SL Navy Cadet Selection exam-day guide
SL Navy Cadet Selection · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo identification
Bring the original, current ID specified in your call-up or joining instructions (commonly a national identity card or passport). A photocopy is not normally accepted. Confirm the exact accepted documents with the provider before the day.
Call-up letter or admission slip
Print or download the letter showing your candidate number, test centre, and reporting time. Keep it with your ID so it can be produced together at the gate.
Confirmation of reporting time and venue
Re-check the venue and arrival time 24 hours before. If your instructions do not state a time, contact the recruiting office or provider; do not assume a morning start.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (two or more)
Most paper-based aptitude and written tests require ink. Bring spare pens of the same type; some centres restrict correction fluid and pencils. Confirm permitted stationery with the provider.
Pencils, eraser, and sharpener if instructed
Multiple-choice answer sheets often require pencil. Only bring these if your instructions list them; otherwise keep them in your bag.
Water in a clear bottle
Hydration helps concentration during long aptitude batteries. Clear bottles are usually allowed at the desk; confirm whether drinks are permitted in the test room.
Simple analogue watch
Some test rooms have no visible clock and phones are not allowed at the desk. A basic non-smart watch helps you pace sections. Confirm that watches are permitted; smart watches are almost always banned.
Any medical or access documentation
If you have a documented condition, allergy, or access requirement, bring the paperwork and notify staff at registration. Reasonable adjustments are usually arranged in advance, so confirm the process with the provider.
Travel plan and emergency contact
Know your route, allow a buffer for delays, and carry a phone number for the recruiting office or test centre in case of transport problems. Arriving late can mean being refused entry.
Neat, comfortable clothing
Wear clean, presentable clothing suitable for a military selection environment. Avoid logos or slogans. Confirm whether the dress code is formal, smart casual, or physical training kit.
Leave prohibited items at home or in your bag
Phones, smart watches, earphones, notes, and study materials are normally collected or banned from the test room. Do not rely on being able to store valuables at the centre.
Review the test format one last time
Know the sections, time limits, and whether there is a penalty for wrong answers. If any of this is unclear, confirm with the provider; guessing rules can change your strategy.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: re-read the call-up letter, verify the venue and reporting time, plan the journey, and check whether the test is paper-based or computer-based. Contact the provider if anything is ambiguous.
Check your ID is valid and matches the name on your registration. If it has expired or the names differ, contact the provider immediately; this is a common reason for refusal at the gate.
Do light, targeted practice only: one timed set of numerical reasoning, one verbal set, and a review of mechanical or spatial question types if your battery includes them. Stop heavy study; avoid learning new material.
Protect your sleep. Shift bedtime earlier over these three nights so you are alert for an early start. Avoid alcohol and late screens.
Pack your bag with ID, call-up letter, pens, water, watch, and any medical paperwork. Lay out clothing. Charge your phone but plan to switch it off at the centre.
Do a dry run of the route or check transport timetables, including the first service of the day. Set two alarms. Eat familiar food and avoid heavy meals late at night.
Spend at most 30–45 minutes reviewing question strategy: how to skip and return, how to budget time per section, and how to handle answer sheets. Then stop and rest.
Eat a normal breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the centre with a buffer; aim to be at the gate well before the stated reporting time, since registration and ID checks take time.
At registration, present your ID and call-up letter, follow staff instructions, and ask where to leave prohibited items. Tell staff discreetly if you need access arrangements or feel unwell.
Read the instructions for each section before the clock starts. Note the number of questions and time allowed, then set a pace. Answer easy questions first and flag difficult ones to return to.
If there is no penalty for wrong answers, never leave a blank; make a reasoned guess. If there is a penalty, confirm the rule and answer only where you can eliminate options.
Use breaks to stand, hydrate, and reset. Do not discuss questions with other candidates during breaks; treat the content as confidential.
Follow the provider's instructions on leaving the centre and on when and how results will be communicated. Do not contact the centre repeatedly for scores unless told to.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID specified in your instructions and keep it on the desk throughout. Name, date of birth, and photograph must match your registration; if they do not, confirm with the provider before test day.
Arrive at or before the stated reporting time. Candidates who arrive late may be refused entry or admitted at the centre's discretion; the exact cut-off is set by the provider, so confirm it in advance.
Phones, smart watches, earphones, and study notes are prohibited in the test room. Switch devices off and store them where staff direct. Possession at the desk can lead to disqualification.
Follow all instructions from invigilators and military staff. Do not talk, signal, or exchange materials during the test. Raise your hand if you need assistance or need to leave the room.
Breaks are usually scheduled between sections and are not normally allowed during a timed section. Confirm the break policy and toilet arrangements with the provider at registration.
Scoring rules, including whether wrong answers incur a penalty, vary by test battery. Confirm the marking scheme before you sit; if unsure, answer every question only where guessing is not penalised.
Treat all test content as confidential. Do not copy, photograph, or share questions after the test. Breaching confidentiality can invalidate your result and affect future applications.
Declare any medical condition, medication, or access need to staff at registration. Adjustments are normally arranged in advance, so contact the provider before the day rather than raising it at the desk.