Story By: JO2 Henry Rice
email: parice72@cv62.navy.mil
Date: February 25, 1998
With less than a week before the E-4 advancement exam, some Sailors are finally realizing now would be a good time to start preparing for the test. Many Sailors have their own ways to help them study for tests, while others have no idea where to start.
The E-4 exam will be administered on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; the E-5 Exam will be administered on Thursday, March 5 at 6:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and the E-6 Exam will be administered on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 a.m. All exams will be conducted on the after mess decks.
Ideally, you should have started preparing for the exams the day you became eligible to take it. If you have been studying, these tips may also help. The tips are provided by Navy Marine Corps News and The Navy Petty Officer Manual.
Studying in a small group can be helpful. The group should consist of one or two other people who will be taking the same test as you and are committed to being advanced. Sailors in the group can broaden their knowledge in a given area by asking each other questions and discussing the answers.
The questions should come from the Rate Training Manuals (RTM) and Basic Military Requirements (BMR), as well as any other references on the Bibliography for advancement. Writing questions on one side of a flash card, with the answer and reference on the other can be one of the best ways to study.
After you've been studying with your group a few times, it's the day before the exam. What's next?
The evening before the exam, briefly go through the questions that you have been studying as a final review. Also, try to get plenty of rest and hit the rack early (if you can).
Now on the day of the test, you should wake up well rested and relaxed. Try to do a little light physical activity and eat a light breakfast. If you eat too much, you may become drowsy or sleepy during the test.
DO NOT try and cram for the test by reviewing your flash cards or RTM questions. If you have a specific question, review only that area of the study material.
Just remember, the more prepared you are to take the test, the better off you will be.