Professional development and training in the armed forces

Joining a professional body can give you the training and inside information you need to get ahead in your chosen field. Find out which bodies are relevant to you…

Do I need to do postgraduate study?

Postgraduate qualifications are not necessary to find work in the armed forces or emergency services sector, but they can be advantageous and demonstrate high levels of commitment and knowledge to possible employers.

Opportunities for training and development are widespread in both public and private sector job roles and are sometimes necessary to advance in a specific career. For example, progression in the police force is dependent upon achievement in examinations and assessments, and in governmental department roles it may depend on obtaining the correct degree or professional qualification.

For more information on entry requirements and career development in the armed forces and emergency services sector, see types of jobs.

To find a postgraduate course in the UK, search courses and research.

Should I join a professional body?

Membership of a professional body will help increase your standing within your chosen field. Many private sector roles will require a professional qualification.

Joining a professional body can also help you:

• advance your knowledge with certificates and qualifications;
• gain access to specific resources and mentoring from experienced professionals;
• increase your chances of progression in the hierarchy of the forces or the police force.

Which professional qualifications are recognised in the sector?

A wide range of professional bodies are recognised, including:

• Army Officer Training  - opportunities include the ten-week Professionally Qualified Officer (PQO) course at Sandhurst for British Army officers who are trained professionals, such as doctors, dentists, lawyers and vets, preparing them for operational deployment. The focus is on command, leadership and officership, and the syllabus includes drill, field and weapons training.  
• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK)  - qualifications include the Level 2 Diploma in Royal Air Force (RAF) Supplier Logistics, where RAF personnel are taught how to prepare and dispatch goods to external locations and account for stock.
• Forensic Science Society (FSSoc)  - offers postgraduate diplomas for those with three to five years' professional experience. It also runs an MSc 'top-up' scheme in collaboration with Staffordshire University.
• Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)  - provides a list of both recognised training providers and undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities in fire engineering.
• International Professional Security Association (IPSA)  - provides training courses for those employed in the industry, as well as those preparing to come into the industry, such as students. Courses include a Level 2 Certificate in Basic Handcuffing and a Level 2 Certificate in Managing Conflict for Enforcement Personnel.
• The Institution of Royal Engineers (InstRE)  - membership is open to officers, warrant officers, senior and junior non-commissioned officers serving in (or retired from) the Corps of Royal Engineers. The institution is a licensed member of the Engineering Council and can award qualifications such as Engineering Technician (EngTech) and Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Royal Aeronautical Society  - engineering professionals involved in the aerospace community can apply for registration as an EngTech, Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or a CEng. There is a streamlined route for military personnel and MOD civilians. Many organisations offer accredited apprenticeships which can lead to registration, including RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire and the Royal Navy Air Engineering Survival School in Hampshire.
• Royal Statistical Society (RSS)  - graduates with a relative degree can apply for GradStat membership. With professional training, normally over five years, graduates will then be eligible for chartered statistician status. Members may work as government statisticians, with the police force analysing data or within the intelligence services such as MI6.