Sailors attached to Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA) and tenant commands participated in Cycle 225 advancement exams for their assigned rating at McCormick Gym, March 2, 9 and 16.

The E4-E6 advancement exams are semiannual tests used to determine a Sailor's knowledge of his or her 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 pay grade.

A large percentage of the final multiple is obtained from a Sailor's PMA. PMAs are based on yearly and occasional evaluation reports in which Sailors are ranked amongst their peers by respective chains 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 which break 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 Sailors of the same rating gather together to study in hopes 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 [petty officer] third class."

Roberts said his time devoted to studying for his advancement to petty officer first class 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 pay grade."

Greer said she finds motivation to push her to work harder for advancement to petty officer second class.

"My son is my biggest motivation," said Greer. "I also have goals to earn a commission, and making it the next pay grade would further me in achieving that goal."

For more information on the Navywide Advancement Exam, visit the Navy Advancement Center webpage at https://www.nko.navy.mil/group/navy-advancement-center.

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For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit http://www.navy.mil/.