Royal Navy Recruitment Process

The selection process is a five-stage process. Applicants must successfully complete each stage to go on to the next stage. Please note that the selection process is very competitive and the successful completion of these stages does not guarantee an offer of employment.

Basic requirements to be eligible for consideration for the Royal Navy are; British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens may join the Royal Navy or Royal Marines. However, certain career paths are only available to British citizens. To apply to the Royal Navy you must be no younger than 15 years, 9 months. On entry you must be no younger than 16 (17 for Officers) and no older than 36 (up to and including your 37th birthday). The maximum age for Officer entry varies according to specialisation. Please Note: if you are under 18, the consent of your parents or guardians is required. This will be asked for at the application stage.

For Royal Navy department information visit: Royal Navy Careers

Stage One - Application Phase

Contact one of the career offices and submit an application. The following link provides a list of Offices in your region: Career Offices

Stage Two - Aptitude Test

The skills and abilities which are being assessed during the aptitude test include: 

1. Reasoning (30 questions in 9 minutes)

2. English Language (30 questions in 9 minutes)

3. Numeracy (30 questions in 16 minutes)

4. Mechanical Comprehension (30 questions in 10 minutes)

Stage Three - Interview

A Career Adviser will conduct the interview. The interview is used to assess your personal qualities and life experiences.

Stage Four- Medical Examination

All candidates will go thorough a medical examination. The examination includes measuring your heart rate, your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and you will have to provide a urine sample.

Stage Five - Security Check

All successful candidates must complete a security questionnaire and then your application is forwarded to the Ministry of Defence for approval. Once a decision has been made, you will receive a letter telling you whether or not you have been selected.