Your visit to the Assessment Centre

What to expect

Soldier assessment is a 3 day / 2 night experience. During this time you'll get the chance to experience what it's like in the Army as well as getting to show us what you're capable of.

If you're prepared there is nothing to worry about - just listen to your recruiter's advice and they will help you get ready for your visit.

About your stay

When you arrive, you'll be given a welcome talk and there will be some basic admin tasks to complete.

Throughout your stay you'll be given a series of tests to check your suitability to join the Army. These tests will include medical checks, computer based tests as well as fitness and team tasks and finally an interview.

It's worth remembering that you are being assessed throughout your whole stay - not just during the activities!

Check out the recruiter chat to find out more about what the three days are like for candidates.

Results

You won't have to wait for your results - you'll find out at the end of the stay what your next steps in your Army career will be.

About the tests

Medical

Before you join the Army, you’ll need to complete a medical assessment with a doctor. This is to make sure you’re fit and well enough to take part.

• No needles or blood tests – the checks won’t hurt.

• Full health review – including your medical history, current health, and a head-to-toe examination. You’ll be asked to undress down to your underwear so the doctor can carry out the checks properly.

Even if some of your records have already been reviewed, the final decision is only made after the doctor has seen you in person and considered everything together.

In some cases, more information or a second opinion from the senior Army doctor may be needed. This helps make sure the right decision is made for you and your future in the Army.

Computer-based tests

• Ability Tests (Army Cognitive Test (Verifier))
  Taken on a computer, this is designed to measure your soldier potential. Everybody takes this series of five tests. Your score determines which jobs you can go for.

• Literacy and Numeracy Test
  If you don't have A - C/9 - 4 grade GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths or English you'll need to sit this test.

Fitness tests

You'll be asked to take part in three different tests. The standard you need to meet is different depending on which role you're hoping to join. The Assessors will be watching to see how much effort you put in.

• The Mid-Thigh Pull

  Standing in front of a bar set to mid-thigh height you'll be asked to pull the bar upwards for 5 seconds, then rest and repeat.

• Medicine Ball Throw

  Sitting with your back against a wall, you'll throw a 4kg medicine ball as far as you can.

• Multistage Fitness Test (beep test)

• Run between two lines 20m apart, keeping up with a beep which gets faster with time.