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career / joining options
Joining process
career / joining options

Joining process

Find all you need to know about eligibility, preparing for tests and getting ready for your career in the Royal Navy. While the exact requirements vary from role to role, you can explore all this information based on a typical application.

How it works

It’s a tough job, which is why the joining process is really in-depth and can seem long. It involves interviews, plus mental and physical tests, to ensure a career in the Royal Navy is right for you – and that you’re right for the Royal Navy. It might seem a lot, but don’t worry, we’ll be supporting you every step of the way.

Joining the Royal Marines or the RFA? Joining either of these services require a slightly different process. You can find full details at Royal Marines joining process or RFA joining process.

Step 1

Submit an application

Once you’ve registered your interest in a Profession, and have satisfied some basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form. 

Step 2

Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)

You’ll be tested on: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension. You will need to attempt all sections of the DAA.  
To help you prepare, you can practise the DAA  

Learn more about the DAA
Step 3

Interview

A formal Selection Interview to confirm suitability of your chosen Profession followed by discussion of your preferred roles that are available within that Profession, including Submarine Service It will also cover the initial stages of the Security application. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform. 

Learn more about the interview
Step 4

Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)

This is a four-day induction to life in the Royal Navy, which includes assessments of your Fitness and your Medical eligibility, it is a pass or fail course. 

Explore the CPC
Step 5

Start training

Once you’ve passed all eligibility criteria, including a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at HMS Raleigh to commence your initial training. Allocation to a specific role within your chosen profession will occur during the latter part of initial training. 

Initial Navy training

Got a question?

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Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.

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flight deck handlers dressed in ochre kit with high viz banding relaxing after a busy session on the flight deck of HMS Prince Of Wales