Getting ready to be a Royal Navy Officer

The joining process for officers is slightly different to the joining process for other ranks, however, both include a series of mental and physical assessments. Like any physical or mental test, being prepared will give you the best chance of success. To help you do this, you will be allocated a recruiter as soon as you apply, who will give you the option to attend a Potential Officer Visit on board a ship and tell you more about your role of interest.

This section gives you more details about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA), the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), and the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB).

DEFENCE APTITUDE ASSESSMENT

The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) enables us to test your general intellectual ability, regardless of your existing academic qualifications. This gives us more information, and is a fair way of assessing all candidates on a level playing field.

If you don’t pass the DAA first time around, don’t worry – you can take it again. Your Careers Adviser will tell you what the timescales are likely to be.

Practise the DAA

ADMIRALTY INTERVIEW BOARD

The Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) is your opportunity to show us that you have got what it takes to be a Royal Navy Officer.

There is no 'ideal' or even 'typical' officer. We’re looking for people with a wide range of academic and practical talents and there is room in the Royal Navy for both outgoing and more reserved personalities. The AIB's competency based assessment process assesses whether you have the personal qualities to successfully become an officer.

PRE RECORDED INTERVIEW

The Pre Recorded Interview (PRI) is an online assessment which will give us the chance to assess your motivation to join the Royal Navy as an officer and your awareness of the Royal Navy. You will be asked a series of questions and you will have up to two minutes to answer each question. This will be assessed and, if you are successful, you will be invited to the second stage of the assessment. If unsuccessful, you will be notified and provided with guidance on your next available options.

GROUP PLANNING EXERCISE 

The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is the second stage of the AIB and is an online competency based assessment which will take place on a separate day to the PRI. It will be conducted in a virtual group environment and you will be assessed on your contribution to the team based on your individual performance. You will be provided with all the information you require at the time of the assessment.