What qualifications do I need to join?
You don’t need formal qualifications to join the Army. For many roles, what matters most is your potential, not your grades. We’ll give you the training you need—and help you earn qualifications along the way.
If you’ve done well in school, there’s a place for you too. Whether you’re aiming to become a professionally qualified specialist, an officer, or a soldier with strong GCSEs or Scottish equivalents, there are plenty of roles where your skills will shine.
Quick facts:
No qualifications? You can still apply for many Army roles.
Earn while you learn– gain recognised qualifications as part of your training.
Professional roles like medical, engineering, and IT may need specific qualifications.
Officer route? You don’t need a degree to apply.
Strong GCSEs or Scottish equivalents? There are lots of roles where your academic strengths are a real asset.
I left comprehensive school with no qualifications what so ever, it hasn’t stopped me achieving what I have achieved.
James A, Reconnaissance Platoon Soldier
To join as a soldier, you do not need any qualifications.
There are some roles, which may be more technical, where some qualifications are needed. These details can be found in the role descriptions in the role finder.
If you've taken GCSEs: 35 ALIS points from a maximum of 7 subjects, including at least grade C/4 in English Language, Maths and either Science or a foreign language
If you've taken SNQs: 34 ALIS points from a maximum of 7 subjects, including at least grade C/2 in English Language, Maths and either Science or a foreign language
PLUS 72 UCAS Tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects (4 for Scottish Highers and excluding General Studies) with a minimum of 2 at National Level 3 (excluding AS Levels) or National or International equivalent.
Applicants who have not followed a mainstream academic route, but believe that their academic qualifications merit consideration, should contact us on 0345 600 8080.
Do I need a degree to join as an Officer?
No, unless you want to serve as a Professionally Qualified Officer. When we recruit officers, we look for qualities rather than qualifications. You can start training to become an officer when you leave school at 18. You will have the chance to earn a degree while you're serving - with the added benefit of earning a great salary at the same time.
How to work out ALIS score
Add up the value of your top 7 results from the following:
8 points for: GCSE A*/9, BTEC (level 2) Distinction*
7.5 points for: GCSE Low A* - High A/8
7 points for: GCSE A/7, NAT (level 5) A, BTEC (level 2) Distinction
6 points for: GCSE B/6, NAT (level 5) B, BTEC (level 2) Merit
5 points for: GCSE C/4&5, NAT (level 5) C, BTEC (level 2) Pass
4 points for: GCSE D/3, NAT (level 5) D, NAT (level 4)
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Ways to join
See where your Quals could take you
Answer a few simple questions to find the right career options for you.
No matching roles found
From the answers you've given us, it looks like there might not be any routes in for you to join the Army.
You can check this, visit our eligibility info page.
CAN I JOIN?People often ask...
Can I become an officer if I join as a soldier?
Yes. If you’re already serving and want to apply to become an officer, you’ll need GCSE passes (or equivalent) in five subjects, including English Language and Maths at Grade C/4 or above. If you don’t meet this requirement, you’ll be assessed at the Army School of Education, Worthy Down, before being recommended for officer selection.
Can I earn qualifications once I’m in the Army?
Absolutely. You’ll gain recognised qualifications as part of your training, and many roles offer the chance to complete an apprenticeship. These are real-world qualifications that set you up for success—whether you stay in the Army or take your skills elsewhere.
What counts as a qualification?
The Army accepts a wide range of qualifications, including GCSEs, Scottish Nationals, BTECs, and Functional Skills. Some roles may ask for specific subjects or grades—especially technical or specialist roles. You can check the requirements for each role using the Role Finder.
If you’ve followed a non-mainstream academic route or have international qualifications, you can still apply. Just contact the Army team to discuss your eligibility: 0345 600 8080
What if my exam results aren’t clear because of COVID?
If your results were affected by COVID disruption, we’ll accept the grades you were predicted or awarded by your school or college. And remember—whatever your grades, there are lots of roles in the Army. We’ll almost certainly have something that’s right for you.
Can I study for a degree while serving?
Yes. Officers can study for a fully funded degree while serving, through the Army Higher Education Pathway (AHEP). This includes a BSc or MSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies, developed with Henley Business School.
Soldiers also have opportunities to study for degrees later in their careers, especially through degree-level apprenticeships in areas like leadership and management.