ADF Assessment Session: What to Expect and How to Prepare
What Is the ADF Assessment Session?
The Assessment Session is the third major stage of the ADF recruitment process, coming after your YOU Session and the submission of your Medical History Questionnaire. According to the official ADF Careers application process (adfcareers.gov.au), the Assessment Session consists of three core components: a Medical Assessment, a Psychological Interview, and an ADF Interview. Officer applicants also attend an Officer Selection Board (OSB) as part of this stage.
Component 1: The Medical Assessment
The medical assessment is conducted by a medical professional from Sonic HealthPlus and includes a head-to-toe physical examination. According to adfcareers.gov.au, the assessment is designed to:
• Assess your physical fitness and suitability to perform specific duties
• Identify any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to serve
• Include tests for flexibility and may include exercises such as sit-ups
• Include a urine sample test for prohibited substances
What to Bring to Your Medical Assessment
Follow the prompts in your confirmation email carefully. You will be required to print and sign the Informed Consent form for the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and bring it to your session. Review the Medical Assessment Process document provided by ADF Careers for full details of what will be examined.
Component 2: The Psychological Interview
The psychological interview is conducted by a Defence Force Recruiting psychologist. According to adfcareers.gov.au, the psychological interview:
• Asks about various aspects of your life including your educational and employment histories, family circumstances, social and sporting activities, and interest in joining the ADF
• Determines how you are likely to cope living within a military environment
• Checks whether your values and life outlook are compatible with the ADF
• Assesses whether you will be effective in your chosen role
How to Approach the Psychological Interview
The psychological interview is not a trap — it is a structured assessment of your resilience, background, and suitability for military life. Honesty is the most important principle. Candidates who attempt to present an idealised version of themselves often create inconsistencies that raise more concern than the truth would have.
Be prepared to discuss your education, employment history, family background, social life, sporting activities, and reasons for joining the ADF. You may also be asked about how you handle stress, conflict, and significant challenges in your past.
Component 3: The ADF Interview
The ADF interview provides an opportunity to articulate why you want to join the ADF and demonstrate your knowledge of the role or roles you have applied for. According to adfcareers.gov.au, it assesses your suitability for the position and your ability to withstand the demanding requirements of ADF service.
Prepare answers to questions such as: why do you want this job, what do you know about the role, and have you considered how military service will impact your family and personal life.
What Comes After the Assessment Session?
Following a successful Assessment Session, your Case Manager will guide you through the remaining stages of the recruitment process. A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check will be performed. Officer applicants will attend an Officer Selection Board. The Pre-Entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) typically takes place in the weeks before your enlistment or appointment date.
Preparing for your Assessment Session? Make sure your JOA score gives you the best chance of getting there. Practice with full-length JOA tests below. https://www.adftestprep.com/adf-job-opportunities-assessment-joa-practice-test-2026
DISCLAIMER: ADFtestprep.com is not connected to or associated with the Australian Defence Force in any capacity, and exists as a separate educational entity. All information is sourced from publicly available official ADF Careers guidance. Our resources are not a direct replication of ADF testing material and do not guarantee selection.
