Minimum Entry Requirements
The requirements for full-time trades in Army, Navy and Air Force follow.
Army Generic Requirements
To qualify you will need to meet the minimum basic requirements listed below, as well as specific requirements for your chosen trade. In order to be considered a more competitive applicant, we recommend exceeding these requirements where possible.
You must:
Be a minimum of 17 years of age*
Have completed at least three years of secondary school education
Be medically fit for service
Be of good character – assessed by a study of your testimonials and a police record check
Be a New Zealand citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in New Zealand for a minimum of five years
*Some trades differ in their age requirement. See the chart below for details.
Solider Trade - Minimum Entry Requirements | ||||
TRADE | NCEA LEVEL | CREDITS PER SUBJECT | SUBJECTS | OTHER REQUIREMENTS |
Ammunitions Technician | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science. | No decreased colour perception. |
Armourer | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and either Science, Physics, Chemistry, Graphics & Design, Engineering or Applied Mathematics. | |
Carpenter | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. |
|
Chef | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. |
|
Communications Systems Operator | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. Typing or computer skills beneficial. | No decreased colour perceptions. NZ Citizen. |
Crewman | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | Class 1 Restricted Drivers Licence. No decreased colour perception. |
Dental Assistant | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science (pref Biology). |
|
Dental Hygienist |
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| Diploma of Dental Hygiene (or equivalent). | Registered with the Dental Council of NZ. |
Dental Technician |
|
| Diploma of Dental Technology (or equivalent). | Registered with the Dental Council of NZ. |
Driver | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | Class 1 Restricted Drivers Licence. No traffic convictions. No decreased colour perception. |
Electrician | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | No decreased colour perception. |
Electrical Fitter | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science or Physics. | No decreased colour perception. |
Electrical Technician | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Physics. | No decreased colour perception. |
Electronic Warfare Specialist | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Min. age 19 years. Class 1 Restricted Drivers Licence. No decreased colour perception. NZ Citizen. |
Field Engineer | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. |
|
Fire Fighter | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Class 1 Restricted Drivers Licence. |
Gunner (Artillery) | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | No decreased colour perception. |
Information Systems Operator | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. Typing or Computer skills beneficial. | No decreased colour perception. NZ Citizen. |
Intelligence Operator | 2 | 10 | English and Mathematics. | Min. age 18 years. NZ Citizen. |
Maintenance Fitter | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and either Science, Physics, Chemistry, Graphics & Design, Engineering or Applied Mathematics. |
|
Medic | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science (pref Biology). |
|
Movement Operator | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and one other subject. | Class 1 Restricted Drivers Licence. No traffic convictions. No decreased colour perception. |
Musician | n/a | n/a |
| You must have previous musical experience. You will need to pass an interview and audition. |
Plant Operator | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Class 1 Restricted Drivers Licence. |
Plumber | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. |
|
Rifleman | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. |
|
Steward | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. |
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Supply Technician | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. |
|
Systems Engineer | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Physics. | No decreased colour perception. NZ Citizen. |
NZSAS | 2 | 10 | English and Mathematics. | By the time you attend the NZSAS Presentation you’ll need to be able to pass a G1 fitness test which is more challenging than our standard EFL.. |
Vehicle Mechanic | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and either Science, Physics, Chemistry, Graphics and Design, Engineering or Applied Mathematics. |
|
Army Officer roles - Minimum Entry Requirements | ||||
TRADE | NCEA LEVEL | CREDITS PER SUBJECT | SUBJECTS | OTHER REQUIREMENTS |
General List (G-List) Officer | 2 | (min 50 credits in Level 2) | At least 12 credits in Level 2 English. |
|
*The NZ Army also offers a range of Specialist roles.
Navy Generic Requirements
To qualify you will need to meet the minimum basic requirements listed below, as well as specific requirements for your chosen trade. In order to be considered a more competitive applicant, we recommend exceeding these requirements where possible.
