Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)

The Candidate Preparation Course (CPC) is a four-day course that all Rating candidates must attend before Basic Training. The aim of your CPC is to assess and prepare you for suitability to complete Initial Naval Training; whilst at CPC you will participate in a physical test to required standards.  Inability to reach the required standard may result in you failing the course, and your entry into the RN may be delayed.  Whilst at CPC you will also receive presentations, one of which will focus on the Professions within the Royal Navy.

You will have to demonstrate a basic level of cardiovascular fitness for your age and gender against a specific time over a 2.4km distance (1.5 miles).  On completion of this Pre Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), you will have to demonstrate you have can conduct some basic body weight exercise to the command of the RN Physical Training Instructor in a session known a Initial Military Fitness (IMF).  This is the start of your militarisation phase. 

The content includes:

• Your Initial Naval Training programme
• Introduction to expected fitness standards and Initial Military Fitness (IMF)
• Our ethos and values (C2DRIL)
• Kit maintenance, marching, discipline, teamwork and personal responsibilities
• Visit to a surface warship (CPC South) or submarine (CPC North)
• You will be required to pass the Royal Navy Fitness Assessment with Pre Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), following which you will be given direction on training and exercise you must conduct prior to joining the Royal Navy

Phase one training

Once at HMS Raleigh you will conduct the Navy Swim Test at the end of Week 1.  This consists of:
Entering the water at the deep end
Treading Water for 2 minutes
50 meter swim without stopping or touching the side of the pool
Pulling yourself out of the pool unaided (no ladders or steps)
All of this must be completed in under 6 minutes wearing an issued set of overalls

When everything is in place you will be given your CPC date and invited to attend at one of the following centres, based on your home location:

CPC North.  Situated in HMS CALEDONIA, Rosyth, Fife, Scotland.   All submariner Candidates, regardless of home location, will attend CPC North.
CPC South.  Situated in HMS SULTAN, Gosport, Hampshire, England. 
CPC West.  Situated in HMS CAMBRIA, Cardiff, Wales. 

If you’re going to excel at the PJFT (and in your initial training), it’s critical that you get in the best possible physical condition. 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, so you can get the most out of it – and increase your chances of success. See more about getting Fit to Join here.