Armed forces

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

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

For more information

• Army apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering and work experience

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.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• meet the British army nationality and residency rules
• pass a fitness test
• pass a medical check
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Further information

You'll find more details about careers in the army, training and how to join through Army Careers.

With training and experience, you could rise up through the ranks from lieutenant to captain, major, colonel and beyond.

On leaving active service, you could use your skills, qualifications and experience to go into a new career, for example in management, planning or teaching. The Officers' Association gives advice and support to officers on finding a career outside the army.

The Career Transition Partnership, Quest and Troops to Teachers also have more information on career options outside the armed forces.