What the route involves
There is a difference between wanting to join, being eligible to apply, completing a recruitment assessment and being ready for initial or specialist training. Each stage matters. The overview below is independent explanatory guidance; the Armed Forces make the decisions and may change the sequence.
Identify your role
Review entry criteria and the specific selection process.
Application and aptitude
Check the current official Defence Aptitude Assessment where relevant.
Pre-Joining Fitness Test
The 2026 changes include a multistage fitness test, strength assessments and role exceptions.
Candidate preparation
Follow official joining and training advice.
What preparation should cover
Good preparation starts with manageable consistency. Different military pathways emphasise different things, but a strong foundation generally involves appropriate aerobic development, progressive strength work, recovery and understanding the demands of your actual route.
- 20m multistage fitness test
- Strength assessment familiarity
- Role-specific standards
- Aerobic progression
Royal Navy diving roles have different published standards. Never substitute general-entry results for specialist requirements.
How to use this guide
First, open the official source for your intended role and confirm that its entry requirements apply to you. Then establish a sensible fitness baseline with an appropriate professional if needed. Use our free benchmark checker only for standards that are explicitly sourced and applicable to the same role and stage.
No independent fitness tool can guarantee acceptance, predict medical suitability or replace official recruiting staff. We deliberately avoid publishing speculative confidential selection criteria.
The relevant military recruiting organisation publishes the definitive information for this pathway.
https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/joining-process/pre-joining-fitness-testReviewed source references: 16 October 2026. Verify any new changes directly with the source.