How to become an army officer
You could get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
University
You can do a degree course before you apply for officer training although it's not essential.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could work towards this role by doing a relevant subject like Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Public Services. This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this career.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You can work towards this role by starting with an intermediate apprenticeship as a HM Forces Serviceperson.
You'll need to apply directly to the army to find the best apprenticeship route for you.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You can join the army reserve as a part-time officer to get some experience of what life is like in the regular army and to learn new skills at the same time.
You'll need to:
- be between 18 and 49
- commit to at least 19 or 27 days a year, depending on your unit
- attend a 2-week training camp each year
Direct Application
You can apply directly for officer training.
You'll need to:
- be between 17 years 9 months and 28 years and 11 months
- get a GP's medical report
You'll also usually need a minimum of:
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths, science or a foreign language
- 2 A levels or equivalent
You'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about what you want to do. You'll then attend an assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.
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Further information
You'll find more details about careers in the army, training and how to join through Army Careers.