Pre-Parachute Selection must be undertaken by all British Army candidates for parachute training who have not already undergone a strenuous form of training, such as UK Special Forces or the All Arms Commando Course. Training at P Coy culminates in a series of eight tests undertaken over a 5-day period. For recruits directly joining the Parachute Regiment, the tests are attempted at week 21 of training, All-Arms candidates attempt the tests after two and a half weeks of build-up training. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates participate in the Basic Parachute course which is conducted with assistance from the Parachute Training Support Unit on the base of RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. In 2020 Capt Rosie Wild RHA became the first woman to pass Pre-Parachute Selection.
All events are scored, except the trainasium event which is a straight pass or fail. The total score required to pass is 45, with 10 points being awarded for each test.
10 miler
A march conducted as a squad over undulating terrain. Each candidate carries a bergen and a rifle. The march is to be completed in under 1 hour 50 minutes.
Trainasium
A unique assault course set above the ground, designed to test a candidate's ability to overcome fear and follow simple orders at considerable height. This is the only event which is a straight pass or fail; all the other events are scored.
Log Race
A team event, in which eight men carry a log weighing 60 kg over of undulating terrain. Candidates wear a helmet and webbing. This is supposed to be one of the hardest events. Points are awarded for determination, aggression and leadership.
An individual effort over of undulating terrain, carrying a bergen, rifle, combat jacket, and helmet. Candidates have 18 minutes to complete the run.
Steeplechase
A timed cross-country run, followed by an assault course. The steeplechase is to be completed wearing a helmet and boots.
Milling
In this event, each candidate is paired with another of 'similar weight and build', and is given 60 seconds to demonstrate 'controlled physical aggression' in a milling contest - similar to boxing, except neither winning, losing, nor skill are pre-requisites of passing. Candidates are instead scored on their determination and aggression, while blocking and dodging result in points deducted. Candidates wear head protection, gum shields and boxing gloves.
20 Mile Endurance March
A squadded march over the Catterick or Otterburn Training Areas. Candidates carry a bergen and a rifle. The march must be completed in under 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Stretcher Race
Candidates are divided into teams of 16 men, and have to carry a stretcher over a distance of, each individual candidate wears a helmet, webbing and a slung rifle. No more than four candidates carry the stretcher at any given time, swapping round at regular intervals so that all candidates carry the stretcher for a certain distance.
