AOSB Preparation: Get Ready For The Army Officer Selection Board (2026)

Last updated: 1 September 2026 | Trusted by thousands worldwide.

The Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) is a multi-stage assessment that measures your cognitive ability, personality, and leadership potential for officer roles in the British Army.

The AOSB process consists of two key stages, the AOSB Briefing and the AOSB Main Board, both of which test reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making under time pressure. The Briefing Stage provides an initial measure of your aptitude, while the Main Board challenges you with complex, rapid-response exercises that mirror the demands of commissioned service.

Thorough preparation for the AOSB Briefing tests and Main Board, especially the psychometric tests, memory assessment, and personality profiling, pays off across both stages.

Our AOSB Preparation Pack offers realistic practice tests, timed exercises, and personality profiling drills to help, giving you the best chance to succeed at both the AOSB Briefing and Main Board, and progress to Sandhurst.

AOSB Tests (Briefing & Main Board)
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Realistic practice tests & study guides

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What's Included:

  • 31 AOSB Psychometric Practice Tests & Drills
  • 31 Full & Single-Trait Personality Test Practices
  • 2 Memory Practice Tests
  • 15 In-Depth Study Guides & Video Tutorials
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Inside Our AOSB Tests PrepPack

Our AOSB PrepPack covers the cognitive, memory, and personality sections of the Army Officer Selection Board:

  • Cognitive Practice: 20 Numerical Reasoning, 6 Verbal Reasoning, and 5 Abstract Reasoning practice tests and drills, replicating the timing, style, and difficulty of the Main Board.
  • Memory Practice: 2 Memory tests to train working memory, attention, and recall for the Memory & Attention Test (MAT).
  • Personality Practice: 1 full personality test and 30 single-trait exercises to help you understand your profile and how your traits influence leadership and decision-making.
  • 15 In-Depth Study Guides & Video Tutorials: 3 personality guides, 4 numerical guides, and 8 video tutorials with step-by-step strategies and expert tips for every section.

These are the sections candidates find most challenging across both Briefing and Main Board, which is exactly why they're the focus here.

Boost Your AOSB Test Scores

Expert-created psychometric practice tests, targeted drills, study guides, and video tutorials give you everything you need to prepare for the Army Officer Selection Board.

aosb preppack sample

What Is The Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB)?

The Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) is the British Army's officer selection process at AOSB Westbury, used to identify candidates with the potential to lead as commissioned officers. It's the Army's equivalent of the RAF's Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) and the Royal Navy's Admiralty Interview Board (AIB).

The army officer's board is based at Leighton House in Westbury, Wiltshire, commanded by a Colonel known as the President AOSB. Successful candidates progress to officer training at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

The AOSB combines multiple assessment methods in two stages, the AOSB Briefing and the AOSB Main Board. 

  • AOSB Briefing: Typically 2 days of introductory psychometric tests, group exercises, and physical assessments. Performance here doesn't automatically determine your overall result. Instead, it's primarily designed to familiarise you with the Main Board and provide feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement.
  • AOSB Main Board: A more intensive 3 - 4 day evaluation involving advanced cognitive testing, leadership exercises, personality profiling, and physical challenges. Progression depends on demonstrating your skills across all elements.

Across both stages, you'll face psychometric tests, personality profiling, cognitive challenges, group exercises, interviews, and physical tasks, all designed to build a rounded picture of how you think, lead, and perform under pressure.

aosb selection process sample

Our AOSB PrepPack focuses on the three sections that benefit most from structured practice.

Here's what each involves:

These three areas, Psychometric, Personality, and Memory, are where targeted, structured practice makes the biggest difference to how you perform on the day.

Ready To Start Your AOSB Preparation?

Now you know what the AOSB Psychometric, Personality, and Memory assessments involve. Our PrepPack helps you turn that understanding into practice, and practice into results.


Other AOSB Assessments

While our PrepPack covers the cognitive reasoning, memory, and personality sections, the AOSB also includes other critical components such as the planning exercise, command and individual tasks, fitness assessments, group exercises, and interviews.

