The complete guide to help you successfully pass the Army selection process in 2021
4.9/5 Rating | 1,000+ Reviews
Training That Works
Discover a masterclass of Army recruitment knowledge and insider secrets from How2Become
Unlock Your Potential
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re reapplying, you will get access to on-demand training that will catapult your career
Powerful Resources
Get instant access to the on-demand Army recruitment training guides, interactive online tests, and video modules
Within this awesome resource, we have provided you with everything you need to successfully pass the Army selection process. The content has been created in conjunction with Army careers office recruitment staff to bring you the very best insider information.
Before you begin the Army selection process it is essential you understand the core values required in order to become a British Army soldier.
As a soldier, you will be highly trained and you will be able to carry out your tasks both professionally and competently. However, if the Army did not have a set of core values and it did not have control of its people, then things could soon go wrong. As a soldier, it can be a difficult task balancing the aggression of combat with the self-discipline that is required to perform under immense pressure.
The selection process for joining the British Army will normally consist of the following elements:
Registration & Application
Armed Forces Careers Office Briefing/Interview
Attend the Army Assessment Centre
Background and Reference Checks
The first step on your journey is to register your interest online, or by contacting your local Armed Forces Careers Office. There you will be required to fill out some basic information, learn about life in the army and if you wish to proceed you can then submit an online application.
Joining the Army is a very big decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You will need to consider your choice of career carefully and will be required to complete a short questionnaire that will determine your suitability for joining.
The next stage in the application process is the briefing and interview. During this you may be asked a number of questions regarding yourself and your motivations for applying for the army. During this stage you also get the opportunity to ask any questions about life in the army and your chosen role. Your candidate support manager will also provide you with a plan to help you prepare the the army aptitude tests and the assessment centre.
Usually held at the armed forces careers office, but due to current COVID-19 restrictions this stage is currently undertaken online.
The next stage in the process is to attend the Army assessment centre at one of the centres based around the UK. This 2-day event will include a number of assessments which you will need to pass to progress in the selection process.
The last stage of the selection process will be for the Army to run some background checks and contact your references.
If all is in order you will be made an offer of employment. If this is accepted, you will be given a starting date for your training and you will be formally enlisted and will commence your Army career.
The values of the British Army are as follows:
Tip Number 1 – Be fully prepared and focused. Learn how to use ‘action plans’ to ensure continuous improvement when applying to the Army
In order to become a British Army Soldier, you will need to be fully prepared and focused. As with any selection process for any British Army jobs or career you need to prepare yourself fully. We believe that you should carry out as much research as possible about the Army and your chosen career or trade.
When you decide to apply you will need to understand what the job is about and how it will affect your life, both professionally and socially. The British Army is looking for people who are professional, flexible, committed, and motivated along with being an effective team player.
You will be required to sit a number of tests and exercises throughout the selection process, including tests that assess your physical fitness. Again, you must prepare for every eventuality. The Army will require you to run a set distance (1.5 miles) within a set time and the only way to prepare for this is to practise, practise and practise some more!
Tip Number 2 – Understand the word ‘teamwork’ and have experience of working in a team when you apply to the Army
The British Army prides itself on its great ability to operate as a team unit.
Try to think of the best football teams in the country. Those that are the most successful are not the ones that have one or two great players, but the ones that have the best overall team. The ability to work as part of a team is essential, and you will be assessed on this throughout the Army selection process.
Within the Army you will be required to work in a team environment every day in order to carry out tasks both small and large. Whether you are working as an Aviation Support Specialist or a Chef, you will need to have very good teamwork skills. Although team skills will be taught during your training, you will still need to demonstrate that you have the potential to become a competent team member throughout the selection process. It is far better if you have experience of working as part of a team prior to joining the Army. If you play a form of team sports then this is even better. There are many definitions of the word ‘teamwork’ but the one that we believe sums it up most effectively is:
Assessment Centre Tips
Our online resources are both packed with essential tips on how to complete a successful application, how to pass the Army tests, how to answer the Army interview questions, and also how to approach the assessment centre.
