How to Join the RAF in 2025
The complete guide to unlocking and passing the RAF recruitment process.
4.9/5 Rating | 1,000+ Reviews
Training That Works
Discover a masterclass of Royal Air Force recruitment knowledge and insider secrets from How2Become
Unlock Your Potential
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re reapplying, you will get access to on-demand training that will catapult your career
Powerful Resources
Get instant access to the on-demand RAF recruitment training guides, interactive online tests, and video modules
How to Join the Royal Air Force
If you’re looking to learn and prepare successfully to join the Royal Air Force (RAF), you’ve come to the right place! Here at How2Become, we will supply you with comprehensive online training resources and videos that cover every element of the RAF selection process.
From how to pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment, through to sample RAF interview questions and answers, this online resource has it all!
The Royal Air Force Selection Process
The selection process for joining the RAF will normally consist of the following elements:
Registration & Application
RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment
AFCO Interview
Medical & Fitness Tests
Pre-Recruit Training Centre
Stage 1 – Online Registration and application form
The first stage of the RAF recruitment process is to register your interest and submit your application. However, before you get to this stage it is important to speak to an Armed Forces RAF Careers Advisor about the options that are available to you and also about life within the RAF. You can find details of your nearest Armed Forces RAF Careers Office by visiting the Royal Air Force website www.raf.mod.uk. Here, you will find plenty of information about life in the RAF and the careers that are available.
Once you have decided that a career in the RAF is for you then it is time to submit your application. Remember, there is no obligation to join until you sign your contract.
Stage 2 – The RAF DEFENCE APTITUDE ASSESSMENT (DAA)
During the initial stages of the RAF selection process you will be required to sit what is called the Defence Aptitude Assessment or DAA as it is otherwise called. It consists of a number of different aptitude tests, which are designed to assess which careers in the RAF you are most suited to. There are many different RAF career-based opportunities available and each one requires a different level of skill. The DAA consists of six timed multiple-choice aptitude tests which are as follows:
- A verbal reasoning test;
- A numerical reasoning test;
- A work rate test;
- A spatial reasoning test;
- A mechanical comprehension test;
- An electrical comprehension test.
Stage 3 – Armed Forces careers office interview
After you have passed the DAA you will progress to Stage 3 to sit your interview at the Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO).
The questions that will be asked during the interview will predominantly focus on the following key areas:
- The reasons for joining the RAF;
- Your motivations for joining and the level of preparation you have carried out;
- What you already know about the RAF, how it operates, it’s equipment, Squadrons, where it is serving right now and also it’s history;
- Why you have chosen your particular role.
Stage 4 – Medical and fitness assessments
The next stage in the selection process is a medical and fitness test.
The medical assessment will look at your overall health, but will pay particular attention to your hearing, eyesight and BMI. You will also be asked about any previous illnesses and you will be screened for any underlying health issues which may prevent you from carrying out your role.
The RAF fitness test consists of the three following elements:
- Push-up test
- Sit-up test
- Complete a 2.4km run
Stage 5 – Pre-REcruit training
The final stage of the selection process is to pass the Pre-Recruit Training. The idea of this is to familiarise recruits with what basic training will consist of.
This will take place over three days at RAF Halton and will consist of the following:
- You will need to undertake further fitness assessments to ensure you have maintained your fitness levels from your initial fitness assessment.
- You will need to sit a functional skills test to the relevant level of the post you are applying for. You will receive details of the required level during the selection process.
- Sit a Basic Key Skill Builder test in maths and English.
How to Join the Royal Air Force: Commonly Asked Questions
How do I Join the Royal Air Force?
To be eligible to join the Royal Air Force you will need to pass a set-criteria for applicants. You must be between the ages 15 years and 9 months to apply as an Airman. The oldest you can apply is at 55 years old, but this would only be for certain specialist roles such as a Medical Officer. Other requirements include education, fitness/health and nationality.
