The pre - CFTS earnings are worked out by looking back at the period before the Reservist began his or her last period of continuous full - time service. During this period, the Reservist might have been a part - time Reservist as well as being engaged in other work.

The Reservist's pre - CFTS earnings have 2 components: pre - CFTS pay and reserve pay. The Reservist's pre - CFTS pay is based on earnings from work the Reservist was engaged in before beginning the last period of continuous full - time service. The work engaged in might be civilian work or defence work (as some people become continuous full - time Reservists after being Permanent Forces members). The Reservist's reserve pay is based on earnings from service as a part - time Reservist.

However, for a Reservist whose service injury or disease occurred while a continuous full - time Reservist, the Commission may determine pre - CFTS earnings by looking back at the period before the onset date for the Reservist's incapacity instead of the period before the Reservist began his or her last period of continuous full - time service.