One of the most important things to consider when applying to the Army is that you need to gain as high a score as possible on the assessment centre tests. The higher you score; the more Army job opportunities you will have at your disposal.
The main purpose of the tests is to assess which jobs you are most suited to. Therefore it is important that you obtain high scores. The higher your scores the more career options you will have.
There are a number of basic standards which you will have to meet in order to be eligible to become a British Army Soldier. You must be either a British or Irish citizen. In some circumstances you also be may able to join as a member of the commonwealth. It is important that you are not carrying any injuries or serious illness when you apply. The age limit for applying is between 16 to 35 years old. Your application may be rejected if you have any criminal convictions or any tattoos which are above the collar or the content is deemed to be offensive. To join as an army regular soldier, you do not require any formal qualifications, although if you are applying for a specialist role, some specific qualifications may be required.
Although the initial recruit basic salary does seem to be quite low for soldiers, once you finish your initial training your salary will increase. It is also worth noting that the army will contribute towards your pension and you will receive free medical healthcare. The holiday entitlement in the army is also very good. You will receive 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Your food and accommodation are heavily subsidised and you will free access to gym and other sports facilities. In the British Army you will have the opportunity to learn and develop a number of key skills, trades and qualifications, which you can use in your civilian career, once you decide to leave the army. The British Army Soldier current pay scale is displayed below:
You can apply to the British Army in a number of ways. The most common is to apply via the army website. On the website you can discover what types of roles are available and stacks of information available to you, so you can make an informed decision if any of the British Army jobs are right for you. Another way that you can apply of find out more is to visit your local armed forces careers officer. The recruitment officer, will be more than happy to advise you further regarding your options and help to get your application started if you decide to apply.
The joining process can differ depending on the individual circumstances. However, the average joining time is around six months from the initial application. It is not uncommon though for candidates to join quicker than six months on occasion.
To be eligible to join you will need to be between 16 to 35 years old. The earliest you can apply is when you are 15 years and 7 months old. If you are under 18 you will need your parents’ consent to join. For reservist soldier roles, the joining age is higher (43). For some specialist roles you can join as a reservist up to the age of 49.
Yes, the British Army does offer a number of limited spaces to applicants from the Commonwealth. To be eligible to apply you must have permission to be in the UK for the duration of your application up until you are selected for enlistment. Applicants must have a valid passport with at least 2 years from your start date. This only applies to full time regular applicants and is not available for reservists. To find out more about joining the army as a commonwealth citizen please visit our Join the British Army as a Commonwealth citizen page.
We guarantee that our How To Join the British Army online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains pages of recruitment information which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the filter interview, the aptitude tests, assessment centre and the fitness tests.
Start Preparing Now 👉If you passed the previous stages of the selection process and reached this stage, you will be invited to attend the assessment centre which takes place at one of four locations; Glencorse, Pirbright, Belfast or Lichfield. You will be assessed on different elements which will assess your mental and physical abilities. The assessment is residential and you will be assessed over two days of physical and mental activities, which we have broken down for you below:
You will be required to undertake a number of physical assessments which include the following:
You will have to undertake a number of psychometric assessments tests.
During the assessment centre you will have to sit an interview. These will be with Deputy President, the Vice President of the board and the education advisor
During the assessment you will be required to undergo a full medical assessment with one of the army’s doctors. This is to ascertain that you are physically and mentally fit for a career in the army. The doctor will run through with you your medical history and you will be assessed on the following elements;
The assessment centre will also assess you on a number of team working exercises. This is vital that you focus on this exercise as every soldier must have the ability to function comprehensively within a team.
Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: to join the British Army.
Scoring Criteria
Essential information about how you will be assessed during every stage of the selection process.
APPLICATION FORM SAMPLE ANSWERS
Lots of up-to-date sample application form questions, responses and tips on how to pass this initial stage.
PRACTICE ONLINE ARMY APTITUDE TESTS
Step-by-step information on how to pass the various Army aptitude tests.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Sample answers to the AFCO & assessment interview questions.
