Potential Royal Marines Course

The course is composed of four physical assessments:

1. Three-mile run
2. Gym test one
3. The Bottom field
4. Endurance Course (including the 0.5-mile 'hare and hounds' chase

Day 1
The run
On the first day of the PRMC, potential recruits begin their assessments at 6am with the Three-mile run and Gym Test One. The three-mile run consists of 1.5 miles as a squad followed by 1.5 miles personal best effort. The first 1.5 miles is done in 12.5 minutes followed by your best effort, which needs to be run in under 10.5 minutes. However, you should aim for a time of around nine minutes to improve your chance of passing.

Gym test one
Your first gym test will take place in the afternoon of your first day of PRMC and consists of:

The VO2 max bleep test
To achieve maximum points you need to reach level 13. Candidates should aim for at least level 11 to improve their chance of success.

Press-ups
You will do a set of press-ups immediately after the bleep test. A maximum score of 100 points is achieved for 60 press-ups within the two-minute time limit, but candidates should complete more if able.

Sit-ups
Immediately after the press-ups you’ll do the sit-up test. 80 within the appointed two minutes will get maximum points, but again, you should aim for more. 

Pull-ups
You must do at least two pull-ups to stay on the course, but candidates should aim for at least six good pull-ups.

Swimming assessment
After Gym test one, there’s a short assessment in the pool, which is simply to see how strong you are at swimming. You’ll be asked to swim the perimeter of the pool unaided after jumping off a diving board. You’ll then need to climb out of the pool unaided.

Day 2
Your second day is a test of mental strength, physical endurance, stamina and determination. Both of your physical assessments will be done wearing a combat jacket, combat trousers, a rugby shirt and boots. The first assessment of the day is the high obstacle course, the death-slide and the assault course, followed by the Endurance Course in the afternoon.

Day 3
Your last day is back at base cleaning your accommodation and returning equipment and clothing to the storeroom. You will also be told whether or not you have been successful on the course.
If you successfully pass the PRMC, you will be issued with a pair of boots and socks and will be entitled to join a recruit troop. We’ll also give you a ‘PRMC pass’ certificate to prove you have passed.

Preparing for the test
You’ll need to be in pretty good shape to complete the PRMC. It’s as much about physical as mental strength, so to prepare yourself for the challenge try our Fitness Training Programme.