Royal Navy Entrance Exam

[trehorn]

Does anyone else here think that the entrance exam for the RN/RNR is flawed.

Recently we have had an influx of people who, in my opinion, are perfectly suitable for the service but fail on the exam. And on the other hand i've seen absolute, complete morons without an ounce of common sense pass with flying colours.

Whilst i completely agree that an entrance exam is completely necessary to gauge someone's mental ability i believe that the one currently in use is not focussing on the right areas.

One of the most important skills in life is common sense and again, while it is only my humble opinion, i have seen more dimwhits that i wouldnt trust to walk a dog pass the test only to make a complete arse of everything thereafter.

Discuss.

 

[SILVER_FOX]

Difficult to know. It's been 21 years since I took it.

SF

 

[phil1972]

I think the current exam is fine, it expects potential recruit to know enough English, Maths and Physics to be a useful part of the team. It is also the case that the pass mark for RNR is higher than for other services.

I don't think most would approve of us watering down the standards on say fitness (I am one of those that disapproves of the new even easier tri-service swimming test) so why should we swell our ranks with dullards.

No the problem is with modern education which does not put great store in basic English, Maths and Physics perfering to churn out people unfit for employment with GCSE Media Studies and the like.

 

[slim]

I think the current exam is fine, it expects potential recruit to know enough English, Maths and Physics to be a useful part of the team. It is also the case that the pass mark for RNR is higher than for other services.

I don't think most would approve of us watering down the standards on say fitness (I am one of those that disapproves of the new even easier tri-service swimming test) so why should we swell our ranks with dullards.

No the problem is with modern education which does not put great store in basic English, Maths and Physics perfering to churn out people unfit for employment with GCSE Media Studies and the like.

I think you have put it in a nutshell Phil. But these gash subjects do make the governmant education targets look better than they are. :smile:

 

[trehorn]

I do not have an issue with the fitness test or medical but in the RNR (whether we should or not) we allow potential recruits to join classes before they have passed the selction process. During these few weeks you get to know people and see their strengths and weeknesses.

Everone should have a reasonable degree of fitness and be medically fit without question. The problem being that i see people getting turned away after failing the exam who, again this is only my opinion, would be perfectly suitable, more suitable in fact than many others who do pass.

I would personally prefer to work with someone with bundles of common sense who perhaps may strucggle with maths and english than some of the clueless intelectuals who seem to get into the RNR.

I am not seeking to "water down" the exam but rather revise the format somewhat.

 

[fear_and_loathing]

i dont think there's a problem with the exam.

with regards to common sense, you're right, it gives no indication as to the level of common sense someone has. but how can it? common sense isn't really one of those things you can test in an exam.
the only function of the exam is to ensure that everyone shows a reasonable ability to comprehend the basics. obviously you'll still get people with a reasonable level of intellect but put their boots on the wrong feet. i guess the idea is that they'll get filtered out during basic training????? the team works.

personally i'd take some convincing that anyone who cant pass the exam really derserves to be in the RN, it is pretty bloody simple after all.

CAR is to ROAD as SHIP is to:
A) sea
B) cheesecake
C) jim henderson

 

[trehorn]

I took the test just over six years ago and did very well, in fact i think i got over a certain score that allowed you to apply to be an Artificer (is that correct or did i dream it?).

I have since seen the test they sit now and it does seem rather different to what i remember, but then that is six years ago. i must confess that i got a couple of the answers wrong and despite having the answers at the rear of the help book i honestly couldnt understand how they got to the answer.

But on another note, does anyone seem to think that the standard of common sense coming into the service is lower.

I mean, some people really are pork!

I have a feeling that i may be alone on this one. JIM30 Where are you?

 

[rugger_bob]

i dont think there's a problem with the exam.

with regards to common sense, you're right, it gives no indication as to the level of common sense someone has. but how can it? common sense isn't really one of those things you can test in an exam.
the only function of the exam is to ensure that everyone shows a reasonable ability to comprehend the basics. obviously you'll still get people with a reasonable level of intellect but put their boots on the wrong feet. i guess the idea is that they'll get filtered out during basic training????? the team works.

personally i'd take some convincing that anyone who cant pass the exam really derserves to be in the RN, it is pretty bloody simple after all.

CAR is to ROAD as SHIP is to:
A) sea
B) cheesecake
C) jim henderson

B, THAT HAS GOT TO BE RIGHT COS ITS COMMON SENSE, COS WE HAVE NO SHIPS LEFT IN THE SEA AND J HENDERSON IS NOTHING TO DO WITH SHIP'S, AH BUT THEN, IT MIGHT BE CONNECTED WITH JIM30 !!

 

[Squirrel]

Which country's national anthem is "oh Canada"?

A. Finland.
B. Utopia.
C. Canada.

 

[rugger_bob]

Which country's national anthem is "oh Canada"?

A. Finland.
B. Utopia.
C. Canada.

B. :mrgreen: :twisted:

 

[FlagWagger]

Which country's national anthem is "oh Canada"?

A. Finland.
B. Utopia.
C. Canada.

B. :mrgreen: :twisted:

Looks good to me, now just got to learn the words!

 

[rugger_bob]

Which country's national anthem is "oh Canada"?

A. Finland.
B. Utopia.
C. Canada.

B. :mrgreen: :twisted:

Looks good to me, now just got to learn the words!

Erm, lost me