How to join the RAF: the application process step by step

Joining the Royal Air Force is a structured journey with several stages, and knowing what each one involves makes the whole thing far less daunting. This guide walks through the RAF application process from registering your interest to starting basic training, including the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA). The exact steps and order can vary slightly by role, and the RAF updates its process regularly, so always confirm the current details on the official recruitment site at recruitment.raf.mod.uk before you apply.

Step 1: Register your interest and apply

The process starts online. You create an account on the RAF recruitment website, tell them the role you are interested in, and begin your application. It is worth spending time on the RAF's role finder first, because different jobs have different entry requirements, and some are more competitive than others. Once you apply, a recruiter or careers office will typically make contact to guide you through the next stages.

Step 2: Check you are eligible

Before you get too far, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. In general terms, these cover:

• Age — you generally need to be at least 16 to join, and there is an upper age limit that varies by role. You can often begin applying a little before your 16th birthday.
• Nationality and residency — requirements depend on the role and are tied to security vetting. The nationalities and background of close family can also be taken into account, so read the role-specific criteria carefully.
• Health and fitness — you must be medically fit for service, and certain conditions can affect eligibility. Body weight relative to height (BMI) is assessed as part of the medical, within a healthy range for the demands of training.
• Qualifications — some roles ask for specific GCSEs or higher qualifications, while others have no formal academic entry requirement.

Because these vary so much by role and are subject to change, treat the above as a general guide and confirm the specifics for your chosen job on the official website.

Step 3: Sit the Defence Aptitude Assessment

The DAA is a key part of RAF selection. It is a timed, multiple-choice aptitude test with six sections — verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, work rate, spatial reasoning, mechanical comprehension and electrical comprehension — and you sit it without a calculator. There is no single pass mark; your scores help determine which roles you qualify for. For a full breakdown, read our Defence Aptitude Assessment explained guide, and prepare properly with a set of practice tests.

Step 4: Interview and selection

If your application and aptitude results are suitable, you will be invited to an interview. This is your chance to show your motivation, your understanding of the role and RAF life, and your commitment to service. Recruiters want to see that you have done your research and thought seriously about why you want to join and what the job involves day to day. Preparing genuine, specific answers about your chosen role goes a long way here.

Step 5: Fitness test

You will need to pass a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), typically held at a local gym. The main element is a timed 2.4km run on a treadmill, with the standard you need to reach depending on your age and gender. Some roles have tougher physical standards, so check what applies to yours and start training well in advance rather than leaving it to the last minute.

Step 6: Medical assessment

A medical confirms you are physically and psychologically fit for service. It looks at your medical history, general health, eyesight, hearing and more. Some conditions can bar entry or require further review, so it helps to be honest and thorough — trying to hide something usually causes bigger problems later.

Step 7: References and pre-employment checks

The RAF carries out background and security checks and will usually ask for references. Because much of the role depends on security clearance, this stage can take time, especially for roles requiring higher levels of vetting. Being organised and responsive helps keep things moving.

Step 8: Offer and basic training

Once you have cleared each stage, you will normally attend a provisional offer of service interview to confirm you understand the terms of service and are ready to commit. Your RAF career then begins with Basic Recruit Training, traditionally held at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This course helps you adjust to military life, building your fitness, discipline and core military skills before you move on to trade-specific training.

How long does it all take?

There is no fixed timeline. Depending on the role, demand and how quickly you complete each stage, the journey from applying to starting training can take several months or longer. The best thing you can do is prepare early — get fit, research your role, and practise for the DAA so that stage is a strength rather than a stumbling block.

If you are also weighing up the sea service, compare your options with our guide on how to join the Royal Navy, which uses the same aptitude test but has its own fitness and swim requirements.