All candidates must be Christians, believe they are called to full-time service, and be Salvation Army Soldiers (members) endorsed for officership. They must possess a sincere love and understanding of people and be willing to work in highly demanding situations upon graduation.

All candidates should have at least one year of active soldiership by opening day of the session for which they apply. Whenever possible, that soldiership should include responsibility as a Local Officer (lay worker). Please speak with your corps officer (pastor) regarding becoming a soldier.

At least one year of college, military training or work experience following high school graduation and prior to entering officer training. High school students considering officership should give special emphasis to English, Humanities and Business courses such as accounting. Any candidate with a Thurstone IQ below 25 (or equivalent) will be required to take further testing for acceptance.

Accepted candidates who are married before entering officer training will both participate in the full academic and practical officer training program. Accepted candidates who are engaged may both enter training at the same time. Marriage may be permitted at the conclusion of training, provided the engagement was official six months before commissioning.

Must have an immigrant visa permitting them to work in the USA for an indeterminate time, or be a Permanent Resident (Green Card).

All candidates will be required to take a reading test. Candidates must pass a 12th grade reading level (be reading at a college level). For those who speak English as a second language, if a college reading level is not achieved, they will take the TOEFL -the TOEFL is required by all colleges in the USA for ESL students. It is to measure how well they will perform in class. If English is your first language and a college level is not achieved, reading classes will be recommended in order to reach the required level.