INSIDER SECRETS
Insider tips on how to answer the interview questions and advice on how you will be scored.
SCORE-BOOSTING STRATEGIES
Get ahead of the competition with unique and proven strategies 16 years in the making.
Having helped 1,000s of aspiring army applicants for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…
“Really good resource! Thank you.” – Paul A. – Trustpilot
“A must for anyone going for any type of job, so many good questions and answers. Great for the army interviews.” – How2Become customer
“My son found this book to be very helpful in preparing him for the interview stage. Clear and concise without waffling on. Recommend to anyone at this stage.” – How2Become customer
“Absolutely recommend how2become.com when it comes to gauging yourself to see if you need help when preparing for your interview.” – How2Become customer
“I found the resource to be very clear and relevant and prior steps of selection. Very good revision material…” – How2Become customer
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?
Complete guidance to ensure you pass the ENTIRE Army recruitment process
Insider advice on how to complete the application form, including sample questions and answers
Previously successful application form responses that you can use to develop your own winning application
Revealed – Tips to help you successfully pass the Army assessment centre
Discover exactly how you are assessed throughout the entire selection process (hint: understanding this will allow you to know exactly how the assessors want you to act at every stage)
A complete breakdown of the Army Aptitude tests and how you MUST prepare if you wish to succeed
Sample Army interview questions and guidance on how to answer each one of them for the AFCO and assessment centre
Practice questions and answers for the aptitude tests. Practice the same skills you’ll be tested on so you enter your tests fully prepared
The importance of ensuring you meet the minimum eligibility requirements (and understanding life in the British Army)
Time-saving strategies and score-boosting methods verified by our panel of Armed Forces recruitment experts
How to get fit and be able to pass the fitness tests and medical test
PLUS…BONUSES!
BONUS #1
150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide
FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ downloadable resource free of charge.It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough army interviews!
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is exclusively available as a limited-time bonus!
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE
BONUS #2
How to Get Army Fit: Insider’s Guide
A concise online guide to show you how you can get “Army fit” and see results quickly to ensure you pass the fitness test – even without a gym membership!
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is available exclusively as a bonus with this resource.
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE
BONUS #3
PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online British Army Testing Platform!
As well as life-time access to the Army career resource, this product also includes a 30-day free trial to Online Army Testing Platform (usually £9.99 + vat per month).
Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the quick-win strategies to give you the advantage right away.
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE for 30-days*
*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.
You don’t just get advice on what to do. We will show you exactly how to pass the British Army recruitment process.
Proven Guidance
Over 16 years’ of experience packed into on-demand insider recruitment guides that have helped 1,000s.
Unique Training
Includes unique Army recruitment training content built from the ground up and not found anywhere else.
Actionable Content
We don’t just share what you need to do, but also how you should do it with tips and strategies you can implement today!
Swipeable Templates
These templates are worth the value of the resource themselves – we give you the exact foundations you can use to build your application and master the AOSB!
Our best-selling Army recruitment guide in a compact, accessible, online format to hold your hand throughout the entire selection process.
With over 16 years’ of history behind us, we are the leaders in British Army recruitment advice. So whether you want to understand the scoring criteria, learn what must go on your application form, recognise what not to say at the interviews, or practice and pass the Army aptitude tests, you can access it all at your finger tips, today.
Simply put, this training works and is proven to help people like you to successfully pass the British Army selection process. As a lifetime access member, you will not only benefit from our flagship guide (which has sold 1,000s of copies) but you’ll also get access to a dynamic portal of content that we update frequently with all the very latest information, practice material, and strategies that are helping people across UK. With 1,000s of customers frequently thanking us for the career success we have helped them gain, and 16 years’ experience in providing recruitment and assessment centre training, you can rest assured knowing you are getting the best Army training material on the market.
This resource is our flagship career guide, designed to help anyone looking to join the British Army and overcome the gruelling selection process.
It is ideal for those just staring out at the application stage, who want an “over-the-shoulder” guide to passing each stage of the process.
