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Careers / Services / Royal Marines
Joining process
Careers / Services / Royal Marines

Joining process

Joining the Royal Marines is a rigorous process because only the best have what it takes.

Want to know more about the Royal Marines?

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How to join

Each step takes you closer to your green beret.

The process can be demanding but the rewards are unparalleled. Here you can find out everything you need to know about applying, preparing for the tests, and what’s expected of you.

We want to ensure that you have all the information you need about life in the Royal Marines and encourage you to visit an Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) near you.

Rejoiners or transfers to the Royal Marines have a slightly different process and requirements. Find out more about rejoining the Royal Marines. 

Step 1

Register your interest

Once you've reviewed the Royal Marines Commando role information, all you need to do is fill in a simple form to register your interest. If you're ready to apply, please indicate this and we’ll send you an online application form. Alternatively, if you need more information, we'll be in touch to discuss your options.

Remember: Registering your interest or returning your application DOES NOT commit you to joining.

Start my application
Step 2

Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)

We'll then arrange for you to take the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA), which all potential recruits have to sit. It tests your general intellectual ability, and how well you do shows your capacity to cope with the technical and academic aspects of Royal Marines training.
Practice the DAA
Step 3

Interview

We’ll invite you to a formal interview to assess your suitability for a career in the Royal Marines. This is much like any other job interview, so you should prepare accordingly, including asking your careers adviser for help if you need it.
Prepare for interview
Step 4

Medical and eye tests

The medical and eye examinations are quite comprehensive, because life in the Royal Marines is very physically demanding.

Your tests must be completed by one of our Ministry of Defence-approved doctors, who are based all around the country. Capita Medical will arrange an appointment for you at a convenient time and location.

Step 5

Take the fitness test

Before you can join the Royal Marines, you'll have to pass the Pre-Joining Fitness Test Plus (PJFT+). This is a more challenging test than the one taken by candidates joining other branches of the Royal Navy, and will require you to be at the very peak of fitness and in prime physical condition.

You will have a total of three attempts at passing the Pre-Joining Fitness Test Plus.

Learn more about the fitness test
Step 6

Candidate Preparation Course

The Candidate Preparation Course (CPC) is a three-day course at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone. This is your introduction to life in the Royal Marines and indicates your potential to begin Royal Marines Initial Training.

Over the course of the three days you'll complete a number of physical tests in a range of challenging environments, and learn all about our ethos. Train efficiently and keep a positive state of mind, and you’ll stand a good chance of passing.

The course includes a beep test, press up, sit up and pull up assessments, and a swimming assessment. Confidence and determination assessments are also conducted over the endurance, high obstacle, and bottom field assault courses.

Once you’ve completed the CPC successfully, it's important to stay in peak physical condition, as Initial Training is also extremely demanding. To do so, you can follow the Royal Marines Fitness programme.

Candidate Preparation Course
Step 7

Recruit Orientation Phase

The Recruit Orientation Phase (ROP) is a four-week phase based out of Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone. This phase of your journey to join the Royal Marines culminates in a three-day field exercise, known as Exercise First Step, (or Ex First Step) and Royal Marines Fitness Assessment (RMFA).
Learn more about the recruit orientation phase
Step 8

Start training

Once you’ve passed all aspects of the recruiting process, including a security check, you’ll then be given a date to commence Initial Training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone. Your AFCO will buy your train ticket to help you get there, provide some joining instructions and tell you what kit you need.

If successful through the entire course, you’ll spend 32 weeks at CTCRM and learn the skills you need to become a world-class amphibious soldier. The course is made up of four sections: Individual Skills (weeks 1 to 10), Team and Section Skills (weeks 11 to 15), Troop and Urban Skills with Skills Consolidation and Test Exercise (weeks 16 to 23) and the Commando Phase (weeks 24 to 32).

Learn more about initial training
40 Commando Royal Marines compete iconic 30 miler. Hundreds of Royal Marines, and attached ranks, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, in Taunton, descended onto Dartmoor to complete the iconic “30 Miler” Commando test.

Your first year

Getting through basic training proves you’re ready for life in the Royal Marines. After that, you’re in charge of your career. And it’s the first 12 month that set the tone.
Learn more

Your role in the Royal Marines

Got a question?

Need help finding your ideal role?
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day

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Do you have what it takes to wear the coveted green beret?

Not ready to apply?

Register your interest today and we’ll be in touch to help you find your fit.