Read more about these other aspects of the AOSB:

The AOSB Current Affairs Test takes place as part of the Main Board psychometric assessment and requires you to answer multiple-choice questions on recent national and international events, with a particular focus on issues relevant to the UK and the Armed Forces.

Success depends on both your awareness of current events and your ability to recall key details quickly under timed conditions.

  • To prepare effectively, dedicate time in the weeks before your assessment to reading quality news sources such as BBC News, The Times, and the UK Defence Journal, paying particular attention to defence, security, and global affairs.
  • Focus on events from the past six to twelve months, including UK government policy, international conflicts, and significant political developments.

Staying genuinely informed, rather than cramming headlines, will help you answer confidently and demonstrate the kind of world awareness expected of a future Army officer.


The AOSB General Knowledge Test, one of the Main Board's psychometric assessments, covers a broad range of academic and cultural topics, testing whether you have the foundational awareness expected of a future officer

What matters most is breadth: Drawing on what you already know quickly, rather than deep expertise in any one subject.

  • To prepare, read widely across history, science, geography, and current affairs. Quality newspapers, documentaries, and non-fiction books are all valuable sources.
  • Don't focus too narrowly - the test is designed to assess broad awareness rather than specialist knowledge in any one area.

Candidates who read regularly and engage with the world around them tend to perform well in this test without needing to cram specific facts.


The AOSB Military Knowledge Test, another Main Board psychometric assessment, looks at your understanding of the British Army, including its structure, values, key capabilities, and recent operations.

How much genuine research you've put in, and how committed you clearly are to the career you're applying for, both come through here.

  • Research your chosen regiment or corps thoroughly, including its history, current role, and recent deployments.
  • Familiarise yourself with the British Army's values and standards, its rank structure, key equipment, and current operations.

Assessors are looking for candidates who have made a genuine effort to understand Army life, not just those who have memorised facts. Demonstrating real interest and commitment will set you apart.


The AOSB Writing Test takes place on the first day of the Main Board and requires you to write a short essay on current affairs.

This test rewards clear communication as much as knowledge itself. What you know matters less if you can't express it well.

  • To prepare effectively, dedicate time in the weeks leading up to your assessment to stay informed about current events, particularly those relating to society or defence.
  • Make sure you read all instructions carefully, begin with a clear introduction outlining your thesis and relevant background, and structure the body of your essay so that each paragraph builds logically on the last.

Writing concisely and clearly, using simple sentences to convey your ideas, will help you demonstrate analytical thinking and strong communication skills.


The AOSB Lecturette takes place during the Main Board and requires you to deliver a short five-minute presentation to your fellow candidates and assessors on a topic of your choice.

How clearly, confidently, and engagingly you communicate here reflects skills fundamental to effective leadership in the British Army.

  • Choose a topic you're genuinely passionate about and can speak on with authority. Avoid overly technical subjects that may be difficult for a general audience to follow.
  • You will typically have around 15 minutes to prepare, so practise structuring your thoughts quickly and include a clear opening, a logical middle, and a memorable close.

Assessors are evaluating your presence, preparation, and ability to engage others under pressure. A confident, well-structured delivery on a topic you care about will leave a far stronger impression than a hesitant presentation on a topic chosen for effect.


The AOSB Planning Exercise (PlanEx) assesses your problem-solving and decision-making skills through scenario-based tasks.

This exercise combines individual written work with group discussion and requires candidates to analyse complex situations, consider multiple options, and produce a clear, actionable plan. Preparation should focus on breaking down problems into manageable components (aims, factors, options, and overall plan) and practising explaining your reasoning clearly.

Many PlanEx scenarios also require quick Speed, Distance, and Time (SDT) calculations, such as working out arrival times or resource allocation under pressure, so it's worth practising these separately from the main scenario planning.

Familiarity with scenario materials, such as maps or diagrams, and the ability to justify your plan to a group are key to performing well. Time management matters, too, as you must complete both the solo and group elements efficiently.

