Can i be individually tested for a role if i haven't got the paper trail qualifications?

Hi Reece,

Thank you for your question and apologies for the late reply. I am sorry to hear about the difficulties you faced.
From my Corps perspective, not having the grades unfortunately will have an impact on the type of role you would like to do in the Royal Signals, due to most roles being quite technical in nature. Grades are a useful way to ascertain first-hand someone's suitability for a role, but they are not always 100% correct. I myself couldn't do my first choice in the Army due to not having high enough grades. The 'test' you are referring to in the Royal Signals is a TST (Technical Selection Test) that can further highlight someone's technical ability even when they have the grades, but unfortunately you do need the grades first.

So what can we can do? You have a few choices...

Research what job really sounds interesting and suitable for yourself, and then do your GCSE's to gain entry to that role (this will still not be a guarantee and of course your application will be subject to vetting and medical examinations). Not ideal if you ask me - this will be expensive and take a bit of time.

Another option is to simply do a role that doesn't ask for any formal qualifications before-hand (Royal Signals Supply Chain Operative springs to mind...) and only asks for a minimum score on the TST which I'm sure you'd do fine. This would allow you to still join the Royal Signals (ok, not in the role you may initially want) and you can then see what role you'd like to do and maybe ask about transferring. The British Army offer huge amounts of training and personal development opportunities, even academically, to maybe steer yourself towards those roles in the future. Whilst also gaining experience of the Royal Signals and the wider Army in the process.

Last (and by certain no means least), just pop into your local ACC (Army Careers Centre) or give them a ring and discuss your options. They are highly experienced Soldiers supported by professional civilians who specialise in aiding potential candidates such as yourself. In short, if they can help, they will.

I hope this helps in some way Reece, please feel free to get back to us if you have any further issues/dramas/questions.
I wish you all the best,

Cpl Frank R
R Signals

Wow Thanks for the great response, pretty much summed it all up mate, the thing is I'm extremely technically minded, I have coded since I were 12 years old.
Been into computers and all things tech, the deepest kinds! I completely understand that a lot of people may feel they are eligible and ultimately just aren't capable, however do you think if I joined, got in( the branch you were referring too). Lets say hypothetically I get into a lesser qualified job, then I show them what I'm capable off during testing etc. If they see I'm obviously ahead drastically, could I then be offered a GCSE test in individual subjects such as science to get said grades? The thing is I'm in no means egotistic but due to reasons beyond my grasp I could not sit my exams, I did everything leading up to them, I was extremely focused in school, highest set for science and comp sci, my predicted was from a C in maths to an A in English and science and various others totalling five. What it boils down to is, again I'm not egotistic but I know my worth when it comes to coding, cloud software and all things academic. I would hate to be in a job where I'm not recognized on my skill or even given the chance to impress or improve my grades, Like realistically if I go there, they see I'm physically and academically capable to move forward, would they hold me back "just to get my footing" etc. The thing that I suppose is frustrating is working 5 years through school and people automatically thinking your dumb, yet have no idea to my backstory and why I have none. sorry if anything feels like a vent,

Much appreciated Cpl Frank.