The medal was awarded to non-commissioned officers and men for a minimum of 12 years service in the Territorial Army, providing they attended 12 annual training camps.

[6] A recipient could wear both awards together, provided they completed the full periods of qualifying service for each.

[7] The Territorial Efficiency Medal is an oval silver medal, 38 millimetres (1.5 inches) high and 31 millimetres (1.2 inches) wide.The obverse bears the effigy of King George V in Field Marshall's uniform facing left, circumscribed by the inscription "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:".

The reverse has a raised rim and bears the inscription "TERRITORIAL EFFICIENCY MEDAL" on three lines.

The 32 millimetres (1.26 inches) wide ribbon is plain dark green with yellow edges.