Independent Irish Defence Forces preparation

Defence Forces preparation: your next step

Know which route you are applying for, practise the skills it requires and keep the rest of your application moving. Start with an original aptitude diagnostic, then use the feedback to choose your next task. Sign-in is required to save your practice.

Free account required. No payment card. Original practice with worked feedback.

Officer training

Army cadetship

Prepare for the confirmed cadet selection stages, including aptitude, group assessment and interview.

Explore the cadet pathway →
General Service

Army recruit

Start with your application, fitness and interview. Practise aptitude if your own invitation requires it.

Explore the recruit pathway →

Choose your recruitment route first

An Army recruit application and an Army cadetship are different routes. General Service leads towards service as a soldier; a cadetship is officer training. Naval Service and Air Corps applicants also need their own route information. Your preparation should follow the competition you actually entered.

The 2026 cadetship competitions have closed. A 2027 opening date has not been confirmed in the sources checked. General Service opportunities are listed separately on the official recruitment page. Follow that page for applications rather than treating a preparation course as an application portal.

Practise the format, understand the method

The officially linked familiarisation tool introduces Error Detection, Orientation, Number Fluency, Word Rules and Deductive Reasoning. PSP uses original practice in those skill areas, with explanations designed to show how an answer is reached. These are independent educational exercises, not official questions.

An official invitation controls the sections, deadlines, permitted aids and timing for your assessment. In particular, current General Service pages differ on whether psychometric testing forms part of the process. Use aptitude preparation when your invitation requires it, rather than assuming every applicant sits the same battery.

Prepare for the whole application

Reasoning practice is one part of preparation. Organise your documents, build truthful interview examples and check the physical standards for your route. The Army cadetship booklet includes a suggested fitness programme and recommends help from a qualified instructor. PSP links you to that guidance and helps you plan what needs attention.

Our practice feedback does not predict selection, medical eligibility or an official pass mark. It helps you identify specific work: checking character positions, remembering rules, explaining your own decisions, or preparing the right document before an appointment.

Questions about this stage

Is this the official Defence Forces website?

No. PSP is an independent preparation service. Applications and recruitment decisions belong to the Defence Forces.

Where should I start?

Choose your route, read your official invitation and take the free diagnostic if aptitude preparation is relevant. Then review the explanation for each answer.

Sources and current instructions

These guides explain the preparation process. Check your current competition booklet and invitation before relying on a requirement or date.

Official decisions, eligibility, medical clearance and assessment results belong to the recruiting organisation. A PSP practice score is not an official pass mark or selection prediction.

Put the guide into practice

Choose one useful next step

Start your free diagnostic

Explore the preparation guides

Choose your route

Start with the competition you actually entered.

Aptitude preparation

Learn the method, then practise with feedback.

Applications and your next stage

Check the requirements and keep the practical details moving.

Interview and group assessment

Build clear, truthful evidence from your own experience.

Physical preparation

Use current official instructions and record your own practice.