1.2 Selection Phases — Screening, Aptitude Test, BFT, OLT, Medical & Final Interview
Key Takeaways
The GAF portal lists eight officer selection phases: Documentation, Body Selection, Aptitude Test, Basic Fitness Test, Outdoor Leaderless Test, Medical Examination, Vetting and Interview.
The Aptitude Test is the third phase, so documentation and body selection can eliminate an applicant before the written paper.
GAF describes the aptitude test as measuring basic logical reasoning capabilities and does not publish its subjects, length, timing or pass mark.
The intensive medical examination takes place at the 37 Military Hospital for applicants who qualify up to that stage.
GAF does not publish fitness test events or standards on the portal, but every applicant must pass the Pre-Joining Fitness Test.
1.2 Selection Phases — Screening, Aptitude Test, BFT, OLT, Medical & Final Interview
The written aptitude test is one gate in a longer selection sequence. The GAF enlistment portal lists eight phases that every shortlisted officer cadet applicant goes through. Knowing where the aptitude test sits, and what GAF does and does not publish about each phase, helps you plan your preparation and avoid trusting rumours about secret pass marks or fitness standards.
Note
This section separates official facts (quoted or summarised from the officer phases page of apply.mil.gh, checked 8 October 2026) from preparation advice. GAF does not publish scoring rules, cut-off scores, fitness test events, or interview criteria on that page, so this guide does not invent them.
The Eight Official Phases
| Order | Phase | What the GAF portal says | Not published on the portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Documentation | Qualified applicants are invited to come with their original documents for documentation | Exact document list for each stream beyond the application requirements |
| 2 | Body Selection | Applicants are physically examined to ensure their physical look conforms to Armed Forces standards | A full list of disqualifying conditions |
| 3 | Aptitude Test | An examination is conducted for all applicants to know their level of basic logical reasoning capabilities | Subjects, number of questions, time limit, pass mark |
| 4 | Basic Fitness Test | Named only | Events and standards |
| 5 | Outdoor Leaderless Test | Named only | Tasks and scoring |
| 6 | Medical Examination | An intensive medical examination at the 37 Military Hospital for all applicants who have qualified up to this stage | Detailed medical standards |
| 7 | Vetting | Named only | Procedure |
| 8 | Interview | Named only | Panel composition and criteria |
Two points follow from the official wording. First, the phases are sequential: the medical examination is for applicants "who have qualified up to this stage," so earlier phases filter who moves on. Second, the aptitude test is third, after documentation and body selection, which means you can be eliminated before the written paper if your documents or physical standards do not satisfy the board.
Phases 1 and 2: Documentation and Body Selection
Official facts. You bring original documents. The general eligibility rules set minimum heights of 1.68 m (male) and 1.60 m (female), and 1.75 m and 1.70 m for the Military Police. The academic requirements state that transcripts and attestations will not be accepted at the documentation stage.
Preparation advice.
- Assemble certificates, the printed application report, and the used e-voucher in one folder well before the invitation arrives.
- Check that your name and date of birth match across every certificate and your national identification. Resolve any discrepancy through the proper authority before the screening date.
- Know your measured height. If you are close to the minimum, do not assume posture tricks will help; the standard is the standard.
Phase 3: The Aptitude Test
Official fact. GAF says the examination assesses applicants' basic logical reasoning capabilities. That is the only description of content on the phases page.
What this guide does. Because GAF does not publish a syllabus, this guide prepares you across four areas commonly used in officer aptitude preparation: verbal reasoning (Chapters 2 and 3), quantitative aptitude (Chapters 4 to 6), logical and analytical reasoning (Chapters 7 and 8), and general knowledge about Ghana, its institutions and its security environment (Chapters 9 and 10). Section 1.3 explains how to study for a paper whose length and timing are not announced in advance.
Phases 4 and 5: Basic Fitness Test and Outdoor Leaderless Test
Official facts. The portal names both phases but does not describe the events or standards. Separately, the general eligibility list says applicants must pass the Pre-Joining Fitness Test.
Preparation advice.
- Build general running endurance and bodyweight strength over several weeks rather than cramming in the final days. Progress gradually to reduce injury risk, and seek medical advice before starting if you have any health condition.
- Be wary of fixed "pass standards" circulated online; GAF does not publish them on the portal, so train to be comfortably fit rather than to a rumoured number.
- The name Outdoor Leaderless Test indicates outdoor group tasks in which no leader is appointed in advance. Practise the habits that help any team: listen first, propose a clear plan, support a better idea from someone else, and stay calm when time runs short.
Phase 6: Medical Examination at 37 Military Hospital
Official fact. The intensive medical examination is conducted at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for applicants who reach that stage. Medical fitness by GAF standards is also a general eligibility requirement.
Preparation advice. Answer medical questions honestly, bring any records you are asked for, and do not take unprescribed substances to "pass" a test. Concealment can lead to disqualification later.
Phases 7 and 8: Vetting and Interview
Official facts. Both phases are named without further detail.
Preparation advice. Vetting is easier when every document, date and statement you have given is consistent. For the interview, be ready to explain why you want to serve as an officer, which service and corps you chose and why, and to discuss Ghana's constitution, national institutions and current regional security issues. Chapters 9 and 10 give you that background.
Planning Your Preparation Across Phases
| Weeks before screening | Written test focus | Other phases |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 4 | Diagnose weak areas with mixed practice; learn core methods | Begin a progressive fitness routine; organise documents |
| 4 to 2 | Timed practice by area; error log | Continue training; confirm screening centre and travel |
| Final 2 | Mixed timed sets and revision of mistakes | Taper training; rest; final document check |
On the GAF enlistment portal's list of officer selection phases, which phase comes immediately after the Aptitude Test?
Medical Examination
Vetting
Body Selection
Basic Fitness Test
How does the GAF portal describe the purpose of the Aptitude Test Phase?
To rank applicants by university grade point average
To know applicants' level of basic logical reasoning capabilities
To test advanced military tactics and weapons knowledge
To assess spoken French or another foreign language
Where does the GAF portal say the intensive medical examination for officer cadet applicants is conducted?
At the regional hospital nearest the applicant's home
At any private clinic accredited by the applicant
At the 37 Military Hospital, for applicants who have qualified up to that stage
At the Ghana Military Academy during the first week of training
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.