2026 EMPLOYER GUIDES4 min read

Guide for HMRC Early Careers 2026

Here’s what you’ll uncover in this guide:

1. HMRC Early Careers

What are the HMRC early career opportunities?

The HMRC early career programmes offer opportunities to hone your skills and start building your career as a tax expert and professional. Here are the early career schemes provided by HMRC for aspiring candidates:

With these programmes, you can discover the perfect launching pad for your career. Let’s take a quick dive into them!

HMRC Tax Specialist Programme (TSP)

What is the HMRC tax specialist programme?

The HMRC tax specialist programme is a training scheme, where you will learn the skills required to become a Tax Professional, alongside highly skilled professionals you can lean on for advice and support.

HMRC Tax Specialist Programme Details 

  1. Education: This programme is open to recent graduates with a 2:2 degree or equivalent (level 6), or you expect to achieve one before the start of the programme.
  2. Experience: No prior tax knowledge required.
  3. Duration: This programme lasts 3 to 4 years.
  4. Locations: 14 regional centres across the UK —Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Stratford.

HMRC Apprenticeships

What are the HMRC apprenticeships?

The HMRC apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn while you earn, gain valuable skills, and get a recognised certification from HMRC. It offers two sub-schemes: the HMRC fast-track apprenticeships and digital apprenticeships.

HMRC Apprenticeships Details

  1. Education: Ideal candidates, of age 16 or over, are not expected to have completed any other similar apprenticeships.
  2. Experience: No specific professional experience is required.
  3. Duration: Takes up to 16 months to complete.
  4. Locations: UK
  5. Requirements:
    • Have the right to live and work in the UK, with a valid ID (passport or birth certificate) and a National Insurance number.
    • Have lived in the UK or EEA for at least 3 years before starting.
    • Have a visa which covers the entire duration of the apprenticeship.
    • Be out of full-time education (or finishing this academic year).
    • Not be enrolled in another apprenticeship or receiving DfE funding for another course.
    • Be able to work at least 30 hours per week (or follow an extended apprenticeship if part-time).
    • Not already hold similar/equivalent qualifications or extensive experience in the apprenticeship occupational field.

Read on to discover the application process for the HMRC early career roles.

2. HMRC Recruitment Process

What is the HMRC application process?

From research, it shows that the HMRC recruitment process has four main stages, and they are:

  1. HMRC Online Application
  2. HMRC Situational Judgement Test
  3. HMRC Numerical Reasoning Test
  4. HMRC Verbal Reasoning Test
  5. HMRC Video Interview
  6. HMRC Assessment Centre

Good to know: HMRC online tests may also include a work strengths test or a skills test to assess your role-specific skills. These tests are typically tailored to the role you have applied for.

Do you want to practice for all the HMRC assessments?

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Practice Situational Judgement Tests

Practice Situational Judgement Tests

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Video Interviews

Practice Video Interviews

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

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Before you start your HMRC application process, explore the FAQs section below for more answers about the HMRC recruitment process.

3. HMRC Early Career FAQs

1 What is the starting salary for the HMRC tax specialist programme?

The HMRC tax specialist programme offers a starting salary of a minimum of £37,682 (£42,631 in London).

2 Do apprentices earn a basic salary?

At HMRC, apprentices are paid the same as others at the same grade. For example, an Administrative Officer (AO) grade apprentice would start on a salary of £28,000+.

3 What is the career progression path after completing the TSP?

Upon successful completion of the programme, you’re guaranteed promotion to Grade 7, a senior position within HMRC with a salary of £58,541 (£65,869 in London). From there, many TSP graduates progress to leadership positions across HMRC and the wider Civil Service. The structured nature of the programme ensures clear pathways for advancement.

4 Will an apprenticeship lead to a full-time job in HMRC?

In most cases at HMRC, apprentices usually move into a permanent role after passing probation. You’re also welcome to apply for other roles across the Civil Service if you see an opportunity you would like to go for.

5 What kind of work will I do as an apprentice at HMRC?

At HMRC, apprenticeships are full-time paid jobs with real responsibilities. You’ll work in a role that makes a difference to the people we serve.

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This article was last updated on 24 March 2026. All information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge 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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