If you pass the eligibility requirements you can apply via the RAF website or by visiting your local armed forces careers office. You will then need to pass an entrance test called the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA). If you are successful with the tests, you will be then invited for an interview so the RAF recruitment officers can learn more about you and will discuss your career choices with you. After this you will need to pass a fitness and medical examination. The last stage in the selection process is the Pre-Recruit Training course where you will become familiar with life in the RAF and take further fitness tests psychometric tests relevant for the chosen role.
What qualifications do I need to join the RAF?
The qualifications required will depend on the role you are applying for. As a standard Airman role, you will need GCSEs for some roles and other roles you may not need any formal qualifications. If you are applying for a Pilot role this will demand that you have a number of both GCSEs and A-Levels or equivalent.
How long does the application process take?
There is no set time for how long the application process will take from initial application to starting your training, but this could range from 3 to 9 months.
What happens if you fail the fitness test?
If you fail the fitness test, you will get an opportunity to take this again. The recruitment team will be in touch with further advice on how you can improve your fitness so you pass the next time you take the test.
TOPICS INCLUDED WITHIN THIS ROYAL AIR FORCE CAREERS GUIDE:
HOW TO PASS THE RAF SELECTION PROCESS
- Essential insider tips on how to pass the Royal Air Force selection process with high grades.
- Information about the history of the RAF and why it is important to learn it.
- Each stage of the RAF selection process and the most effective way to pass it.
- Making the initial contact with the RAF Careers Office and how to create the right impression.
- How to prepare for the RAF Pre-Joining Fitness Test and exercises that are designed to improve your fitness levels.
- Selecting the right references and also how to create an effective CV.
HOW TO PASS THE RAF DAA TEST INCLUDING SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS
- Mechanical comprehension questions, with answers and explanations;
- Electrical comprehension questions, with answers and explanations;
- Numerical reasoning questions, with answers and explanations;
- Verbal reasoning questions, with answers and explanations;
- Work rate questions, with answers and explanations;
- Spatial reasoning questions, with answers and explanations.
HOW TO PASS THE RAF INTERVIEW INCLUDING SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- Preparing to take the RAF interview.
- How to answer all of the interview questions.
- Sample interview questions that have been previously asked during the RAF interview.
- How you will be scored and assessed during the RAF interview.
- Tips on how to score high and pass the interview.
PASS THE RAF RECRUITMENT PROCESS
We guarantee that our How To Join the Royal Air Force online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 260+ pages of RAF recruitment information, tests, and videos which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the DAA, the interviews and the fitness test.
Start Preparing Now 👉Sample RAF AFCO Interview Question
Q.Can you tell me whereabouts in the world the RAF are operating?
If you put plenty of work into your preparation then you will undoubtedly get to find out the whereabouts of the RAF around the world. Of course, this will change as the weeks and months progress but one of the most effective ways to find out where the RAF are operating right now is to visit the Ministry of Defence website at www.mod.uk. From here you will be able to access instant and up-to-date information relevant to the RAF’s current operations. Remember to regularly check the website for updates.
Sample Response
Take a look at the following answer to this question which is only relevant to the RAF’s operations at the time of writing.
‘At the current time the RAF are deployed at many different locations around the world. Starting at home, the RAF is defending the United Kingdom with both the Tornado F3 and Typhoon F2. These are based at RAF Coningsby which is in Lincolnshire, and also at RAF Leuchars which is located in Fife. The aircraft are strategically placed at these locations so that they can be deployed at a moment’s notice.The RAF is also responsible for managing the Wideawake airfield which is located in the Ascension Islands. This airfield acts as a link for the Armed Forces to the Falklands Islands and also to St Helena. There is a small detachment from the 1 Air Mobility Wing Unit from RAF Lyneham based at the airfield and their job is to ensure the smooth running of each flight. The RAF is also extremely active in the South Atlantic, especially in the Falklands Islands. The RAF operates a number of patrols around this area which act as a deterrent to any potential threats. In addition to these patrols the RAF operates a Search and Rescue facility to the islands and is also involved in fishing patrols and air transport patrols by way of a Hercules aircraft. There is also a Tornado F3 squadron based on the island at Mount Pleasant airfield. This acts as security for the islands and the personnel who live there.The RAF is also based in Cyprus at Aktrotiri. From here the RAF supports operations in Afghanistan. The base itself is used as a forward mounting base for ops in the Middle East. Its secondary role is for Fast Jet Weapons Training. The RAF plays a huge part in United Nations operations and at present they have personnel based in South Korea, across the continent of Africa and also as part of the peace keeping operations in Lebanon. An example of the RAF’s more permanent commitments is the managing of the Gibraltar airport. From here the RAF will look after military and civilian movements in and out of the airport.’
