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Are you applying to the British Army soldier or officer roles, British Army internship or apprenticeship opportunities? This comprehensive practice guide is for you.
The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate schemes at the British Army across the UK.
Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews and assessment centre exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the British Army job application and assessment process.
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Should you practice assessments to prepare for the British Army recruitment process? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.
A study found that candidates who do not practice assessments tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study examined the Top 100 global employers (Bradley et al., 2019).
In a nutshell:
The British Army will use a variety of job assessment tests to assess you at this stage. These assessment tests may include:
You may get rejected after completing your British Army assessment tests. The only proven way to get to the next round is to practice.
The British Army uses different exercises during the assessment centre stage to find the right employee. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises, including:
Prepare for your British Army interview by running mock interviews and answering similar British Army interview questions for the role you are applying for. For British Army interview practice, use the following:
Use the STAR+R method for your answers to British Army interview questions and practice each answer several times.
Continue reading to get answers to the following important questions:
To prepare for your British Army application process, click on the table below to practice tests relevant to the British Army assessment process!
Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests
Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests
GO ESSENTIAL
Practice Video Interviews
Prepare for your Assessment Centre
Go Premium to buy access to all our practice tests listed above to help you pass your British Army online assessment questions and interviews on your first try.
To apply to the various roles in the British Army, you must first know as much as you can about this branch of the UK Ministry of Defence.
The British Army handles the United Kingdom’s land defence. It is part of the British Armed Forces, led by the King and managed by the Ministry of Defence. The British Army is responsible for national defence, international peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and international commitments.
The British Army has around 74,000 regular full-time personnel, around 4,000 gorkhas, and 25,000 volunteer reserve personnel.
There are a lot of roles available that you can apply for to become a part of the British Army. Let’s get to know more about these.
The British Army allows you to apply to the following job roles:
To be successful in the above roles, you must align with the British Army values, or CDRILS. What are these? Let’s find out.
The CDRILS or British Army core values are as follows:
Courage:
The soldiers and officers must know what the right thing to do is and should be brave enough to do it.
Discipline:
The British Army has to be a disciplined force, and every soldier needs to follow the rules and be responsible for themselves.
Respect for Others:
It’s essential to show respect and tolerance towards other people, even in difficult situations. You should be able to put yourself in their shoes.
Integrity:
Soldiers must always be selfless, reliable, sincere, and honest. They must show loyalty towards the army.
Loyalty:
Loyalty for the British Army refers to showing support for your team and looking after them when the going gets tough.
Selfless Commitment:
Soldiers must commit to keeping the team above themselves as they are a part of something bigger.
Now that you are perfectly acquainted with the British Army’s core values, let’s start with the British Army application process.
The British Army application process starts with a registration process through their official careers site, and after that, you move to the online application form, where you must fill in the following details:
Here’s a sneak peek at the British Army online application.
British Army Online Application
Source: British Army Website
Once done with this, you will be invited to an assessment centre, which consists of several online assessment tests as well.
Let’s discuss these British Army online assessments before moving into the details of the assessment centre.
The British Army’s online assessments are generally a part of the assessment centre. These British Army assessment tests aim to assess your mental ability and reasoning skills. The assessments you might encounter are as follows:
Let’s discuss these assessments below.
The British Army Cognitive Tests (ACTs) consist of a series of assessments provided by Mindmill that aim to assess different qualities in the candidates. The various assessments you might face are:
Let’s discuss each of these tests briefly, starting with the error detection test.
The British Army error detection test will provide you with a correct version and a copy version of the digits and letters. Your task will be to measure how many mistakes will be in the copy version of the text when compared with the correct version.
The British Army error detection test measures how quickly you can spot mistakes.
British Army Error Detection Test
Alongside this British Army online assessment test, it’s also important to look at the orientation test.
The British Army orientation test will present you with a set of two rules. Your task is to read and understand the rules, remember them and find the set of arrows which obey the rules.
This British Army online assessment test is an assessment of logic and spatial awareness. This test measures your ability to visualise rules and select the answer which matches the rule.
British Army Orientation Test
In addition to the above, there’s also another key British Army Cognitive Test, i.e., the Number Fluency test.
This British Army Number Fluency test will present you with two different calculations to work out. Once done, you will have to compare the two answers and decide which one is greater.
This Number Fluency is the assessment of basic numeracy skills. It measures how quickly and accurately you can complete calculations in your head.
Take a look at the following snapshot of this British Army test.
British Army Number Fluency Test
Source: British Army Careers Website
Another key test at this stage is the Word Rules test. Let’s get into more details of this.
This British Army online test presents rules that are given for the order of a set of 3 words. You are then given an item list of 3 words. You have to compare how many of the words in the item list obey the rules above in the same order.
The British Army Word Rules test is an assessment of your working memory when completing tasks with a verbal component.
