980 Sailors aboard Independence, ranks E-3 to E-5, have finished putting their rating knowledge to the test.

Recently, on the aft mess decks, the final advancement exam for Petty Officer 1st Class was given by the Educational Services Office, concluding this exam cycle. However, if you're one of the many exam participants, the only thing you may want to know is whether you're going to make rank or not.

"On the last exam cycle, 39 percent of E-3's advanced to E-4, 10 percent to E-5, and 11 percent to E-6," said Ens. Rey Corpuz, Educational Services Officer from Manila, Philippines. "We expect around the same percentages this exam," he added.

However, making rank is not just taking an exam, there are many things that come into play.

"Making rank is determined by the Navy's need for personnel in each specific rating known as the Career Reenlistment Objectives (CREO) groups, a Sailor's personnel evaluations, awards, passed-but-not-advanced points (PNA), and the score on the advancement exam," said Personnelman 3rd Class Mark Pierson, Navy Educational Specialist and a native of Westville, N.J.

"Ratings are broken down into three CREO groups: one, undermanned; two, manned at desired level; and three, overmanned," said Pierson. "Many ratings in the aviation fields are CREO one and are wide open for advancement unlike the administrative ratings which are CREO group three."

According to Pierson, another major part of making rate is your evaluation and award points.

"A good evaluation from your chain of command and award points could be the determining factor if you are going to advance," he said.

"Although CREO groups, award points, and evaluations are big factors in advancing, your test is the most important aspect." Pierson said.

With the testing finished, patience is the only item left to work on. "The exam results are expected to be announced in early Dec.," said Pierson. "There's nothing to study that will make it quicker."