The AOSB Planning Exercise is widely considered one of the most challenging AOSB assessments, given the number of components involved.


The AOSB Command and Individual Tasks test leadership, teamwork, and adaptability through practical outdoor exercises. Tasks typically include obstacle courses and group problem-solving challenges, during which candidates take turns leading a group while demonstrating effective decision-making under pressure.

Preparing for these exercises involves developing strong communication skills, practising teamwork, and learning how to remain calm and focused in dynamic situations. Observing how others lead can also help you understand different approaches, while reflecting on your own leadership style will improve performance during the assessment.


The AOSB Fitness Tests gauge your physical readiness and include the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT), Medicine Ball Throw, and Mid-Thigh Pull.

Candidates are expected to meet minimum standards, but preparing to exceed these benchmarks will give you a significant advantage.

To succeed as an officer, you'll need to meet the following minimum levels:

  • Mid Thigh Pull: 76kg
  • Medicine Ball Throw: 3.1m
  • MSFT (beep test): Level 8.7

Effective preparation involves improving aerobic fitness for the MSFT, developing explosive strength for the Medicine Ball Throw and Mid-Thigh Pull, and maintaining overall endurance, strength, and flexibility. Tracking your progress against each AOSB fitness test standard, and practising under test conditions, will help ensure you are physically ready for the Main Board.


The AOSB Group Exercises and Interviews test your interpersonal skills, communication, and teamwork.

  • Group exercises are often leaderless and require you to contribute constructively while collaborating with others to solve problems.
  • One-on-one interviews look at your motivations, experiences, and understanding of the Army, as well as your ability to articulate ideas clearly.

To prepare, focus on practising active listening, expressing your thoughts confidently and concisely, and reflecting on your past experiences to provide clear examples of your skills, values, and leadership potential.


Together, these final stages round out the picture assessors have been building of you since Briefing, covering leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability in practical, real-world settings.


AOSB Pass Rate: How Competitive Is Army Officer Selection?

The Army Officer Selection Board is built to identify candidates with genuine potential to lead in the British Army, and the pass rates reflect that. This isn't a process to walk into unprepared.

The Army Officer Selection Board pass rate varies across its two stages. 

Based on Ministry of Defence data, the average AOSB Briefing pass rate (the proportion of candidates who progress to the Main Board) historically sits at between 37 - 56%. Briefing outcomes are categorised as follows:

  • Cat 1: Recommended to proceed directly to the Main Board
  • Cat 2: Recommended to proceed to the Main Board after further development
  • Cat 3: Deferred, recommended to reapply after a period of development
  • Cat 4: Not recommended to proceed

The AOSB Main Board pass rate sits at approximately 57%.

Overall, only around 32% of candidates who attend the AOSB Briefing ultimately pass the Main Board.

That gap between attending and passing is exactly why preparation matters, not just to get through, but to perform at the level needed for the career pathways you actually want.


How To Pass The AOSB Tests: Tips To Maximise Your Performance

Passing the AOSB requires more than just intelligence or fitness. It comes down to preparation, self-awareness, leadership potential, and the ability to perform consistently under pressure.

A few strategies make the biggest difference:

  • Understand the full assessment structure: Familiarise yourself with both the Briefing Stage and the Main Board, including the psychometric tests, memory  test, personality assessment, planning exercise, interviews, and command tasks. Knowing what to expect reduces uncertainty and boosts confidence.
  • Practise cognitive tests under strict time limits: The verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning tests are fast-paced, with limited time per question. Train using realistic, timed practice tests so the pace feels familiar rather than a shock.
  • Develop structured thinking for the planning exercise: Practise breaking down complex scenarios into aims, factors, options, and a clear plan. Strong organisation and logical reasoning are just as important as creativity.
  • Strengthen memory and attention skills: The MAT requires you to retain and apply increasingly complex instructions. Work on concentration, recall techniques, and maintaining accuracy as difficulty increases.
  • Prepare for leadership and teamwork assessments: Leadership qualities are evaluated throughout group exercises, interviews, and command tasks. Focus on clear communication, staying calm under pressure, listening actively, and contributing constructively within a team.
  • Stay physically prepared: Ensure you can comfortably meet (and ideally exceed) the required fitness standards, including the Multi-Stage Fitness Test, Medicine Ball Throw, and Mid-Thigh Pull.
  • Be consistent and self-aware in personality assessments: The personality test is designed to identify leadership potential, resilience, and behavioural consistency. Answer honestly, remain consistent, and understand the qualities expected of an Army officer.

