National Audit Office (NAO) |

Independent of government, we scrutinise public spending for Parliament and investigate major government projects and programmes. This means we work for, and for the good of, all citizens in our country. We help our economy and society work better – supporting and enabling improvements in financial management and the way vital public services are delivered right across the public sector to millions of people every day.  For you, this means challenging and varied work that has real benefit for the nation.

Our Application Process

Ready to take the next step?  Here's an overview of our three-stage recruitment process.

Stage 1: Capptivate and Numerical Reasoning Test

Capptivate is an interactive assessment that introduces you to the NAO and the trainee journey.  Through a series of workplace-related scenarios and questions, it helps us understand your strengths, potential and suitability for the role.

Our trainee website includes a short practice test so you can get a feel for the type of questions you’ll come across.

Stage 2: Job Simulation

The Job Simulation is designed to give you a realistic insight into the type of work you may undertake as an NAO trainee.  Through a series of interactive audit-related scenarios, you'll demonstrate how you analyse information, make judgements and communicate your thinking.

The assessment includes a combination of written and video responses.

Stage 3: Assessment Centre

Our Assessment Centres are held in person in either London or Newcastle and give you the opportunity to demonstrate a range of skills and behaviours that are important for success on our trainee scheme.

You'll also have the opportunity to meet current trainees and members of our audit teams, learn more about the ACA qualification, and find out what it's really like to work at the NAO.

Stage 1: Capptivate and Numerical Reasoning Test (NRT)

If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you'll be invited to complete Stage 1 of our assessment process, consisting of a Capptivate assessment and a Numerical Reasoning Test (NRT). 

To help you perform at your best:

• Let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments before starting your assessments.
• Complete the assessments on a laptop or desktop where possible, rather than a mobile device.
• Choose a quiet location where you can concentrate without interruptions.
• Read all instructions carefully before beginning.
• Have a calculator, pen and paper available for the Numerical Reasoning Test.
• Consider completing any available practice assessments beforehand to familiarise yourself with the format and question styles.
• Work carefully and accurately and make sure you understand what each question is asking before answering.

Stage 2: Job Simulation

Candidates meet the required benchmark at Stage 1 will be invited to complete our Job Simulation. 

The Job Simulation is designed to give you a realistic insight into the type of work you may encounter as a trainee at the NAO.  You may be asked to respond to workplace scenarios, review information, analyse evidence, and communicate recommendations.

To prepare:

• Read all information provided thoroughly before responding.
• Manage your time carefully and ensure you complete all required elements.
• Focus on the information provided rather than making assumptions.
• Structure your responses clearly and logically.
• Demonstrate how you analyse information, make decisions, and communicate effectively.
• Be yourself and approach the assessment as you would a real workplace task.

Stage 3: Assessment Centre

Candidates who meet the required benchmark at Stage 2 will be reviewed as part of our shortlisting process. Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre.  Assessment Centres are held in person in either London or Newcastle. 

The Assessment Centre is designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate a range of skills and behaviours that are important for success as an NAO trainee.

To help you prepare:

• Familiarise yourself with the role, the ACA qualification, and the work of the NAO.
• Listen carefully to instructions and ask questions if anything is unclear.
• Be prepared to work through realistic business scenarios and discussions.
• Remember that assessors are interested in how you approach problems as well as the outcome you reach.
• Try to relax and be yourself. We want to see your potential and how you think, communicate and collaborate.

You'll also have the opportunity to meet current trainees and colleagues, learn more about the scheme, and ask questions about working at the NAO.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team as early as possible so we can discuss how best to support you.

Our commitment to making the NAO a more diverse and inclusive organisation is an integral part of who we are and reflects our core values.  To ensure we remain a high-performing organisation we recruit, retain and develop people with a diverse mix of skills and experience.