This course usually takes place during August, following a period when International students attending English Language Training have the opportunity to move into Family Quarters, and settle their families into life in the UK. Whilst settling into their Family Quarter, International students are assisted by nominated military sponsors (ACSC Directing Staff and British students) and civilian sponsors, who live in the vicinity of the College.

The course covers a wide range of topics including general information about the UK, a number of visits to places of interest, an introduction to the UK Armed Forces and some detail in single Service syndicates on organisations, capabilities, and basic UK staff procedures. The course is run along the lines of the ACSC, so that students become familiar with the different teaching methods to be employed on the main course. Students also have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the JSCSC IT network. By the end of PCT, acknowledging the differences in individual background and competence, students should be sufficiently confident and knowledgeable to start ACSC training on a broadly comparable basis with their UK colleagues.