Application Form, RAF DAA Tests & Initial Interview
During your preparation for joining the RAF we recommend you learn the RAF values and also the ethos statement. When the RAF recruitment officer at the Armed Forces Careers Office asks you, “What have you learnt about the RAF?”, you will be able to tell them that you have taken the time to learn these important values and also what they mean.
To help you get started, the values of the RAF include:
- Having self-respect and being respectful of others;
- Having integrity which means being responsible, honest and courageous;
- Having physical courage, loyalty, commitment and being able to work as part of a team during your service;
- Having personal excellence, being proud and self-disciplined.
The most effective way to memorise the values is to simply remember the word ‘RISE’:
R = Respect
I= Integrity
S = Service
E = Excellence
In addition to this set of values the RAF also has what is called an ethos statement. This is basically a statement of how it intends to go about its business.
Pass the RAF Selection Process. First time.
Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: to join the Royal Air Force.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Scoring Criteria
Essential information about how you will be assessed during every stage of the selection process.
APPLICATION FORM SAMPLE ANSWERS
Lots of up-to-date sample application form questions, responses and tips on how to pass this initial stage.
PRACTICE ONLINE DEFENCE APTITUDE ASSESSMENT TESTS
Step-by-step information on how to pass the DAA.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Sample answers to each of the AFCO Interview questions.interview questions.
INSIDER SECRETS
Insider tips on how to answer the interview questions and advice on how you will be scored.
SCORE-BOOSTING STRATEGIES
Get ahead of the competition with unique and proven strategies 16 years in the making.
Customer Success Stories
Having helped 1,000s to join the Royal Air Force for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…
“Really informative, well worth a buy if thinking about going in the RAF” – How2Become customer
“Really helped prepare for my tests and interview” – How2Become customer
“Helping me immensely with my preparation to join the RAF…” – How2Become customer
“I bought this book for a grandson who is considering joining the RAF and he found this book very useful” – How2Become customer
“This book is must if you are needing information on how to prepare for your officers selection process to become an officer in the RAF.” – How2Become customer
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?
Complete guidance to ensure you pass the ENTIRE RAF recruitment process
Insider advice on how to complete the online registration and application form
Revealed – avoid the common pitfalls that most applicants make (many people fail the application stage – don’t be one of them!)
Discover exactly how you are assessed throughout the entire selection process (hint: understanding this will allow you to know exactly how the assessors want you to act at every stage)
A complete breakdown of the DAA and how you MUST prepare if you wish to succeed
AFCO interview questions and guidance on how to answer each one of them
Practice questions and answers for all of the different elements of the DAA – take your test confident that you are fully prepared
The importance of ensuring you meet the minimum eligibility requirements and understanding the lifestyle when joining the Royal Air Force
Time-saving strategies and score-boosting methods verified by our panel of recruitment experts
How to get fit and be able to pass the fitness test and medical test
PLUS…BONUSES!
BONUS #1
150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide
FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ downloadable guide free of charge. It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough AFCO interview!
- All of the most common (and not so common) interview questions you are likely to face, broken down.
- Full and detailed answers to every question – ensure you always have the perfect answer!
- How to use the STAR method to come up with your own winning answers that match the experience, values, and skills the interview assessor is looking for.
- Created by interview panel experts and packed full of insider advice.
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is exclusively available as a limited-time bonus!
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE
BONUS #2
How to Get RAF Fit: Insider’s Guide
A concise online guide to show you how to get “RAF fit” and see results quickly to ensure you pass the RAF fitness test – even without having a gym membership!
- Crafted with the fitness benchmark levels required for the RAF in mind, this guide provides an insider insight to RAF fitness regimes you can follow.
