Applying to join the RAF can take a few months and there is no commitment until the very end of the process . For airmen / airwomen , the RAF works on the basis of indicative qualifications . This means that candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications may be considered on merit . All candidates are required to pass the Airmen Selection Test ( AST ). Speak to your Armed Forces Careers Office for more information .

STEP 1 FIND OUT MORE If you have not already done so , search RAF recruitment or call 0345 605 5555 to find out more about work and life in the RAF .

STEP 2 VISIT AN ARMED FORCES CAREERS OFFICE ( AFCO ) You can also find out more by visiting an AFCO ( which can be found in many cities and large towns ) and speaking to the serving RAF personnel who work there . To find your local centre search RAF recruitment centres .

STEP 3 APPLICATION FORM The first part of the application process is to fill in an application form to join the RAF either online or at an AFCO . This form asks for your personal details and information about any qualifications and work experience you may have .

STEP 4 APTITUDE TESTS You ’ ll do multiple-choice tests to assess your verbal , numerical and reasoning ability , short-term memory , your ability to perform tasks quickly and accurately , and understanding of basic electrical and mechanical principles . To prepare you for the test , we ’ ll give you a booklet called Joining the RAF – Your Next Steps that will explain fully what to expect .

INTERVIEW This is a formal interview with an RAF Sergeant or Corporal . It takes between 30 and 45 minutes and there are no trick questions . It ’ s a chance to get to know one another , to make sure you ’ ll fit in with the RAF way of life .

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT This is to check if you have the right level of medical and physical fitness to join the RAF . The standard is high , so the examination is very thorough and it is common for people to have more than one assessment .

STEP 5 FORMAL OFFER OF SERVICE If you ’ ve been successful , we ’ ll invite you to a final interview at the AFCO and , if all goes well , we ’ ll make you a formal offer of service . Then , when a place becomes available , you ’ ll start recruit training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire . You can find out more about recruit training on page 7 .

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