MBDA's second online stage asks apprentices to record three answers to realistic work scenarios

MBDA's current adverts describe a strengths assessment and recorded job simulations, while some candidates, including one from 2026, also mention cognitive tests covering verbal, numerical and diagrammatic reasoning. Our reasoning test covers the numerical and verbal parts of that reported mix under a timer.

Our test has no diagrammatic section and does not rehearse a strengths questionnaire or a recorded video task, which are the two stages MBDA itself describes. MBDA does not say whether cognitive tests apply to every scheme, and publishes no time limit or pass mark.

The distinctive part of MBDA's process is the second online assessment. Instead of a multiple-choice paper, you watch or read a work scenario and record yourself explaining what you would do, three times. A candidate who sat it summed it up as a job simulation where you record yourself answering what you would do in a work environment.

Treat each recording as a short, structured answer. Say what you notice first, what you would do, who you would tell, and why. Engineering teams that work on defence systems care about safety, accuracy and following process, so an answer that flags a risk and escalates sensibly will usually land better than a heroic solo fix. Our video interview guide covers camera set-up and how to avoid freezing on a timer.

MBDA says the first online stage is a strengths assessment tailored to its business, and that every candidate receives a personalised report. A strengths assessment asks how you naturally prefer to work, not what you know. Answer quickly and honestly; overthinking each item tends to produce an inconsistent profile.

If you progress, the report is a cheat sheet for part two and the assessment centre: it tells you which strengths came through. Prepare one story from school, a job or a hobby that shows each of your top two in action.

Not every account matches the current adverts. A 2018 apprentice described an online test of verbal, numerical and diagrammatic reasoning, and a 2026 Stevenage candidate also mentioned cognitive tests. MBDA's 2027 adverts describe only the strengths assessment and the job simulations online. The likeliest explanation is that formats vary by scheme or by year.

Because a reasoning test can appear, a little preparation is cheap insurance. Thirty minutes on our numerical reasoning test shows whether percentages and tables slow you down, and a few diagram sequence puzzles cover the third area.

MBDA builds missile systems, and its adverts say roles require UK security clearance, with nationality rules stated as British citizen or dual UK national with British citizenship. That rule applies before any assessment, and MBDA says it rejects applications that do not meet requirements.

Entry grades vary by level: adverts typically ask for five GCSEs for Level 3, five GCSEs plus 96 UCAS points for Level 4, and five GCSEs plus 120 UCAS points for Level 6. You can apply while still studying if you expect to meet them by the start date.

MBDA describes a half-day virtual experience with group tasks and conversations with current programme members. Older accounts describe in-person days with team exercises. The group tasks reward people who listen, build on others' ideas and keep the team to time; dominating rarely scores well.

The conversations with current apprentices are a chance to ask honest questions about the work. Prepare two or three, and listen to the answers: you can refer back to them in later tasks.

These come from anonymous reviews, university careers pages and prep guides. They often disagree, and MBDA has not confirmed them. Read them as leads, not rules.

• A 2018 MBDA apprentice on RateMyApprenticeship describes an online test that assessed verbal, numerical and diagrammatic reasoning.
• A 2026 Stevenage candidate on Glassdoor mentions cognitive tests and says the whole process took just under three months.
• Candidates describe the job simulation as recording themselves answering what they would do in a work environment.
• Older apprentice reviews describe in-person or virtual assessment days with team exercises.