Briefing
Your first visit to Westbury will be AOSB Briefing. Here, you’ll be taught how to prepare for your next visit, the Main Board, and assessed during physical and practical exercises.
The AOSB Briefing is your stage for the day: so be sure to arrive well rested and well prepared. However, don’t be worried by the tests; they’re designed to help us understand your development needs before you attend the Main Board.
Main Board
The next step will be your invitation to attend the Main Board, which is a residential assessment. You’ll need to arrive physically and mentally fit as the tests will be demanding. For this reason, you may be advised to wait between Briefing and Main Board so you come prepared to perform at your best.
If your performance at Briefing indicates you’re ready for the Main Board you could be allocated a place – but the important thing is to make sure you’re ready.
Preparing for main board
You will have been taught aspects and techniques required to complete the selection board at Briefing.
There is no requirement to conduct any training prior to attendance, other than to ensure that you have conducted physical training with a view to meeting the fitness standards required.
Day 1:
- Introductory talk - tips on how to make the most of your trip
- Psychometric tests - a measure of your cognitive and personality profile
- Written test – write a short essay on current affairs.
- Tutorial - a revision period in preparation for the planning exercise
Day 2:
- Planning exercise - a test of conceptual problem solving delivered through a written solution and a group discussion
- Outdoor tasks- these are group exercises in practical problem solving that you saw at Briefing
- Lecture - Give a 5 minute talk and take questions from the group
- Interview - you'll be asked about your experiences and interests, and why you are applying to be an Army officer
day 3:
- Multi Stage Fitness test - the test will stop at level 8.7 regardless of age or gender
- Command task - Outdoor activities where you'll take turns to lead the group
- Individual Task course - Take on as many tasks as you can within a time limit
What happens next?
The Board Officers meet to assess each candidate. You'll find out whether you've passed once you've left.
preparation for assessment
There is no requirement to conduct any training prior to attendance, other than to ensure that you have conducted physical training with a view to meeting the fitness standards required. PQO’s do not attend AOSB briefing.DAY 1:
- Introductory talk - tips on how to make the most of your trip
- Psychometric tests - a measure of your cognitive and personality profile
- Written test – write a short essay on current affairs.
- Tutorial - a period in preparation for the planning exercise and outdoor tasks
DAY 2:
- Planning exercise - a test of conceptual problem solving delivered through a written solution and a group discussion
- Outdoor tasks- these are group exercises in practical problem solving
- Lecture - Give a 5 minute talk and take answers from the group
- Interview - you'll be asked about your experiences and interests, and why you are applying to be an Army officer
DAY 1:
- Introductory talk - tips on how to make the most of your trip
- Psychometric tests - a measure of your cognitive and personality profile
- Written tests - a short essay on a topical subject
- Tutorial - a period in preparation for the outdoor tasks and planning exercise
- Outdoor tasks- these are group exercises in practical problem solving
- Interview - you'll be asked about you, your interests and your suitability for the Army as a Scholar
DAY 2:
- Multistage Fitness test - the test will stop at level 8.7 regardless of age or gender
- Planning exercise - a test of conceptual problem solving delivered through a written solution and a group discussion
- Command tasks - Outdoor activities where you'll take turns to lead the group
- Individual tasks course - Take on as many tasks as you can within a time limit
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Research and understand which part of the Army you want to serve in
- Be aware of current affairs, especially any about society or defence
- Be yourself, and enjoy the experience
NEXT STEPS

GETTING ARMY FIT
Your fitness will be tested while you're at Westbury. You'll need to complete a beep test, a mid thigh pull and a seated ball throw. You can find details of these on the fitness test page.

ABOUT OFFICER TRAINING
The commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst lasts for 44 weeks.