Stretch your skills. Lead the future.
Contents
- Understanding the process
- Initial application stage
- Online tests
- Additional information
- Assessment centre
- Final Selection Board
Understanding the application process
The application window for 2027 entry is open between midday 8 October 2026 and midday 5 November 2026.
You must apply while the application window is open for entry to the Fast Stream in 2026.
Before you apply
You need to choose which schemes you want to apply for. Read about the available schemes
Fast streamers cannot choose their department, specific role. However, we endeavour to meet location preferences wherever possible.
Application stages
The application process includes multiple stages and not everyone who applies will be accepted.
Use this guidance to learn more about each stage of the application process so that you’re ready to apply when the application window opens.
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Welcome to the Fast Stream Assessment process guide.]
- [Text on screen: There are 4 stages in the process – we’ll talk you through each one.]
- [Text on screen: Stage 1 online tests.]
- [Graphic of a woman at a desk] The first stage consists of 2 online assessments: Using data, Work-based scenarios and Case study assessment.
- [Woman scrolling on her laptop] These are designed to test a range of key skills and suitability for the role, so answer genuinely and honestly. You’ll be asked to evaluate options and make decisions in different scenarios. The tests should take you around 1 and a half hours in total, but they aren’t timed, so you don’t need to rush your answers.
- [Text on screen: Stage 2, additional information.]
- [Graphic of a woman working on a laptop with a coffee cup beside her] At this stage, the Fast Stream will be reviewing your application and responses to the online assessments.
- [A person looking at their mobile phone] On some schemes you’ll be asked to provide additional information to go alongside your application.
- [A woman checking her phone for notifications] Keep an eye out for communications from the Fast Stream – if we do require additional information from you, you’ll have 7 days to complete the requested sections.
- [Text on screen: Stage 3, virtual assessment centre.]
- [Graphic of a woman on a video call] Having passed the previous stages, you’ll now be asked to take part in a virtual assessment centre.
- [A man in a white shirt] You can find a selection of pages on the Fast Stream website that explain the process and the exercises with hints and tips to help you prepare.
- [A woman looking at her laptop] The assessment centre will take place over half a day – it will consist of a written advice exercise, a stakeholder communication exercise, and a personal development conversation.
- [A woman typing on her laptop at home] These will test your ability to analyse information and make decisions, engage with others, and demonstrate learning agility and self-awareness.
- [A screen seen from the perspective of a woman in the foreground] On the day, the most important thing to remember is to be yourself. We want to see the real you, so showcase your true personality and stay positive and enthusiastic about the experience.
- [Text on screen: Stage 4, final selection board.]
- [Graphic of a man looking at charts] The final stage of the assessment process is the final selection board.
- [Laptop screen showing a woman waving] Most schemes have this stage, but not all do, so it’s worth checking your scheme requirements.
- [Man wearing a headset and writing in a notebook] If you’ve got this far, you’ll take part in a scheme-specific assessment. What happens here will depend on the scheme you’ve applied for.
- [Two women chatting] The Fast Stream is committed to supporting you if you need an adjustment during our assessment process.
- [Graphic of a pencil and paper] A reasonable adjustment is a change to any part of the assessment process that removes or reduces a disadvantage that might prevent certain people from effectively applying for a job.
- [A woman at a desk working on a laptop] Check out the videos and information on the Fast Stream website to help you decide if you need it and what may help.
- [A man on a video call with a woman] Let us know with plenty of time, and we’ll do everything we can to get you the support you need.