> Application Form
> Medical Assessment
> Security Clearance
> Aptitude Test
> Interview
> Selection Board
> Application dates and intakes

Application Form
The first step in the process is to complete the initial Application Form. Completing this form will not commit you to joining the Navy. It is just the start of the process. You will need to provide information about yourself, your secondary education, any tertiary education or work experience (if applicable). Please note that some trades can get competitive; therefore, any trade related experience or qualifications may be advantageous to your being selected. Once your application has been processed you will be contacted by a recruiter who can guide you through the recruitment process.

 Application Form

Medical Assessment
You must be medically fit to serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Therefore all new recruits are required to have a medical assessment which includes an eye examination and hearing test. Any pre-existing health concerns can be discussed with a recruiter prior to the medical assessment. You may be required to obtain additional documentation from your doctor or specialist as part of this process.

Police Records Check
The Navy needs people who are trustworthy and are of character suitable for military service. A police record check will be conducted to ensure you can gain and hold security clearance. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from joining, but you will need to be up front and honest about any past or pending convictions. Any concerns you may have you can discuss with a recruiter during the application process.

Aptitude Test
In order to join the Navy you will need to complete and pass a series of skill aptitude tests. This will help us identify if you have the basic skills needed for the job you have applied for.  To better prepare yourself for the actual test, complete the online practice aptitude test. There are six sections to the test, and each is timed individually.  Take the practice test now to see what it’s like.   Practice Aptitude Test

Interview
All new recruits are required to attend an interview.  This is essentially a job interview where a recruiter will ask you why you want to join the Navy; and seek information about any previous work experience and your educational qualifications. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the job. You should come prepared with copies of any support documents or certificates. The selection is very competitive so the more experience or qualifications you have, the better your chances of being successful.

Selection Board
If you are applying for an officer or diver job, you will need to attend a two day selection board where you’ll take part in a number of tasks and activities to allow board members to assess your leadership potential and management skills. This would include further aptitude tests, a fitness test, a presentation about you, participation in planning and leading activities. Finally you will have evaluation interviews with members of the board. On completion you will be advised if you have been successful or not. This is not required for sailor jobs.

Application dates and intakes
Applications can be submitted at any time during the year.  Each year there are usually three or four intakes for sailors and two intakes for officers.

• Those applying to become an officer or diver must first complete the officer or diver Selection Board prior to starting their respective Junior Officer Common Training or Basic Common Training courses.
• Those applying to become sailors, with the exception of divers, start with the Basic Common Training course.

If you are keen to join a particular intake it is advisable to have your application in at least eight weeks prior to Selection Board or Basic Common Training.  This is to ensure that there is time to complete all the necessary activities such as the medical assessment, gaining security clearance, aptitude testing and interviews.

It is important to note that not all trades are required in each intake. Talk to our recruiters to see which intake the trade you are interested in is being accepted. The table below shows the key upcoming dates; please note that these dates may change from time to time.

Please be aware that your attendance or completion of any of the above activities does not automatically guarantee you will be offered a job. You need to be selected first. On successful completion of the above activities, and being selected to join the Navy, your initial training would then commence and you would be inducted into service.

As mentioned, entry requirements vary across the jobs. View our Navy Jobs section to see what minimum qualifications you need to have to get accepted into your preferred job.   Entry Requirements Guide.

Apply Now!
Download the Application Form now and get into it!   Application Form

Don't forget that it's best to know whether you are eligible to join prior to starting the application process; there may be additional things you need to do to be in the best position to apply. 

If you have any queries about the process please contact us on 0800 NZ NAVY or contact a recruiter.