National Audit Office early careers: how to get in
Last checked 2026-10-24 against National Audit Office's own careers pages. Every stage below links to where it was read. GoRizzume is independent and not affiliated with National Audit Office. How we check
At a glance
- NAO Accountancy Training Scheme (Graduate ACA pathway)graduate schemeNo published deadlineVisa sponsorship: No5 stages
- Apprentice ACA Accountancy Training SchemeapprenticeshipNo published deadlineVisa sponsorship: No
How National Audit Office recruits
How-to-apply page undated; Graduate Accountancy Scheme 2027 applications open mid-October 2026 (Recruitment FAQs PDF uploaded October 2026 describes the same stages). 5 stages, from National Audit Office's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where National Audit Office names them.
Online Application
Application form
Online application checked against the minimum eligibility requirements before inviting candidates to Stage 1.
“Submit the online application. We’ll review your application against the minimum eligibility requirements outlined on our ‘About the scheme’ page.”
Stage 1: Capptivate and Numerical Reasoning Test (NRT)
Online tests
Capptivate online assessment of strengths and potential combined with a numerical reasoning test. Benchmark to progress; no feedback at this stage.
“Stage 1 combines our Capptivate assessment with an online Numerical Reasoning Test (NRT).”
Stage 2: Job Simulation
Immersive assessment
Interactive job simulation built on role scenarios, testing judgement, analysis and decision-making, with written and video responses.
“You’ll work through a series of interactive exercises based on scenarios you may encounter in the role, allowing you to demonstrate your judgement, analysis and decision-making skills. The assessment combines written and video responses.”
Stage 3: Assessment Centre
Assessment centre
Assessment centre in London or Newcastle (some may be virtual) with a group exercise, role play, skills-based interview and reflection exercise. Feedback for all attendees.
“If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to attend one of our assessment centres. These are held at our NAO Headquarters in London Victoria, and at our regional office in Newcastle.”
Conditional Offer and Pre-Employment Checks
Offer
Conditional offer subject to security vetting, qualification checks and right to work confirmation.
“If you are successful, you will receive a conditional offer to join the NAO.”
Visa sponsorship
NAO Accountancy Training Scheme
The NAO says outright it cannot sponsor a visa for its graduate accountancy scheme.
“we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this scheme”
Apprentice ACA Accountancy Training Scheme
The National Audit Office says it is unable to offer visa sponsorship for its ACA Accountancy Training Scheme.
“However, please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this scheme.”
National Audit Office on the Home Office sponsor register
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check gov.uk and the employer's own FAQ before you apply: rules change.
Common questions
- What is the National Audit Office graduate scheme application process?
- National Audit Office's own careers pages describe 5 stages: Online Application, then Stage 1: Capptivate and Numerical Reasoning Test (NRT), then Stage 2: Job Simulation, then Stage 3: Assessment Centre, then Conditional Offer and Pre-Employment Checks.
- Does National Audit Office sponsor visas for graduates?
- The NAO says outright it cannot sponsor a visa for its graduate accountancy scheme.
Related guides
Other schemes we track
Deadlines, stages and tests for each scheme. Not affiliated with any firm.
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GoRizzume is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by National Audit Office. Names are used only to identify National Audit Office's recruitment process. Practice in GoRizzume is original material written in the style of common assessment formats, not the employer's or provider's actual tests. Processes change, so always check National Audit Office's official careers site before applying.
Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we check this data.