Below is a sneak peek at this British Army online test
British Army Word Rules Test
Next, let’s look at another assessment you may take; the deductive reasoning test.
This British Army Deductive Reasoning test is an assessment where you will be given a set of rules. Your task then will be to select a word that obeys the rule.
The British Army Deductive Reasoning test is an assessment of general verbal reasoning. It measures your ability to reason with information to reach the correct answer.
Here’s a glimpse into this British Army test.
British Army Deductive Reasoning Test
Want to get some tips to pass these British Army Cognitive Tests (ACTs)? Find our expert tips below.
To be absolutely prepared for this British Army test, you can practice deductive reasoning tests, word checking, number estimation, and diagrammatic tests at GF.
If you don’t have the equivalent of a GCSE in Math or English, you might have to take the British Army Numeracy and Literacy test. Read on to find more details about this.
The British Army numeracy test is basically a numerical test which you might be required to take if you don’t have the equivalent of a GCSE in Maths. You will be required to perform basic calculations such as fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportions, and you must interpret numerical data from charts, tables, and graphs.
Watch our short video below to understand more about this type of British Army online assessment!
The British Army numerical reasoning test measures the following qualities besides numerical interpretation:
Practice FREE numerical reasoning test questions, with our FREE numerical reasoning test, which are similar to British Army tests, or have a go at the following numerical reasoning test example question below:
British Army-style Numerical Test Practice Questions
Numerical Reasoning Test
This test assesses your numerical reasoning ability using data in charts, tables and figures. Look at each chart or table provided for each question, and use the information in these to work out the correct answer.
You have 5 options from which to choose from. Only one of these options is the correct answer.
1 / 5
Which country had the lowest number of mortgage approvals across the 6 years?
2 / 5
What was the total (approximate) number of mortgage approvals for the USA and Italy combined, through the years 2005 to 2007 inclusive?
3 / 5
Approximately, what percentage of the RDA for “Salt” will an individual fulfil if they consume 3 packets of “Pickled Onion” Crisps?
4 / 5
What percentage of all mortgages approved across the 5 countries in 2008, were due to Italy?
5 / 5
Approximately, how much energy (kcal) would the consumption of 3 packets of “BBQ” crisps and 2 packets of “Pickled Onion” crisps produce?
Restart quiz
Want some expert tips to level up your game in British Army assessment tests? Here are our top 5 tips to help you ace your way to the British Army.
Looking to further your British Army math test practice?
Another assessment during the British Army recruitment process might be the English test. Let’s get into more details of this.
The British Army English test requires you to read short passages and answer the questions that follow. You might be required to identify correct grammar or punctuation, and choose the right word or phrase in context. This assessment is quite similar to a verbal reasoning test and word checking tests.
The British Army English test measures your ability to read, understand, and use written English accurately and effectively. However, you will only get this assessment if you do not have the equivalent of a GCSE in Maths.
Looking for some tips to pass this British Army test? Here are our best tips to help you pass this English test.
To get a little more familiar with the British Army English test, you can practice verbal reasoning tests with us.
Having completed the British Army online tests, let’s now get to know about the different activities of the assessment centre.
The British Army assessment centre is generally a 2 to 3-day trip to the assessment centre. This stage of the British Army assessment process aims to assess every aspect of the candidate, depending on the role they have applied for.
Good to Know: If you are applying for an officer post, this stage will be called the Army Officer Selection Board, which will be divided into two stages: Briefing and Main Board. The exercises for a soldier are similar to this, but the officer selection process has some additional exercises, such as the Briefing.
The Briefing during the AOSB is the first stage of your assessment centre if you are applying for an officer role. If you pass this stage, only then will you be promoted to the next stage, i.e., the Main Board. This Briefing consists of the following activities:
If you are applying for soldier roles, you will not have the Briefing stage of assessment. In the case of officer selection, you will be promoted to the Main Board.
The British Army assessment centre consists of the following tests or assessments:
Next, let’s discuss the details of these British Army assessment centre exercises.
The British Army medical test will be the first assessment you will encounter the next morning after you reach the assessment centre. This medical test consists of 4 parts:
Once the British Army medical test is complete, you will get one of 4 outcomes:
Once done with the medical test, you will move on to the physical tests. What do these entail? Let’s find out.
The British Army physical tests will aim to test your physical as well as mental fitness. This assessment will require you to perform various physical exercises. At this stage, you don’t have to pass; rather, you must have the motivation to keep going.
During this British Army physical test, you will be required to perform the following physical exercises:
At this stage of the British army recruitment process, preparation makes all the difference. How to prepare? Here are our top tips to help you prepare for the British Army physical test.
Including this physical test, you will also be required to sit for a planning exercise. Let’s understand more about this.
