Bendigo TAFE Blog

25/03/2025

How to prepare for a career in the Australian Defence Force: your step-by-step guide

Creative course students

Are you thinking about a career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)? Whether you’re interested in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, joining the ADF is a great opportunity to serve your country, build a rewarding career, and learn valuable skills.

But how do you prepare for the journey? In this guide, we’ll take you through the key steps to get ADF-ready—and show you how the Online Certificate II in General Education for Adults (ADF Preparation) 22473VIC can help you meet the entry requirements.

Step 1: Understand the ADF pathways

The ADF offers many different roles—combat, trades, logistics, healthcare, engineering, and more. You can join as:

  • General entry (no degree needed)
  • Officer entry (requires higher education qualifications)
  • Reserve Roles (part-time service)

No matter which path you choose, all applicants need to meet specific fitness, health, and education standards.

Step 2: Meet the basic entry requirements

To apply for a General Entry role, you need:

  • Australian citizenship (or permanent residency with the intention to become a citizen)
  • To be at least 16.5 years old
  • Year 10 passes in English and Maths (or equivalent skills)
  • Good physical fitness and medical fitness

If you didn’t finish Year 10 or need to strengthen your skills in reading, writing, or maths, don’t worry! That’s where the Certificate II in General Education for Adults (ADF Preparation) can help.

 

 

Step 3: Improve your literacy and numeracy skills

ADF recruiters look for candidates who can communicate clearly, follow instructions, and solve problems—skills you’ll need every day in Defence roles. The CGEA 22473VIC is designed for people who want to boost their reading, writing, and maths abilities before joining the ADF.

This course helps you:

  • Build confidence in reading comprehension and writing tasks
  • Improve maths skills for problem-solving and technical tasks
  • Develop communication skills for teamwork and leadership
  • Understand the expectations and values of the ADF

By completing this certificate, you can meet the education standards required by the ADF and feel more confident about the recruitment process.

Step 4: Focus on physical fitness

Fitness is a big part of ADF life. You’ll need to pass a Pre-Enlistment Fitness Assessment, which includes:

  • Push-ups
  • Sit-ups
  • A shuttle run (beep test)

Start training early. Many applicants work on their strength, endurance, and overall fitness with a personal trainer or Defence Force Recruiting’s fitness resources.

Step 5: Prepare for the YOU session

The Your Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) Session is your first step in the recruitment process. It includes:

  • An aptitude test (covering literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving)
  • An interview
  • A medical check

The CGEA 22473VIC course prepares you for this session by helping you brush up on the skills needed to pass the aptitude tests with confidence.

Step 6: Stay motivated and ask for support

Joining the ADF is a big commitment, but with the right preparation, you can succeed. If you’re not sure where to start, the Certificate II in General Education for Adults (ADF Preparation) is a great first step. It gives you the skills, confidence, and support to move forward in your ADF career.

Ready to get ADF-ready?
Learn more about how our 100% Online ADF Preparation course can help you take the first step towards a rewarding career in Defence.

 

 

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