Choosing between the voluntary deputy gendarme competition (GAV) and that of the gendarmerie non-commissioned officer (SOG) comes down to balancing two timelines and two levels of requirements. The GAV competition or non-commissioned officer in the gendarmerie does not lead to the same tests, does not confer the same status, and especially does not follow the same pace of entry into the institution. This article compares the two paths based on the criteria that truly weigh in the decision.
Permanent GAV recruitment versus annual SOG session: two opposing calendars
The first difference between these two gendarmerie competitions lies not in the level or the tests, but in the availability of recruitment. GAV selections operate on a permanent recruitment basis with sessions that follow one another throughout the year. A candidate can submit a file, take their psychotechnical tests, interview, and medical examination within a relatively short timeframe.
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The SOG competition, whether external or internal, follows a radically different logic. It is aligned with a large annual session with strict opening and closing dates. For the 2025-2026 session, for example, registration opens in February, closes in June, written tests take place in September, and oral exams extend into the beginning of the following year.
When weighing the advantages of the GAV gendarmerie competition, this open calendar is a major asset for candidates who want to join the national gendarmerie quickly without waiting several months.
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GAV competition and non-commissioned officer competition: comparative table of conditions
| Criterion | GAV (voluntary deputy gendarme) | Non-commissioned officer of the gendarmerie (SOG) |
|---|---|---|
| Required level | No diploma required | High school diploma or equivalent (external competition) |
| Type of selection | Psychotechnical tests, interview, medical examination | Written, physical, and oral tests |
| Calendar | Permanently open recruitment | One annual session (time-limited registrations) |
| Status | Contracted military (renewable) | Career military after training |
| Training | Short initial training | Long training at the gendarmerie school |
| Specialization | Limited, possible advancement through internal competition | Wide range of specializations from the first years |
This table highlights a often underestimated point: the GAV does not require any diploma, making it the most accessible entry point into the gendarmerie. The SOG competition, on the other hand, assumes a high school level and structured preparation over several months.
SOG external competition tests: what really selects
The GAV selection is based on a motivation interview, psychotechnical tests, and a medical aptitude assessment. The format remains accessible and does not require heavy academic preparation.
The external non-commissioned officer competition is of a different nature. The written tests include a general knowledge composition and a questionnaire covering various knowledge areas. The physical tests assess fitness across several stations. The admission oral exam, in front of a jury, tests motivation, knowledge of the institution, and the ability to express oneself under pressure.
- Written general knowledge composition: it requires mastery of written expression and a good understanding of current events, security, and institutions
- Physical tests: obstacle course, running, physical endurance exercises
- Oral interview before a jury: evaluation of motivation, posture, and knowledge of the gendarme profession
Preparing for the SOG competition requires several months of regular work, particularly on general knowledge and written expression. Candidates who underestimate the written composition are often eliminated at the admissibility stage.
Specialization and career progression in the gendarmerie: a significant gap
The professional trajectory differs greatly depending on the chosen path. The GAV signs an initial renewable contract and accesses operational missions (patrols, public reception, judicial assistance), but their specialization opportunities remain limited until they pass the internal non-commissioned officer competition.
The non-commissioned officer of the gendarmerie has access to a significantly broader and earlier range of specializations. From the first years of service, a SOG can orient towards judicial police, intelligence, cybersecurity, mountain operations, or mobile gendarmerie. Since 2025-2026, the gendarmerie has also distinguished the “field non-commissioned officer” competition from the supporting non-commissioned officer (CSTAGN), further refining career choices.
This recent segmentation means that a SOG candidate must now consider not only the targeted rank but also the type of missions they envision in the medium term. The field non-commissioned officer is destined for brigades and operational units, while the CSTAGN intervenes in administrative and technical support.
The internal SOG competition from a GAV position
Going through the GAV and then attempting the internal non-commissioned officer competition is a common strategy. It allows one to discover the institution from the inside, validate their motivation, and benefit from concrete knowledge of the field for the oral exam. The internal competition remains selective, but the experience gained as a volunteer provides a real advantage in front of the jury.
What candidate profile for each gendarmerie competition
The choice between GAV and non-commissioned officer depends on three variables: the level of diploma, the time available for preparation, and the long-term career vision.
- A candidate without a high school diploma who wants to quickly join the national gendarmerie has every interest in heading towards the GAV, then preparing for the internal SOG competition alongside their service
- A candidate with a high school diploma, ready to dedicate several months to preparing for the written and physical tests, maximizes their prospects by directly aiming for the external non-commissioned officer competition
- A hesitant candidate, who wants to confirm their vocation before committing to a long course, will find in the permanent GAV recruitment a quick entry and a springboard towards the internal competition
The GAV is a fast entry route, while the SOG is a long career path. The two do not oppose each other: the first can lead to the second. The decisive criterion remains the diploma held at the time of application and the degree of preparation that the candidate can mobilize before the closing of registrations for the annual competition.