British Army Interviews

Once you have submitted your application, you will be invited to an initial interview where you will speak with an Army Careers Adviser.

They will be able to answer any questions you may still have about joining the Army, check that you are suitable, and give you any necessary advice on how to prepare for your new Army career.

Interviews with Army Careers Advisers are important during the selection process, as it allows them to find out more about you, decide whether this is the path for you and help guide you into the right role.

Don't forget that this is a 2-way process, so try not to feel nervous and ask them all the questions you have - they will do their best to answer them so you feel ready for the next stage.

During your first formal interview, you will be asked about your:

  • Physical fitness
  • Achievements
  • Interests

Remember - they are not there to catch you out. So answer confidently and honestly, and be enthusiastic.

Recruitment tests

If you wish to join the Army as a soldier, there are 3 tests you will have to complete during this stage of the joining process:

  • British Army Recruit Battery Test (BARB)
  • Literacy test
  • Numeracy test

The BARB test

The British Army Recruit Battery Test (BARB) determines your mental ability to solve problems and understand information in your head.

When you have completed the test, you will be given a GTI (General Training Index).

This score allows the Army to match you to suitable roles - the higher your score, the more roles you can choose from.

The BARB test is made up of 5 sections:

  • Reasoning
  • Letter checking
  • Number distance
  • Odd one out
  • Symbol rotation

The British Army website have a handy practice test you can take.

While you don't really need to prepare for this test, it may help you keep calm if you familiarise yourself with the format so you know what to expect on the day.

Please note that on the day of the actual test, you will be taking it under timed conditions.

The Literacy test

Effective communication with your team is crucial when you are a member of the British Army.

You will be required to communicate in a wide variety of ways, and this part of the joining process tests your reading and writing abilities.

Don't worry if this not one of your strong points, or if English is not your first language.

While there is a minimum pass mark, you can receive further help in this area during your Initial Training phase if your score is particularly low.

Take the practice Literacy test available on the British Army website to help prepare yourself and settle any nerves.

During the actual test, you will be able to take as long as you like, and will be given a pen and paper to help you work out all the answers.

The Numeracy test

This assesses how well you can deal with numbers.

It also helps the Army determine the right role for you.

While you don't need to be the next Einstein to get into the Army, you will need to be able to perform basic mathematical tasks to ensure you can operate as an effective member of your team.

Again, don't stress if Maths has never been one of your strong points - there are many roles available in the Army, and not all of them require you to be a whiz at Maths.

The British Army have an online practice tool to help improve your chances of obtaining a high score.

If you don't do as well as you had hoped the first time round, you can take the test again.