Discover how to successfully pass the Royal Air Force (RAF) selection process with this in-depth presentation. Joining the RAF is no easy feat and you'll come up against many challenges. But, with this guide you'll have a full understanding of the selection process and what elements you need to focus on to pass.
2. 7 STEP PROCESS…
In order to join the RAF, there are 7 steps that you will need to go to complete your
application.
You will need to pass each stage of the application, before you can progress on to
the next stage of the process.
On the following slide, I have broken down the 7 steps for the process of joining the
RAF for both FULL TIME REGULAR jobs and SPARE TIME RESERVES.
3. FULLTIME REGULAR
1. Aptitude Tests
2. Selection interviews
3. Health assessments
4. Fitness tests
5. Pre-recruit training course
6. Acceptance
7. Training
1. Squadron information day
2. Aptitude tests
3. Selection interviews
4. Acceptance
5. Health assessments
6. Fitness tests
7. Training
PARTTIME RESERVE
4. SQUADRON INFORMATION DAY…
If you apply to join the RAF as a reserve, you will need to undergo a squadron
information day.
This will give you the opportunity to attend a squadron, of your choice, and ask any
questions that you may have regarding the RAF and joining.
You will get to witness what life is like as an RAF Reserve and learn about the role in
which you are interested in.
REMEMBER – this stage is only for reserves!
5. APTITUDETESTS…
The first step is to complete a series of aptitude tests.
Airman / Airwoman SelectionTest
Verbal Reasoning – (assess your interpretation skills).
Numerical Reasoning – (assess your ability to work with numbers).
Work Rate tests – (assess your speed and accuracy).
Spatial Reasoning – (assess your understanding of abstract shapes).
Electrical Comprehension – (assess your ability to work with electrical concepts).
Mechanical Comprehension – (assess your ability work with mechanical
concepts).
Memory tests – (assess your ability to remember information correctly).
6. SELECTION INTERVIEWS
These interviews are a way for the RAF to get to know you better.
You'll be required to show your skills and experience and demonstrate your
suitability.
This is also a great way forYOU to ask any questions about joining.
Topics covered: family, education, work experience, hobbies, interest in the RAF,
training, the job role for which you have applied, the RAF in general.
Some roles also require a second interview.You will be given all the information
regardingYOUR selection process when you apply for the job.
7. HEALTH ASSESSMENT…
All candidates must undergo a health assessment to ensure that it is safe for you to
work in the RAF.
As part of this assessment, you will be assessed on your eye sight, hearing, body
mass index and possibly other areas.
For more information about the eligibility requirements regarding the health
assessment, be sure to check out my other video on RAF ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
8. FITNESSTEST…
Again, you will need to show strong levels of fitness during the application process.
You will need to complete a pre-joining fitness test which usually consists of a 2.4
kilometre run, push up tests and sit up tests.
You will be assessed based on age and gender.
For further details, please visit the eligibility video for the RAF.
9. PRE-RECRUITTRAINING COURSE
This takes place over 3 days and is specifically designed so that you get a taste of
what your RAF training would be like if you are to be successful.
You will need to undergo the following:
Functional Skills test – (obtain functional skills qualifications in English and Maths.
Sample papers and practice questions are available via the RAF website).
Fitness test – (you must pass the second part of the fitness assessment which
includes shuttle runs, press ups, and sit ups).
10. ACCEPTANCE…
If you have successfully passed each of the above mentioned steps of the selection
process, you will be invited to attend a provisional offer of service interview.
This interview is conducted to ensure you understand the rules, regulations,
expectations and conditions of the RAF service.
11. TRAINING
Basic training takes place over a 10 week period.
It is designed to show you what the RAF is all about and demonstrate what you can
expect if you are to join.
This will challenge you both physically and mentally, and determine whether or not
you are cut out for the role.
You will be separated into groups (“flights”) and be given a service number.You will
undergo regular inspections, receive lessons in marches, drills, codes of conducts.
You will be given the chance to test and apply your skills with different training
exercises to embark upon.You will learn to survive and fight in a military
environment.You’ll practice weapon fire, camouflage, first aid and nuclear drills.
Experience real battle conditions.
Graduation! Go on to receive specific training and become a member of the RAF.