ADF General Entry vs ADF Officer Entry: which career suits you?
Both start with ADF Careers, aptitude testing (general and mathematical ability) and an assessment session with medical, psychology and Defence interviews. Officer entry adds an officer selection board and, for some routes, university study (for example through ADFA) or a degree you already hold. Enlisted (soldier, sailor, aviator) roles focus on a trade or specialisation and usually reach training faster. Permanent residents from New Zealand, the UK, the US and Canada who meet the residency and citizenship conditions can apply.
ADF General Entry vs ADF Officer Entry at a glance
| ADF General Entry | ADF Officer Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | ADF General Entry (Navy Sailor, Army Soldier, Air Force Aviator) | ADF Officer Entry (ADFA, RMC Duntroon, Navy and Air Force Officer) |
| Questions | Online General Ability style aptitude test (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning items); DFR does not publish the number of questions. Some roles add specialist tests | Online General Ability style aptitude tests (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning) plus officer-level testing; DFR does not publish the number of questions |
| Time | Timed; DFR does not publish the time limit. Work quickly and accurately, as every test has a restricted time | Timed; DFR does not publish the time limits. The Officer Selection Board itself lasts most of a day |
| Passing score | No single pass mark. Your scores decide which roles you are eligible for; each job has its own minimum standard | No single pass mark. Aptitude scores decide eligibility for each officer role; the Officer Selection Board rates you suitable, not yet ready (12 or 24 months) or not suitable, and suitable candidates compete in a merit pool |
| Format | No calculator or dictionary is allowed in any ADF psychological test, and you must not use any aid. Take the online JOA when well rested, in a quiet room with no distractions. The DFR guide says you are generally allowed three attempts at aptitude testing, at least 12 months apart | No calculator or dictionary is allowed in any ADF psychological test. At the OSB you are judged on communication (spoken and written), leadership, motivation and knowledge of your chosen role, training and the ADF |
| Cost | No fee. Applying, testing, medicals and fitness assessment are free | No fee. Testing, medicals, fitness assessment and the OSB are free; Defence pays travel to East Sale aviation selection |
| Languages | English | English |
| Where | Job Opportunity Assessment (JOA) taken online after you apply; YOU Session with a Careers Coach by phone or video; Assessment Session (Defence interview, psychological interview, medical) and the Pre-entry Fitness Assessment at a Defence Force Recruiting centre | Online aptitude testing after you apply, YOU Session with a Careers Coach, Assessment Session (Defence interview, psychological interview, medical) at an ADF Careers centre, then an Officer Selection Board (online for ADFA and RMC full-time applicants). Pilot and Navy Aviation Warfare Officer applicants first attend a selection program at East Sale, Victoria |
| Level | Defence | Defence |
What each exam covers
ADF General Entry
- The Job and Eligibility
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
- Fitness, Medical and Security Clearance
- Defence Interview, Psych Interview and ADF Values
- Application Strategy and Timeline
- Recruit Training and the First Year
ADF Officer Entry
- The Job and Entry Pathways
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
- Fitness, Medical and Security Clearance
- The Officer Selection Board
- Application Strategy and Timeline
- Officer Training and the First Year
Which should you take?
Both start with ADF Careers, aptitude testing (general and mathematical ability) and an assessment session with medical, psychology and Defence interviews. Officer entry adds an officer selection board and, for some routes, university study (for example through ADFA) or a degree you already hold. Enlisted (soldier, sailor, aviator) roles focus on a trade or specialisation and usually reach training faster. Permanent residents from New Zealand, the UK, the US and Canada who meet the residency and citizenship conditions can apply.
Try both, free
Each free practice test takes about 10 minutes and shows your score by topic. No signup.
FAQ
What is the difference between ADF General Entry and ADF Officer Entry?
Both start with ADF Careers, aptitude testing (general and mathematical ability) and an assessment session with medical, psychology and Defence interviews. Officer entry adds an officer selection board and, for some routes, university study (for example through ADFA) or a degree you already hold. Enlisted (soldier, sailor, aviator) roles focus on a trade or specialisation and usually reach training faster. Permanent residents from New Zealand, the UK, the US and Canada who meet the residency and citizenship conditions can apply.
Which is harder, ADF General Entry or ADF Officer Entry?
ADF General Entry: online general ability style aptitude test (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning items); dfr does not publish the number of questions. some roles add specialist tests in timed; dfr does not publish the time limit. work quickly and accurately, as every test has a restricted time. ADF Officer Entry: online general ability style aptitude tests (verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning) plus officer-level testing; dfr does not publish the number of questions in timed; dfr does not publish the time limits. the officer selection board itself lasts most of a day. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both ADF General Entry and ADF Officer Entry?
You can usually apply to more than one agency at the same time, and many candidates do. You can only work in one full-time role at once, though, and each agency runs its own tests, checks and merit list, so plan your preparation around the test you'll sit first.
How do I prepare for ADF General Entry and ADF Officer Entry?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. Premium is per exam (A$89 a month each), so most people start with the exam they'll sit first and add the second when they're ready.
More comparisons
Exam details are summarized from the recruiting agency's published information as of November 2026. Confirm with the recruiting agency before you book. AusGovCareer is an independent career-prep service, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.