of running and swimming tests. This is also your chance to sample life in the Royal Navy.
7. Start Training
After some final checks you’ll be given details about your provisional place at HMS Raleigh where you’ll complete your Basic Training. Your local AFCO will buy your train ticket to help you get there, and tell you what kit you need. After Basic Training, you’ll begin your professional training.
How Can I prepare?
WHAT DO I NEED FOR A ROYAL NAVY APPRENTICESHIP?
NAVAL SERVICE RECRUITING TEST
The NSRT enables us to test your general intellectual ability, regardless of your existing academic qualifications. The test has four different sections that measure your general reasoning, verbal ability, numeracy and mechanical comprehension. If you don’t pass the NSRT first time around, don’t worry – you can take it again.
Pre-Joining Fitness Test
For the PJFT, you’ll need to complete a 2.4km run on a treadmill, where you will be expected to push yourself to produce your best effort. We’ve put together a training schedule to get your fitness levels to where they should be. Ideally you need to follow the programme for the full eight weeks prior to joining to increase your chances of success. See more about getting Fit to Join here.
PRE-ROYAL NAVY COURSE
The four-day assessment takes place at our Acquaint Centres in two locations: HMS Collingwood in Hampshire and MOD Caledonia in Rosyth. The course is designed to give you an introduction to life and work in the Royal Navy. You will also have to successfully complete some fitness tests:
- A 2.4km run completed outdoors within a specific time
- Swim 50 metres in under four minutes.
- A series of assessed gym tests and an assessed group run
The PRNC is also an opportunity for you to experience life in the Royal Navy and be sure you’re prepared for the challenges ahead.
Royal Navy
When you start an apprenticeship in the Royal Navy, you’re right at the beginning of an adventure that will take you all around the world.
You’ll be a valuable member of our team as soon as you join, because you’ll be learning on the job, making a vital contribution and earning a competitive wage from day one. Find out more now.