You must:
Be a minimum of 17 years of age
Be medically fit for service
Be of good character – assessed by a study of your testimonials and a police record check
Be a New Zealand citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in New Zealand for a minimum of five years
Sailor Trade - Minimum Entry Requirements | ||||
TRADE | NCEA LEVEL | CREDITS PER SUBJECT | SUBJECTS | OTHER REQUIREMENTS |
Chef | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education |
Combat Systems Specialist | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education. No decreased colour perception. |
Communications Operator | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education. No decreased colour perception. |
Diver | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education. No decreased colour perception. |
Electronic Technician | 1 (min 80 credits) | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science or Physics. |
|
Electronic Warfare Specialist | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | Min. age 19 years. Min three years secondary school education. No decreased colour perception. |
Hydrographic Systems Operator | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education. No decreased colour perception. |
Marine Technician | 1 (min 80 credits) | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science or Physics. |
|
Medic | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science (preferably Biology). | Min three years secondary school education |
Musician | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education. Proficiency with instruments is the main criteria. Tertiary qualification is desirable. |
Operational Administrator | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education |
Seaman Combat Specialist | 1 | 8 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education. No decreased colour perception. |
Steward | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education |
Stores Accountant | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Min three years secondary school education |
Weapon Technician | 1 (min 80 credits) | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science or Physics. |
|
Navy Officer Roles - Minimum Entry Requirements | ||||
TRADE | NCEA LEVEL | CREDITS PER SUBJECT | SUBJECTS | OTHER REQUIREMENTS |
Airborne Tactical Officer | 2 | (min 60 credits at Level 2 over 5 subjects). | Five subjects, including English (min 12 credits at level 1 or above in reading or writing) and Mathematics (min 12 credits at level 1 or above). | No decreased colour perception. |
Helicopter Pilot | 2 | (min 60 credits at Level 2 over 5 subjects). | Five subjects, including English (min 12 credits at level 1 or above in reading or writing) and Mathematics (min 12 credits at level 1 or above). | No decreased colour perception. |
Marine Engineering Officer
* A BE, a B.Tech or a Dip Eng is offered. | 3 | (min 80 credits at Level 3 over 5 subjects). | Five subjects, including English (min 14 credits at level 1 or above in reading or writing) and Mathematics (min 14 credits at level 1 or above).
*For those wishing to gain a BE, a min. of 18 credits in Calculus and a min. of 18 credits in Physics is required. |
|
Seaman Officer (non-University scheme) | 2 | (min 60 credits at Level 2 over 5 subjects). | Five subjects, including English (min 12 credits at level 1 or above in reading or writing) and Mathematics (min 12 credits at level 1 or above). | No decreased colour perception. |
Seaman Officer (University scheme)
*A BA, BSc or BBIM is offered, for GLX-H a BA or BSc is offered. | 3 | (min 80 credits at Level 3 over 5 subjects). | Five subjects, including English (min 14 credits at level 1 or above in reading or writing) and Mathematics (min 14 credits at level 1 or above). | No decreased colour perception. |
Supply Officer (non-University scheme) | 2 | (min 60 credits at Level 2 over 5 subjects). | Five subjects, including English (min 12 credits at level 1 or above in reading or writing) and Mathematics (min 12 credits at level 1 or above). |
|
Supply Officer (University scheme)
* A BBS, BCom or BBIM are offered. | 3 | (min 80 credits at Level 3 over 5 subjects). | Five subjects, including English (min 14 credits at level 1 or above in reading or writing) and Mathematics (min 14 credits at level 1 or above). |
|
Weapon Engineering Officer
* A BE, a B.Tech or a Dip Eng is offered. | 3 | (min 80 credits at Level 3 over 5 subjects). | Five subjects, including English (min 14 credits at level 1 or above in reading or writing) and Mathematics (min 14 credits at level 1 or above).
