On completion of Initial Technical Training, all eligible personnel will receive the nationally recognised qualification of Certificate III in Electronics and Communications.

All sailors may serve in fleet units and shore establishments on a rotational basis in different geographical locations.

Applicants may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align their civilian trade with the military category. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.

The RPL process will occur in two stages:

• The stage level will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase, to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) status can be awarded
• The second phase of assessment of RPL will be conducted during recruit training, and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. This will determine which pathway the trainee will undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy's requirements

RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview convened for the RPL applicant with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. Trade and other certificates, course result sheets and evidence of On Job Training (OJT) and life experience are presented at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and the subject matter expert will interview the applicant in order to determine whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.

RPL may be granted to technical trainees at all levels provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide, and minimise the amount of time a sailor spends under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any particular qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place. Applicants should be aware that even though they may possess trade qualifications other than those listed, the qualification may not satisfy Navy's requirements and prevent them achieving QES-T status.

ET sailors achieving QES-T status will be afforded the rank of Recruit on entry, with promotion to Provisional Able Seaman on successful completion of Recruit training, providing approval for the transfer to QES-T has been granted. List of Trades recognised by Navy for RPL is as follows:

Electronics Technician

Certificate of Trade Studies (Radio and Television Servicing) Certificate of due completion of Apprenticeship (Electronics)

Electrical Engineering-Computer Technology-Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering-Electronics-Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering (Computer Technology)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering (Electronics)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Technology (Computer Technology)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Technology (Electronics)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electronics-Certificate III (AQF)

Electronics Tradesperson (Electronics)

Electronics Tradesperson (Scanning and Detection Systems)

Electrotechnology Computer Systems-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Computer Systems-Certificate IV (AQF)

Electrotechnology Data Communications-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Scanning-Certificate III (AQF)

Radio Fitter Mechanic (Electronic Systems) (Electronic trades) (6004)

Electrical Engineering-Computer Technology-Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering-Electronics-Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering (Computer Technology)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering (Electronics)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Technology (Computer Technology)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Technology (Electronics)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electronics-Certificate III (AQF)

Electronics Tradesperson (Electronics)

Electronics Tradesperson (Scanning and Detection Systems) (7794)

Electrotechnology Computer Systems-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Computer Systems-Certificate IV (AQF)

Electrotechnology Data Communications-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Scanning-Certificate III (AQF)

Radio Fitter Mechanic (Electronic Systems) (6030)

Electronics (Communications)-Certificate III (AQF)

Electronics Tradesperson (Communications) (2895)

Electrotechnology Communications-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Communications-Certificate IV (AQF)

Radio Fitter Mechanic (Electronic Communications) (6030)

Radio Fitter Mechanic (Electronic Communications) (Electronic Trades) (6004)

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

You must hold a minimum of Certificate level III in Engineering - Electrical / Electronic Trade.

Note: Qualified and Reserve Electronics Technician applicants must have their qualifications endorsed by the Directorate of Navy Workforce Management. This assessment will ensure you possess appropriate qualifications and will identify any Navy specific competencies you are required to complete after the Recruit Course.

If found satisfactory through this assessment, your Case Manager will be advised that you satisfy the minimum entry standards and your application will be progressed. Your Case Manager will organise this process for you.

To be appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry into the ADF. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination. You will also be required to pass a physical fitness test before appointment.

You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your Navy Training and to proceed to the Safety of Life at Sea Training that is a requirement for Recruit School.

Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA):

You will be required to pass a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) before enlistment. The PFA requires you to complete a specified number of sit-ups and a timed cardio component. Fitness standards differ for selected age groups. Please refer to the Navy - Health and Fitness page for further details.

Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST):

The RANST is conducted to ensure the Navy's duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival at sea training. Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario.

Competency in the RANST is achieved through completion of each component:

• A safety jump off a 3m tower in overalls
• A 10m underwater swim in overalls
• A 50m swim using three safety strokes
• The ability to tread water or float for 15 mins in overalls

Note: You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.

All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved before the end of your initial military training.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of six years. On enlistment if you elect to serve an open ended enlistment, you will be able to serve until retirement age, subject to your continued suitability for service. If you elect to serve for a fixed period of service, subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Online Aptitude Testing (OAT) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete additional testing at a later date.

OAT is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about OAT can be found in the Guide to Online Aptitude Testing for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in an Online Aptitude Test and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Online Aptitude Testing Example Questions.

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Residence
• Employment
• Education
• Financial information
• Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 9 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria

All sailors who join the Navy will conduct their initial sailor training at the RAN Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor. Some of the key components of the NESC course are:

• Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test
• Military life: General service knowledge, including drill and ceremonial procedures
• Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing
• Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control,
• A one week sea familiarisation period

Recruits, who successfully complete all components of the course will participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.

On completion of NESC course, all sailors will proceed on to their respective employment training specific to their category. For further information, please see the RAN Recruit School joining instructions Navy recruit school website.

Duration: This period will be dependant on level of Recognition of Prior Learning.

Location: HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, Victoria.

The duration of the Electronics Technician Training course depends on the RPL status granted.

The full course comprises a mix of technical theory and practical instruction in workshops and laboratories and will provide training to equip the sailor with the underpinning knowledge via the award of the following competencies:

• Perform engineering measurements
• Perform computations
• Apply principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment
• Plan to undertake a routine task
• Plan a complete activity
• Apply quality systems
• Apply quality procedures
• Organise and communicate information
• Work with others in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment
• Interact with computing technology
• Assist in the provision of on the job training
• Perform manual soldering/desoldering - electrical/electronic components
• Interpret technical drawing
• Terminate and connect electrical wiring
• Install and test electrical wiring and circuits up to 1000 volts a.c. and 1500 volts d c
• Perform electrical/electronic measurement
• Perform precision electrical/electronic measurement
• Use hand tools
• Use power tools/hand held operations
• Fault find and repair/rectify basic electrical circuits
• Disconnect/reconnect fixed wired equipment up to 1000 volts a.c. / 1500 volts d.c
• Fault find, test and calibrate instrumentation systems and equipment
• Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components
• Maintain/service analog/digital electronic equipment
• Terminate signal and data cables
• Provide initial response to a critical incident
• Work in confined spaces
• Work aloft
• Maintain instrumentation system components
• Undertake manual handling
• Order materials
• Perform emergency first aid
• Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials
• Shut down and isolate machine/equipment
• Diagnose and maintain electronic controlling systems on mobile plant
• Use mathematical techniques and perform simple statistical computations

Further Navy specific training will be conducted to prepare Sailors for their first deployment to sea which will include, Damage Control and Fire Fighting (containing elements of electrical damage control) and Survival at Sea.