The E4-E6 Advancement Exams are semiannual tests that are used to determine a Sailor’s knowledge of their rating. The scores from these tests are combined with Performance Average (PMA), Pass-not-advance (PNA) points earned from previous exams, award points and educational points earned from achieving degrees. The Sailors with a final multiple above the average of their peers are advanced to the next paygrade.
A large percentage of the final multiple is obtained from a Sailor’s PMA. PMAs are based on yearly and occasional evaluation reports where Sailors are ranked amongst their peers by their chain of command.
“The goal is to try and elevate myself above my peers through in rate expertise, volunteering, educational opportunities and collateral duties,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Roberts. “If I stand out, I’ll earn a better evaluation report.”
Prior to each advancement exam, the Navy Advancement Center releases Bibliographies (Bibs) for each rating exam that breaks down, in topics and subtopics, what will appear on the examinations. The Bibs are intended for Sailors to utilize; to narrow and organize their studies.
“I spent a lot of late nights and weekends using the Bib to help me study,” said Roberts. “I did a lot of self-training and met with fellow Logistic Specialists on ships for additional training.”
Often times, Sailors of the same rating will get together to study in hopes that they can help each other excel on the exam.
“The Yeomen in my office gather once a week to train each other and study,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Kaitlyn Greer. “We take turns administering training sessions, and last cycle it proved to be helpful when two of our Sailors advanced to 3rd class.”
Roberts says his time devoted to studying for his advancement to 1st Class Petty Officer is not wasted, even if he does not advance just yet.
“I guess we’ll find out in May,” said Roberts. “It’s hard managing your time, but it’s all about making it to the next paygrade.”
Greer says she finds motivation to push her to work harder for advancement to 2nd Class Petty Officer.
“My son is my biggest motivation,” said Greer. “I also have goals to earn a commission, and making it the next paygrade would further me in achieving that goal.”
For more information on the Navy-Wide Advancement Exam, visit the Navy Advancement Center webpage at https://www.nko.navy.mil/group/navy-advancement-center.