Royal Navy Tests

Careers at Royal Navy

There are various careers on offer with the Royal Navy for school leavers, graduates, or those with vocational qualifications such as nursing or medicine.

The entry level into a Royal Navy career depends on qualifications attained; many roles have specific entry requirements.

Vacancies are offered at two levels:

Ratings level

These roles are open to those who have attained GCSE-level qualifications or gained fewer than 96 UCAS points in their A levels. Ratings level roles are akin to Apprenticeship type roles, where candidates earn while they train on the job.

There are around 60 types of ratings level roles across nine different sectors, such as:

• IT
• Medicine
• Communications
• Hands-on work (practical roles in various areas of specialism)
• Logistics & HR
• Engineering
• Food, drink, and hospitality
• Science
• Weapons

Officer level

These roles are open to those who have gained over 96 UCAS points in their A levels, or have attained a degree.

With over 21 types of roles at the Officer level, sectors that candidates can work in include:

• Medicine
• Logistics
• Warfare
• Aviation
• Engineering

Officers in the Royal Navy are deemed to be at the Manager or Leadership level. They also get involved in mentoring more junior members of the team.

Candidates need to be successful at each stage of the process to be offered a position.

The recruitment process assesses the various competencies and abilities required for a career in the Royal Navy.

Roles within the Royal Navy are demanding and challenging. This assessment process ensures that the right people are selected for these roles based on the behaviours required to build a successful career.

Royal Navy online application

All applications for Royal Navy positions are taken online via an application form link sent to candidates.

Before the link is sent, candidates first need to complete a short form that determines whether they meet the entry requirements.

The Royal Navy application form is a comprehensive application that takes around 45 minutes to complete.

Candidates are required to complete specific sections:

• Basic candidate details, including address and contact information
• Additional candidate details including passport details, some medical details, information on tattoos and piercings
• Information on nationality and residency
• Details on any previous armed forces experience
• Details on any previous applications to the Royal Armed Forces
• Education and employment details

The application form details guidance on the entry requirements for each section and what is permitted/not permitted concerning medical history, tattoos and piercings, and physical fitness.

Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)

The Royal Navy Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA), formally known as the Naval Services Recruitment Test (NSRT) consists of six tests, each with 30 questions and assessing a different ability:

• Verbal reasoning: assesses a candidate’s ability to read and understand a passage of information and then answer questions on this.

• Numerical reasoning: assesses a candidate’s ability to perform basic calculations.

• Work Rate: assesses how effectively you can reach conclusions using analytics, thinking abilities, and problem-solving.

• Spatial Reasoning: assesses your ability to work with 2D and 3D shapes and identify patterns and changes.

• Electrical Comprehension: assesses your knowledge of electrical concepts such as batteries, circuits, and switches.

• Mechanical Comprehension: this test assesses a candidate’s understanding of mechanical principles and requires candidates to apply their knowledge of mechanical and engineering concepts when answering questions.

You have approximately 14 days to complete the Royal Navy DAA assessment which is sent to you via email. Be sure to set some reminders in your personal calendar to ensure it is completed within the deadline.

Each test is timed which puts additional pressure on candidates - The Royal Navy wishes to see how you respond when problem-solving under pressure. It is recommended to work quickly but accurately. The more questions you answer correctly, the higher your score will be.

Royal Navy verbal reasoning test

The Royal Navy Verbal Reasoning Test is an assessment designed to measure a candidate’s ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written information. This test evaluates an individual’s language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension, as well as their ability to draw logical conclusions from given text passages. It is an important part of the selection process for various roles within the Royal Navy.

The test typically consists of multiple-choice questions based on short passages or statements. Candidates are required to read and analyze the information provided and then select the most appropriate answer from the given options. The test may also include questions related to synonyms, antonyms, or analogies to assess a candidate’s understanding of language and vocabulary.

To prepare for the Royal Navy Verbal Reasoning Test, candidates should focus on improving their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills. This can be done by reading a variety of texts, such as newspapers, magazines, or books, and practicing exercises that target specific language skills.

In the verbal reasoning test, it is important to take the time to read the question, so you are clear on what the question is asking, then select the correct answer.

Royal Navy numerical reasoning test

The numerical reasoning test part of the Royal Navy DAA assessment consists of 30 questions with 16 minutes to complete all of the questions. This numerical test assesses a candidate’s basic math skills.

Questions are asked on basic math calculations using multiplication and division, addition, and subtraction. Some questions require candidates to use their knowledge of fractions, percentages, and basic algebra.

The score required to pass the test is dependent upon the branch applied to.

Find out more about the Royal Navy numeracy test here.

Royal Navy work rate test

The Royal Navy Work Rate test is designed to measure an individual’s ability to understand, analyze, and solve problems at a rapid pace. You’ll have 50 seconds to answer 4 questions. This test often includes questions related to arithmetic, numerical reasoning, data interpretation, and basic problem-solving.

To prepare for the Royal Navy Work Rate Test, candidates should focus on improving their mental arithmetic and problem-solving skills.

Royal Navy spatial reasoning test

The Royal Navy Spatial Reasoning test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to visualize and manipulate two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects. This test assesses an individual’s spatial awareness and ability to recognize patterns and relationships between shapes.

Section one has 2 questions with a time limit of 50 seconds and section 2 has two questions with a time limit of 35 seconds.

The test typically consists of multiple-choice questions, requiring candidates to identify the correct answer from a set of given options. Questions may involve rotating, reflecting, or manipulating objects, as well as identifying patterns or sequences within a series of shapes.

To prepare for the Royal Navy Spatial Reasoning Test, candidates should practice spatial awareness exercises and engage in activities that involve visualization and manipulation of objects. This can include solving puzzles, playing video games, or working with 3D modeling software.

Royal Navy electrical comprehension test

The Royal Navy Electrical Comprehension (EC) Test is designed to assess a candidate’s understanding of basic electrical principles and their ability to apply this knowledge to solve problems. This test is particularly important for those applying to roles within the engineering or technical branches of the Royal Navy.

The test format consists of multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as Ohm’s Law, electrical circuits, voltage, current, resistance, and power. Candidates are given a set time limit to complete the test, which can vary depending on the complexity and number of questions.

There are 4 questions to answer within 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

To prepare for the Royal Navy Electrical Reasoning Test, candidates should review basic electrical theory and familiarize themselves with common electrical components and circuitry.

Regular practice, using sample questions and working through practical examples, can significantly improve a candidate’s performance on the test and increase their chances of passing.

Royal Navy mechanical comprehension test

The mechanical comprehension test assesses a candidate’s understanding and knowledge of mechanical principles and processes.

There are 4 questions to answer within a time limit of 2 minutes and 45 seconds

The questions are both in text and visual format - presented as a paragraph of information with an image to describe the text visually.

Questions might include knowledge of pulleys, cogs, tension load, and weights.

It is essential to read the question and understand the information presented in the visual image before selecting the correct multiple-choice answer that you believe to be correct.