SANDF 2027 Recruitment Tests: How to Ace Fitness, Psychometric & Medical Requirements
The South African National Defence Force Military Skills Development System is looking for suitable young people to apply for their 2027 Intake opportunities. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2027.
If you’re dreaming of a career that blends training, discipline and a paycheck, this could be a game‑changer. The SANDF isn’t just a job—it’s a whole development journey that turns you into a professional with real skills, a decent salary and a clear career path, all while serving your country.
What’s the 2027 MSDS Intake all about?
- A full‑time training package that starts with basic military conditioning and ends with specialised technical roles (logistics, communications, cyber, engineering, etc.).
- Four main stages – fitness, psychometric, medical and interview.
- You’ll learn teamwork, leadership, problem‑solving, and hands‑on technical skills that are valued by employers in any sector.
- Stipends start at R9,500 a month during basic training, rising to about R12,000 after you qualify.
- Base locations include Pretoria, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and several provincial sites – so you can stay close to home or experience a new city.
Why the SANDF tests you so hard?
They want people who can handle high‑pressure situations. That means:
- Physical endurance
- Mental resilience
- Emotional stability
- Medical fitness
- Discipline and quick decision‑making
Day‑to‑day when you’re inside the program
| Day | Typical activities |
|---|---|
| Week 1–4 | Basic fitness drills, marching, obstacle courses |
| Week 5–12 | Classroom theory (history, law, leadership) + practical skill labs |
| Month 4–6 | Specialized training (e.g., radio ops, vehicle maintenance) |
| Final 2 months | Field exercises, mock operations, assessments |
You’ll get a steady paycheck, meals, accommodation and a chance to build a professional network that lasts a lifetime.
Who can apply? Eligibility checklist
- Age – 18 – 25 years old.
- Citizenship – South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Education – National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) or equivalent; no need for a university degree.
- Physical – No major disabilities that would prevent training.
- Health – Must pass a comprehensive medical check (see below).
What you’ll need to put together
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| ID or passport | Proof of identity and eligibility |
| NQF certificate | Confirms minimum education requirement |
| Medical clearance | Shows you’re fit for service |
| Police clearance | Checks your background |
| Two reference letters | Gives recruiters a sense of your character |
| Recent photo | For official records |
Make copies of everything in PDF form, because the online portal likes neat, digital files.
Step‑by‑step: how to apply
- Check the official SANDF portal – SANDF Home for the latest intake info.
- Create an account – use your email, choose a strong password.
- Complete the online questionnaire – honest answers give the best results.
- Upload all documents – double‑check file sizes (max 5 MB).
- Pay the application fee – R350 (can be waived for certain economic groups).
- Schedule your fitness test – usually a week after your application is accepted.
- Show up on test day – dress in comfortable athletic wear, bring water and a positive attitude.
- Submit your psychometric test – can be done online in 30‑45 minutes.
- Attend the medical exam – at a designated clinic near your base.
- Wait for the call – successful candidates get a phone/email invitation for the next stage.
Tip: Finish each step as soon as you can. Waiting increases the risk of missing deadlines.
Fitness test basics – what to expect
| Test | Target | How to prep |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 km run | 12 min max (for most roles) | Run 3× a week, mix distance & speed runs |
| Push‑ups | 30 in 2 min | Do sets of 10 with 30‑second rests |
| Sit‑ups | 50 in 2 min | Practice core circuits every workout |
| Pull‑ups | 5 in 1 min | Use a pull‑up bar, progress with negatives |
| Shuttle runs | 5 m × 8 rounds | Sprint & turn quickly, practice agility ladders |
| Marching endurance | 6 km | Train with a weighted backpack |
No gym required—just a good pair of shoes and a lot of practice.
Psychometric tests – how to pass
- Cognitive reasoning – practice logic puzzles (Sudoku, crosswords, online timed tests).
- Personality assessment – answer honestly; the SANDF is looking for real traits, not “ideal” answers.
- Situational judgment – read scenarios and pick the most appropriate response.
You can find free practice tests on sites like Psychometric Tests or SHL. The key is to keep a calm mind and stay consistent with your answers.
Medical requirements – keep it clean
| Check | What to avoid |
|---|---|
| Vision | Strenuous eye strain or uncorrected myopia |
| Hearing | Loud‑noise damage or hearing loss |
| Cardiovascular | History of heart conditions |
| Respiratory | Severe asthma or COPD |
| Musculoskeletal | Untreated injuries or chronic pain |
| Substance use | Alcohol, smoking, drugs |
Do this now:
- Start a balanced diet—no sugary snacks for long training sessions.
- Get a full check‑up – treat any minor ailments before the exam.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol; these can fail your drug test.
Common pitfalls that kill chances
- Skipping the fitness prep – a weak run can end your dream.
- Ignoring medical check‑ups – small issues can become big blockers.
- Under‑studying psychometric tests – they’re not just school quizzes.
- Applying late – deadlines slip; keep a calendar reminder.
- Lack of discipline – consistency beats last‑minute hype.
What recruiters really want
- Discipline – show up on time, stick to a routine.
- Commitment – be ready to put in the hard work.
- Respect for authority – follow instructions quickly.
- Emotional control – stay calm under pressure.
- Leadership potential – be a team player and a natural motivator.
Remember: fitness is only part of the equation. Mental strength is just as vital.
A timeline to stay on track
| Months before intake | Focus |
|---|---|
| 12–6 | Start running, improve diet, build a workout routine. |
| 6–3 | Ramp up endurance, practice psychometric tests, clear any medical issues. |
| 3–1 | Keep fitness sharp, avoid injury, gather all paperwork. |
Consistency beats cramming.
What’s in it for you after you pass?
- Structured pay – starts at R9,500/month, grows with rank and experience.
- Career pathways – technical trades, engineering, logistics, IT, and more.
- Leadership training – you’ll lead teams and manage resources.
- Professional exposure – military discipline is a major asset in any job market.
- Networking – connect with mentors and peers who’ll support you long after training.
Think of it as a career launchpad, not just a job.
Final words for the 2027 hopefuls
Start early. Treat this like a long‑term commitment, not a quick “get‑a‑job” fix. Keep your body moving, your mind sharp, and your documents ready. A disciplined, prepared applicant will stand out like a bright flag in a crowded field.
Ready to jump in?
Apply right here before it closes and kick‑start a future you can be proud of.
Need a boost? How Edupstairs can help
At Edupstairs, we don’t just list openings – we guide you to win them. Our prep courses cover:
- Tailored fitness plans
- Psychometric practice packs
- Mock medical check‑ups
- Resume and interview coaching
Want to see if the SANDF is the right fit? Click on SANDF training page for more info and resources that keep you ahead of the competition. Happy training, future officer!
