Application Process

Assessments are a standardised and scientific method used to objectively measure an individual’s personality traits, intelligence, abilities, behavioural style and aptitude.

Aptitude Assessments are a common part of the selection process and enable the Defence Forces to assess an individual’s suitability for the job based on the required personality characteristics or cognitive abilities.

The Defence Forces utilise on-line Aptitude Assessments as part of the induction process. These assessments are shown to be accurate predictors of on-the-job performance for our people.

The initial online Aptitude Assessments will be completed unsupervised. Candidates that are called forward to the next stage of the competition may be re-tested under supervised conditions. Any significant discrepancies between the initial unsupervised test and the supervised re-test, may result in applicants being eliminated from the selection process.

• You are advised to complete the Aptitude Assessments on a PC or a laptop.
• Phones are currently not suitable for taking the assessments.
• Allow approximately 30 minutes to complete the assessments.
• It is highly recommended that the assessments are done in a quiet environment where you will not be disturbed.

30 minutes approx. You must work quickly and accurately through the questions to answer as many as possible.

If the Online Aptitude Assessment stage of the induction process is likely to pose a particular difficulty for you due to learning difficulties, please contact recruitment@defenceforces.ie and outline your specific requirements.

This test is designed to test the candidate's current level of physical fitness, the candidate displays to the Board their capacity to undergo the rigours of military training.

It is composed of two aspects:

• Local Muscular Endurance
• Aerobic Endurance.

Local Muscular Endurance

• Males - 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups.
• Females - 20 push-ups (Modified) and 20 sit-ups.

Max time allowed 1 minute. This is a Pass or Fail test.

Aerobic Endurance

Candidates will be required to run 2.4 kilometres within the Defence Forces time limits in the table below. These are the max times allowed.

A ‘Green’ colour reflects passing the Defence Forces Induction Fitness Test and results in the applicant proceeding to the next stage of the induction process). Upon successful completion of all other elements of the induction process they will be offered a position with the next intake of Recruits/Cadets as appropriate.

An ‘Amber’ colour reflects a reduced aerobic capacity. If the candidate is successful at all other stages of the induction process they may be offered a position with the next intake of Recruits/Cadets (as isapplicable). This offer is dependent on HR demands within the Defence Forces at the time of induction.

Please note that HR demands and requirements will fluctuate and may be different for Cadet and General Service (Recruit) induction.

2. Fitness test