- Your very own “RAF fit” workout regime created by former member of the Armed Forces.
- No-nonsense guide on how to perform at the fitness test.
- Full technique diagrams, workout timetables and regime templates you can implement right away!
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is available exclusively as a bonus with this resource.
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE
BONUS #3
PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online RAF Testing Platform!
As well as lifetime access to your online resources, this package also includes a 30-day free trial to our RAF online testing suite (usually £9.99 + vat per month).
- 100s of additional DAA questions on each element of the RAF DAA to help boost your scores!
- Practice all of the RAF test questions under timed conditions using our online testing suite.
- Instant online access. Compatible on mobiles, tablets and computers.
- 32 interactive tests, with complete score tracking and detailed answers.
Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the quick-win strategies to give you the advantage right away.
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE for 30-days*
*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.
Features
You don’t just get advice on what to do. We will show you exactly how to pass the RAF recruitment process.
Proven Guidance
Over 16 years’ of experience packed into on-demand insider recruitment guides that have helped 1000s.
Unique Training
Includes unique RAF recruitment training content built from the ground up and not found anywhere else.
Actionable Content
We don’t just share what you need to do, but also HOW you should do it with tips and strategies you can implement today!
Swipeable Templates
These templates are worth the value of the resource themselves – we give you the exact foundations you can use to build your application and master the assessment stages!
Your 260-Page Guide To Success.
Our bestselling resource in a compact, accessible, online format to hold your hand throughout the entire RAF selection process.
Created By Experts. Made For You.
With over 16 years’ of history behind us, we are the leaders in Royal Air Force recruitment advice. So whether you want to learn what must go on your application form, recognise what not to say at the interview, practice and pass the DAA, or watch coaching videos on the AFCO interview, you can access it all at your finger tips, today.
SILVER
Royal Air Force SILVER PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
YOU SAVE 14%
✓ SILVER Access to the UK’s No.1 How to Join the Royal Air Force Career Resource and Bonuses
✓ 260-page How to Join the Royal Air Force Online Resource (Lifetime access)
✓ 48-minute RAF Interview Training Video Coaching (Lifetime access)
139-page RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment online resource (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Get RAF Fit Insider's Online Guide (Lifetime access)
30-Day Free Trial to the Online Royal Air Force Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 Plus VAT per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
GOLD (MOST POPULAR)
Royal Air Force GOLD PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
BEST VALUE – YOU SAVE 33%
✓ GOLD Access to the UK’s No.1 How to Join the Royal Air Force Career Resource and Bonuses
✓ 260-page How to Join the Royal Air Force Online Resource (Lifetime access)
✓ 48-minute RAF Interview Training Video Coaching (Lifetime access)
✓ 139-page RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment online resource (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Get RAF Fit Insider's Online Guide (Lifetime access)
30-Day Free Trial to the Online Royal Air Force Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 Plus VAT per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the 'How to Join the Royal Air Force' guide help me ?
Simply put, this training works and is proven to help people like you. With lifetime access to our RAF resources, you will not only benefit from our 260-page ‘How to Join the Royal Air Force’ guide (which has sold 1,000s of copies) but you’ll also get access to a dynamic portal of content that we update frequently with all the very latest information, practice material, and strategies that are helping people across the UK join the RAF. With 1,000s of customers frequently thanking us for the career success we have helped them gain, and 16 years’ experience in providing recruitment and assessment centre training, you can rest assured knowing you are getting the best training material on the market.
Who is a good fit for the Royal Air Force careers guide?
This resource is designed to help anyone looking to become a part of the RAF and conquer the gruelling selection process.
It is ideal for those just staring out at the application stage, who want an “over-the-shoulder” guide to passing each stage of the process.
If you have already started the selection process, then you’ll be able to pick up this guide from the exact stage you are at and follow the step-by-step guidance to passing the DAA, AFCO interview, fitness tests and more with confidence.
Whatever stage of the process you are at, you can be confident you’ll have all the strategies and tools you need to succeed.
What training is included in the guide? Will it really show me how to pass?