Our AOSB Tests PrepPack gives you realistic practice for the psychometric tests, Memory & Attention Test, and personality assessment, with expert guidance built around what assessors actually look for.

Master Your AOSB Tests

Consistent, timed practice is what separates the candidates who stay composed on the day from those who freeze under pressure.


Tips

AOSB Tests FAQs

The AOSB selection process includes mental and physical assessments used to evaluate a variety of traits deemed necessary for officers.

These traits include your intelligence and fitness (stamina, agility, upper body strength, etc.), as well as your problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork skills. 

The selection process takes place at AOSB Westbury and is divided into two stages, the Briefing and the Main Board.

AOSB Briefing (2 days)

The Briefing is your initial assessment and introduction to the AOSB process. During this stage, you're placed in syndicates (teams) and put through several activities that build a picture of your potential.

Activities typically include:

  • AOSB welcome address and introduction: Overview of the selection process and expectations.
  • AOSB group discussion: Candidates discuss current affairs topics. You should be familiar with UK and global news, particularly defence-related matters.
  • AOSB psychometric tests: Verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning assessments.
  • AOSB planning exercise (PlanEx): A scenario-based problem-solving task requiring individual analysis followed by group discussions.
  • AOSB outdoor tasks (command and leaderless exercises): Practical exercises assessing leadership, teamwork, and initiative.
  • AOSB obstacle course and fitness assessments: Including the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (beep test), Medicine Ball Throw, and Mid-Thigh Pull.
  • AOSB initial interview: Discussion of your motivation, understanding of the officer role, and future plans.

At the end of the AOSB Briefing stage, your performance is reviewed and you are assigned a category:

  • Category 1: Ready to proceed to AOSB Main Board.
  • Category 2: Shows potential but requires development before attending Main Board (usually 3 - 24 months).
  • Category 3: Unlikely to pass Main Board at this stage, but may still attend if desired.
  • Category 4: Deemed unsuitable to proceed (appeal may be possible in some circumstances).

Here some top tips for passing the AOSB Briefing:

  • Have an icebreaker at the ready, e.g. be prepared to talk about your hobbies, interests (outside of the military), family, etc.
  • Keep up to date with current affairs using BBC news, newspaper websites, and magazines. For military affairs, use the UK Defence Journal.
  • Make sure the interviewer knows becoming an officer was your decision. If you say you were convinced to try by someone else, you may be disqualified.

Your Briefing result does not determine your final selection outcome, but it does determine whether you progress to the next stage.

AOSB Main Board (3 - 4 days)

Candidates who pass Briefing are invited to attend the Main Board. This is a residential assessment and significantly more demanding, both mentally and physically.

Activities may include:

  • Psychometric Re-Testing
  • Personality Assessment
  • Memory & Attention Test (MAT)
  • Current Affairs Essay
  • Planning Exercise
  • Lecturette (5-minute presentation with questions)
  • Outdoor Command Tasks
  • Individual Obstacle Course
  • Formal Interviews
  • Syndicate Activities and Team Engagement

You are assessed continuously throughout the AOSB Main Board, including informal settings such as group interaction.

Candidates are permitted two attempts at the Main Board, with a minimum of eight months between attempts.


Yes, Commonwealth citizens can apply to join the British Army as officers, but eligibility and application rules can change. Always check the official British Army recruitment website for the most up-to-date guidance.


The Board assesses:

  • Intellectual ability
  • Leadership potential
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Resilience under pressure
  • Motivation and understanding of the officer role
  • Physical fitness

They are not looking for perfection, but for clear potential to succeed at Sandhurst.


