Obverse:
The crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right with the words ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D. inscribed around the medal.

Reverse:
The inscription THE CADET FORCES MEDAL surrounding a representation of a hand holding a torch.

Ribbon:
Green central band with thin red edges, on the left of which is a narrow dark strip and the right of which is a narrow light blue strip. On both edges of the ribbon are strips of yellow.