Yes! With this the Royal Air Force careers resource you will be able to access training that has been helping candidates successfully join the RAF for over a decade.
At How2Become.com we like to do things a little differently. Instead of just giving you access to guides which explain how the selection process works, and what you need to do to pass, we teach you HOW to do it also. For example, we don’t just provide you with sample interview questions, we provide winning sample responses and step-by-step guidance on how to create your own successful answers. Whether you are thinking about applying, or you are half way through the RAF selection process, this guide will ‘hold your hand’ step-by-step. Here is a full list of everything you will get within this resource.
Is there a time limit on accessing the material?
You will get unlimited access to all of the content contained within this resource with no time restrictions! We understand that applying to join the RAF can be a long and stressful experience. That is why we want to take that worry away – you will get access whenever you need, whether it’s just for a week, or for a year, you will have full access to the ‘How to Join the Royal Air Force’ resource. You will also get access to all future updates we make to this guide, ensuring you are getting the latest guidance.
Are your resources specific for geographical regions?
When we launched How2Become.com we wanted to ensure our content would help as many people as possible no matter where they are, and we are achieving just that! We sell our resources to every country in the world, with 1,000s of customers in the USA, UK, India, Australia and more! All of our content is either written or spoken in English, with the content designed to be as universal as possible unless otherwise stated. Our ‘How to Join the RAF’ guide is designed specifically for the British Armed Forces selection process.
What's the difference between the Silver and Gold versions?
Whichever option you choose, you can be confident you are getting the latest and highest quality training to join the RAF. All packages contain our 260-page guide: How to Join the Royal Air Force, the RAF interview video walkthrough, and the bonuses listed on this page.
The Gold package contains all of the content in the silver package, plus our fantastic RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment online workbook. Crammed with questions on each of the following tests you will need to pass in order to join the RAF:
- Mechanical comprehension;
- Electrical comprehension;
- Numerical reasoning;
- Verbal reasoning;
- Work rate;
- Spatial reasoning.
How will I access the guide/training materials?
As soon as your order is complete you will be able to access all of the guides, training resources, and view the on-demand video via your How2Become account! You can use any smartphone, PC, Mac, or tablet with an internet connection to access your materials, so that you can learn any time you want to.
Is your training really driving success?
Yes, absolutely! We get 100s of testimonials and comments each month from those that have used our training thanking us for the help it has given them.
How often is this guide updated?
Having created recruitment guides for the last 16 years’, we know how often selection processes change. That is why we keep close ties to those ‘in the know’ and we regularly update our content. You will get the latest and best strategies to enable you to join the Royal Air Force.
WHY BUY WITH HOW2BECOME?
CREATED BY THE EXPERTS
PROVEN TRAINING
EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUSES
Firstly, these guides are created by us and our team of experts – we have all the answers to your questions and will help you succeed (like we’ve been doing for the last 16 years), we update our material frequently and you can contact us at any time with any questions you have.
Secondly, we provide exclusive bonuses with all our products that you won’t find anywhere else. These bonuses include free guides, powerful online testing suites and more!
Finally, our guides and training just work. Take a look at our TrustPilot page where you will see our rating of 4.9/5. There, our customers share their positive buying experiences and more importantly the time-saving success our resources have given them (hint: they are now serving within the Armed Forces).
Learn how to join the ROYAL AIR FORCE
We’ve helped 1,000s of aspiring applicants in their journey to becoming serving Airmen/Airwomen in the Royal Air Force. Trust the UK’s #1 careers and education specialists to help you secure your role.
Get instant access »“Great resource and excellent information for interview preparation.” Sreenivasa P.
RELATED PRODUCTS
RAF Interview Video Training
Want dedicated RAF Interview online video coaching? Use this video’s templates to craft your own successful answers for your AFCO Interview.
RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment DAA
Worried about the intense RAF DAA? This manual provides 100s of practice questions and fully worked solutions, all verified by our panel of assessment experts. Prepare to pass your DAA today!
Armed Forces Tests
This resource provides Armed Forces tests for the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Marines. Access further DAA questions to help you pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment to join the Royal Air Force.