*For those wishing to gain a BE, a min. of 18 credits in Calculus and a min. of 18 credits in Physics is required. |
|
*The Royal New Zealand Navy also offers a range of Specialist role
Air Force Generic Requirements
To qualify you will need to meet the minimum basic requirements listed below, as well as specific requirements for your chosen trade. In order to be considered a more competitive applicant, we recommend exceeding these requirements where possible.
You must:
Be a minimum of 17 years of age
Be medically fit for service
Be of good character – assessed by a study of your testimonials and a police record check
Be a New Zealand citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in New Zealand for a minimum of five years
Air Man Trade - Minimum Entry Requirements
| ||||
TRADE | NCEA LEVEL | CREDITS PER SUBJECT | SUBJECTS | OTHER REQUIREMENTS |
Aeronautical Metal Worker | 1 (Level 2 preferred) | 12 | English, Mathematics and a Science or Design Technology subject. |
|
Aircraft Technician | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and a Science subject. |
|
Air Warfare Specialist | 2 | 12 | English, Maths and a Science subject. | Eyesight restrictions may apply. |
Aviation Refueller | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Class 1 Full Drivers Licence. (Consideration will be given to those with a Restricted Licence). |
Armament Technician | 2 | 12 | English, Maths and a Science subject. |
|
Avionics Technician | 2 | 12 | English, Maths and a Science subject. |
|
Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Technician | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science (or Science-related subjects). A Level 5 Diploma in Electronics, Computer Technology or Telecommunications would be an advantage. | Class 1 Full Drivers Licence. |
Composites Technician | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and a Science or Design Technology subject. |
|
Fire Fighter | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Class 1 or 2 Full Manual Drivers Licence. (Class 2 is preferred) |
Flight Steward | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. |
|
Force Protection Specialist | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | Class 1 Restricted Drivers Licence. |
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and a Science or Design Technology subject. |
|
Intelligence Specialist | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and a Science subject. | NZ Citizen. A 10year background history that can be checked by the NZ authorities to obtain high level security clearances. No decreased colour perception. |
Logistics Specialist | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. Computer experience is preferred. | Class 1 Restricted Manual Drivers Licence. (Full Class 1 Manual Drivers Licence preferred). |
Machinist | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science or Design Technology. (Level 2 Mathematics, English and Physics preferred.) |
|
Medic | 2 | 12 | English, Mathematics and a Science subject. |
|
Parachute Jump Instructor | 1 | 12 | English and Mathematics. | An NZPF Jump Master ‘B’ Licence or International Equivalent. NZ Citizen. |
Safety and Surface Technician | 1 | 12 | English, Mathematics and Science or Design Technology. (Level 2 Mathematics, English, Physics preferred). |
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Air Force Officer roles - Minimum Entry Requirements
| ||||
TRADE | NCEA LEVEL | CREDITS PER SUBJECT | SUBJECTS/QUALIFICATIONS | OTHER REQUIREMENTS |
Air Warfare Officer | 2 | 18 | English, Mathematics and a Science subject (pref Physics). | Eyesight restrictions apply |
CIS Officer |
|
| Level 6 Diploma in Electronics and Computer Technology or Telecommunications. To be more competitive a Bachelor of Info Science or BBS/BBC majoring in Computer Science, Info Systems, Info Technology, Computer System Engineering, Internet Systems or Software Engineering. |
|
Engineering Officer |
|
| Level 6 diploma in Engineering (Mechanical, Maintenance, Production, Electrical or Aeronautical), or a Degree in Engineering, Science or Technology with Majors in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical or Aeronautical Engineering. |
|
Intelligence Officer |
|
| A degree with preference of Politics, International Relations, Defence and Strategic Studies, Information Systems/Technology or Remote Sensing. | Min. age of 19 years. NZ Citizen. |
Pilot | 2 | 18 | English, Mathematics and a Science subject (pref Physics). |
|
Supply Officer |
|
| Level 5 Diploma in Commerce, Business, Logistics or Supply Chain Management. To be more competitive a Bachelor Degree in the above. |
|
*The Royal New Zealand Air Force also offers a range of Specialist roles.
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