The AOSB process is divided into two stages:

  • Briefing: 2 days
  • Main Board: 3 - 4 days (depending on role and assessment stream)

Together, the full process typically spans 5 - 6 days across two separate visits.


Both stages of the AOSB, the AOSB Briefing and the AOSB Main Board, take place at AOSB Westbury, located at Leighton House in Westbury, Wiltshire. You may see this referred to as Westbury AOSB, or the Army Officer Selection Board Westbury, but it's the same site for both stages. Candidates are residential throughout, with accommodation provided on site.


Ensure you have the following when you head for your AOSB:

  • Digital watch with stopwatch function: Incredibly useful for planning exercises (PlanEx) and command tasks.
  • Notepad and pen: For the same reasons as the watch, and to write whatever you might need to remember. Bring a spare pen!
  • Washing (and shaving) kit: Men are expected to be cleanly shaven on all days.
  • Spare shirts: Additional plain white shirts will serve you well.
  • IDs: Bring your passport and driver's license if you have one.

It's a good idea to bring spares.


Bring both a plain civilian suit and tie and PT clothes, including trainers, so you can present yourself well and partake in the physical activities comfortably.


Yes, the AOSB is widely considered one of the most demanding officer selection processes in the world. The difficulty comes not just from individual assessments but from the sustained nature of the evaluation across multiple days. Candidates are assessed continuously, including in informal settings, on their cognitive ability, leadership potential, personality, physical fitness, and resilience. Preparation across all of these areas significantly improves your chances of success.


The AOSB psychometric tests are designed to be challenging. Candidates must complete verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning questions under strict time limits, often with less than 20 seconds per question. The difficulty comes not only from the questions themselves, but from the speed and accuracy required. Proper preparation and timed practice significantly improve performance.


Preparation should cover three main areas:

  • Cognitive testing (verbal, numerical, abstract reasoning, and memory)
  • Leadership and communication skills
  • Physical fitness

Practising realistic psychometric tests under timed conditions, staying up to date with current affairs, and exceeding the minimum fitness standards will significantly improve your chances of success.


The AOSB Briefing pass rate (the proportion of candidates who progress to the Main Board) historically sits at between 37 - 56%, depending on how progression is measured. The AOSB Main Board pass rate sits at approximately 57%. Overall, only around 32% of candidates who attend the AOSB Briefing ultimately pass the Main Board.


Following the AOSB Main Board, candidates receive one of the following outcomes:

  • Pass: Recommended to begin officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
  • Defer: Not recommended to proceed at this stage, but may reapply after a minimum of eight months
  • Fail: Not recommended to proceed; candidates are permitted a maximum of two Main Board attempts

If you do not pass the Main Board on your first attempt, your recruiter will provide feedback and discuss your options for reapplying.


You will only have one chance to complete the AOSB Briefing and two chances to complete the AOSB Main Board. 


Successful candidates receive a pass letter confirming their offer to begin officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where they will complete the Commissioning Course.


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Why Trust JobTestPrep?

Founded by David Meshulam in 1992, JobTestPrep has built over three decades of experience helping candidates navigate competitive recruitment processes, including thousands preparing for the British Armed Forces and assessments like the AOSB Tests. Our preparation materials are developed by experts and regularly updated to reflect the latest test formats, helping candidates approach every stage with greater confidence. With more than 220 preparation courses and over one million candidates supported worldwide, we offer professionally designed PrepPacks alongside advanced AI-driven tools, such as our  CV Analyser and Interview Prep platform. Together, these resources help candidates across the UK and globally strengthen their applications, improve their performance, and achieve outstanding results.

Kemi, Army Aptitude Tests Expert at JobTestPrep

Hi, I’m Kemi! I hold a B.Sc. in Psychology and an M.Sc. in Organisational Psychology, and I have extensive experience in education and test development. If you have a question about our AOSB Tests PrepPack, please contact me at:

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