The British Army Planning Exercise will be a part of both the briefing and the main board. This planning exercise involves a solo written assessment followed by a British Army group discussion. The written assessment is broken into two elements.
The British Army planning exercises’ written assessment is broken into two elements:
The British Army written assessment will present you with a scenario brief, which is generally a map, a narrative describing a mission, time constraints, and resources. You will then be required to:
Good to Know: You might also have a final group command task during or after this exercise, which will consist of minor command tasks that the group completes against other groups.
Next, let’s see some tips to pass the British Army planning exercises.
This British Army assessment is somewhat similar to a typical case study exercise. You can practice for these assessment centre exercises with GF.
Once done with all the British Army assessment centre exercises, you will be required to sit for an interview. Let’s get into more details of this.
The British Army interview is a formal stage of the recruitment process where assessors evaluate your motivation, suitability and understanding of military life. This forms part of the assessment centre for soldier roles and as part of the Army Officer Selection Board in case of officer roles.
Wondering what questions might be asked during the British Army interview?
Now, let’s try and answer at least two of these questions to give you an overall idea of how to approach these questions.
Good Answer:
I want to join the British Army because I’m motivated by the opportunity to defend and serve the United Kingdom. I take pride in the idea of protecting our country’s interests, supporting global peacekeeping missions, and contributing to national security. The Army represents commitment, discipline, and unity, the qualities that I strongly value and aspire to uphold.
I’m drawn to a career where my efforts directly contribute to the safety and stability of others, whether through defending our borders, supporting humanitarian operations, or assisting in emergencies at home. Joining the British Army allows me to be part of an institution that stands for courage, integrity, and service to the nation.
My career goal within the British Army is to develop into a capable and dependable leader who contributes meaningfully to the Army’s operational success. In the short term, I want to focus on completing my training to the highest standard, gaining practical experience, and mastering the core skills required for my role.
Over time, I aim to take on increasing levels of responsibility, lead others effectively, and continue developing my professional and technical knowledge. Ultimately, I want to serve in a position where I can help train, mentor, and support younger soldiers, ensuring the team’s readiness and effectiveness in any situation. My long-term ambition is to build a career that reflects dedication, discipline, and loyalty to the service of the country.
Looking to explore and prep with more practice interview questions? Practice for your British Army video interview using our video interviewing platform and get hands-on experience recording your answers, and improve your responses for your British Army interview questions.
Want some tips to pass this British Army assessment?
Don’t miss our video below on what questions you can ask your interviewer at the end of the British Army interview.
And….that’s a wrap on the British Army hiring process! If you are successful, the recruiting team will contact you with their decision, sometimes within 48 hours after the assessment centre or a few days after.
While you’re still here…
Let’s explore some British Army early career programmes.
The British Army early careers refer to various entry routes and training opportunities that are designed for school leavers, recent graduates, and college students who are looking to be a part of the defence industry. The different British Army early careers are as follows:
Let’s discuss each of these British Army early careers in detail.
The British Army apprenticeships allow you to gain nationally recognised qualifications in the fields of IT, logistics, engineering, etc., while you work to get hands-on military experience.
The British Army apprenticeships job functions available for candidates are:
The British Army apprenticeship eligibility criteria are as follows:
Another key British Army early career programme is the British Army- Army Officer Scholarship Scheme.
The British Army Officer Scholarship Scheme guarantees financial support of 10,000 Euros starting from Academic Year 13 while the candidate is studying. Besides the financial support, the successful candidate is guaranteed a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and a career as a regular Army Officer after University.
To be eligible for the Army Officer Scholarship Scheme, candidates should be aged 16 or 17 years, and the other criteria depend on the location:
Good to Know: This Scholarship scheme is not available for those looking to practice Law, Physiotherapy, or to be a Chaplain (Theology) in the Army.
But don’t go just yet! Scroll down for answers to common FAQs about the British Army assessment process.
Yes, women can apply for roles in the British Army, including combat roles.
No, prior experience is not necessary to apply to British Army roles. More than prior experience, full training and alignment with the British Army CDRILS is essential.
To be successful at any role in the British Army, you must pass a fitness test, which generally assesses not just your physical fitness but also your drive to keep going and putting in the effort.
Yes, you can choose your preferred roles that you wish to apply to. However, the final allocation depends on your cognitive strength, medical suitability, and Army requirements.
Do you want to pass your British Army hiring process the first time? Register to take numerical, logical, verbal reasoning and situational judgement practice tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, as well as across Asia and continental Europe. Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Do you want to pass your British Army hiring process the first time? Register to take numerical, logical, verbal reasoning and situational judgement practice tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, as well as across Asia and continental Europe.
Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
This article was last updated on 24 February 2026. All information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge as at the time of publication, based on publicly available sources. For the most up-to-date details, please verify directly with the employer.
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