On this page:
- What is the Royal Navy Recruitment Test?
- Inductive Reasoning
- Verbal Ability
- Numeracy
- Mechanical Comprehension
- The Royal Navy Recruitment Process
- About the Royal Navy
- FAQs
What is the Royal Navy Recruitment Test?
The Royal Navy Recruitment Test is the first part of the Navy's joining process. Your test performance impacts the types of jobs you'll be offered; the higher your scores, the better your chances of getting the posting you want or having a vary of options to choose from.
The test (NSRT) consists of four different sub-tests containing a total of 120 multiple choice questions:
- Inductive Reasoning – 30 questions, 9 minutes
- Verbal ability – 30 questions, 9 minutes
- Numeracy – 30 questions, 16 minutes
- Mechanical Comprehension – 30 questions, 10 minutes
Let’s Dive In – Sample Questions:
Inductive Reasoning
Can you recognize the patterns or relationships between words and shapes?
This section will test your ability to process information, whether it is words, phrases, or shapes, and indicate relevancy or irrelevancy to the group presented.
For example:
This type of question might startle if it’s new to you. Don’t worry; our full PrepPack contains many drills you can practice and slowly get better.
Verbal Ability
Do you remember this fun game we used to play as kids, in which you would get a few words and asked to choose the odd one out?
That was fun.
But what happens when the words are unknown or when you can’t connect all the dots under time pressure? A bit challenging, I would say.
This section of the Royal Navy test can be easy but it can also be tricky or frustrating, and one should get used to the right-thinking methods to overcome it.
Coming ready is the key to success here.
See an example below:
Please select a pair of words that have a similar relationship as brakes : car
Options -
- diet : fat
- dam : river
- spring : blossom
- traffic light : truck
The correct answer is 2.
Based on our experience, it takes around 20-40 seconds to read, understand, and then choose the correct answer to this kind of question. On the test, you’ll be asked to answer 30 Qs in only 9m. Without practice, it can be quite a challenge and can become an obstacle on your way to join the Royal Navy.
Numeracy
The Royal Navy psychometric test's numeracy section might include topics as averages, ratios, weighted averages, and more.
Sounds familiar, right?
Even if you remember those titles from school, you should practice them. Having a time limit, you will not have the moment while taking the test to stop and recall what your teacher used to say and “what was this equation again!?”.
For example:
1.75 / (1 - 7/12) = ?
- 35/48
- 3/4
- 21/5
- 19/9
- 1/3
The correct answer is 3. Why?
Quick reminder:
In this question:
(7/4)/(5/12) = (7*12)/(4*5) = ((7*10) + (7*2))/20 = (70 + 14)/20 = 84/20
Simplify by 4 = 21/5
This sub-test includes 30Qs with a time limit of 16m. You can find many more reminders and comprehensive explanations In the full preparation pack, to help you ace this section and achieve a high score.
Mechanical Comprehension
This section will test your understanding of mechanical principles. It's pass mark depends on the branch you are joining, and you can ask your AFCO (Armed Force Careers Office) about it.
You will get illustrations presenting varied mechanical systems, and will be asked about the expected outcome.
For example:
Which hoist will be lifted first? (If equal, choose C)
A
B
C
The right answer is C.
If you have no mechanical knowledge – don’t worry! You can find our comprehensive mechanical guide in the full PrepPeck, learn new skills and ace that sub-test.
The Royal Navy Recruitment Process
The joining process is a bit different for ratings, officers, and the marines commando. Here we elaborate on the rating joining process, and you can find more about this on the Royal Navy practice formal website. The process can seem a bit long, so let’s go deeper and understand what you should expect in every step.
- Confirm your eligibility according to the Royal Navy parameters: age, medical, nationality and residency, criminal convictions, tattoos, and piercings.
- Register your interest in the role that suits your skills and desires. You can search for your options on the job board of the formal Navy website.
- Take the Naval Service Recruiting Test (NSRT) - read more about the Navy psychometric test in the previous section.
- Get a virtual interview.
- Your AFCO will arrange medical and eye tests for you, performed by a Ministry of Defence-approved doctor.
- Take the fitness test, including running, pushups, and abs drills. Test requirements will change depending on the branch you have applied for and your attributes (age and gender). Some roles will also require further interviews at this point.
- Join the Pre-Royal Navy Course (PRNC) - a four-day comprehensive physical assessment course in which you will be tested for running and swimming and will get a taste of life in the Navy.
- Pass the security and reference check.
- Once you pass all previous steps, you are in! The process has ended, and you will get details about where and when you will start your Basic Training.
About the Royal Navy
The Royal Navy of the UK has a vary of roles and might offer you a career that is challenging with opportunities to progress. Experience-wise, you might cage dive with sharks, jet ski in the Caribbean, have a one-night stopover in Barbados, driving in sand dunes in Dubai, and have nights out in places you would never dream of going.
The adventures are endless.
Whether you are a professional cook or a mechanical engineer, you can find your spot in the Navy. All you have got to do is want it and commit to the process.
We mentioned the Royal Navy psychometric test, virtual interview, and multiple fitness tests - the joining process is not easy, but with some ambition and the right guidance, it is more than possible.
FAQs
AFCO stands for Armed Forces Careers Office. The office has branches located all over the country. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the office is operating virtually only. Still, if you have any questions regarding the joining process, you can reach out by phone call or via live chat through the Royal Navy website.
The pass mark for the Royal Navy test depends on the technical ability level required for the role you applied for. Although, a pass mark of 50% will be sufficient for most applications.
The way to prepare for the NSRT is to practice, practice, and then practice some more. While practising, pay attention to be quick and efficient – there is a strict time limit to the real test. You should also invest time and effort learning quick solving tricks and practising the mindset that will push you towards a competitive score.
As in any test, the answer depends on your knowledge and your experience taking similar tests. In general, it is safe to say that the Royal Navy recruiting test requires preparation. Even if you know the answers to all questions, the time limit and pressure can make it harder when not knowing what to expect.