If you have already begun the selection process, then you’ll be able to pick up this guide from the exact stage you are at and follow the step-by-step guidance to passing the aptitude tests, interviews, assessment centre, fitness tests and more with confidence.
Whatever stage of the process you are at, you can be confident you’ll have all the strategies and tools you need to succeed.
Yes! With our guide you will be able to access training that has been helping applicants for over a decade.
At How2Become.com we like to do things a little differently. Instead of just giving you access to guides which explain how the selection process works, and what you need to do to pass, we teach you HOW to do it also. For example, we don’t just provide you with sample interview questions, we provide winning sample responses and step-by-step guidance on how to create your own successful answers. Whether you are thinking about applying, or you are half way through the selection process, this guide will ‘hold your hand’ step-by-step. Here is a full list of everything you will get within this resource.
You will get unlimited access to all of the content contained within these resources with no time restrictions! We understand that applying to join the British Army can be a long and stressful experience, that is why we want to take away that worry – you will get access whenever you need, whether it’s just for a week, or for a year, you will have full access to the resource whenever you need it. You will also have access to all future updates we make to this guide, ensuring you are getting the latest guidance.
When we launched How2Become.com we wanted to ensure our content would help as many people as possible no matter where they are, and we are achieving just that! We sell our resources to every country in the world, with 1,000s of customers in the USA, UK, India, Australia, Africa and more! All of our content is either written or spoken in English, with the content designed to be as universal as possible unless otherwise stated. Our resource is designed specifically for all the British Armed Forces selection process. If you can’t see a guide you need in our huge catalogue, then just let us know and we will help if we can!
Whichever option you choose, you can be confident you are getting the latest and highest quality training to become an officer in the British Army. All packages contain our flagship guides: ‘How to Join the British Army’ career guide, interview video and the bonuses listed on this page.
The Gold package contains everything in Silver plus our Army Aptitude test online workbooks volumes 1, 2 and 3.
As soon as your order is complete you will be able to access all of the guides, training resources via your How2Become account! You can use any smart phone, PC, Mac, or tablet to access your materials.
Yes, absolutely! We get 100s of testimonials and comments each month from those that have used our training, thanking us for the help it has given them.
Having created recruitment guides for the last 16 years, we know how often selection processes change. That is why we keep close ties to those “in the know” and we regularly update our content. You will get the latest and best strategies to enable you to join the British Army. The resources are also relevant for all standard non-officer roles.
WHY BUY WITH HOW2BECOME?
CREATED BY THE EXPERTS
PROVEN TRAINING
EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUSES
Firstly, these guides are created by us and our team of experts – we have all the answers to your questions and will help you succeed (like we’ve been doing for the last 16 years), we update our material frequently and you can contact us at any time with any questions you have.
Secondly, we provide exclusive bonuses with all our products that you won’t find anywhere else. These bonuses include free guides, powerful online testing suites and more!
Finally, our guides and training just work. Take a look at our TrustPilot page where you will see our rating of 4.9/5. There, our customers share their positive buying experiences and more importantly the time-saving success our resources have given them (hint: they are now serving with the Army).
We’ve helped 1,000s of aspiring applicants in their journey to join the British Army. Trust the UK’s #1 careers and education specialists to help you secure your role.
Get instant access »“Great resource and excellent information for interview preparation.” S. Peruri
RELATED PRODUCTS
Armed Forces Tests
This resource provides Armed Forces tests for the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Marines. Includes sample tests for the RAF aptitude tests, Royal Navy RT, the Royal Marines and the army aptitude tests.
Army Officer Online Masterclass
This masterclass is specifically designed for candidates wishing to become an Army Officer. The Army Officer course will provide expert tuition and insightful guidance through the challenging process of becoming an Army Officer, including how to pass the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB).
One-to-one Career Training
Want to get the edge over the competition from a recruitment expert? Get industry-leading personal one-to-one coaching from your home to improve your application form, CV and cover letter, or to brush up on the latest interview techniques.
