East China Sea. (April 21, 2024): Test anxiety is an unpleasant fact for U.S. Sailors seeking promotion, and for good reason. In this photo by Seaman Apprentice Aaron Haro Gonzalez, Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt take the Navy-wide advancement exam which will likely decide whether they will advance in their careers. Sailors compete against each other in the same “rate” or profession and for the few promotable slots available which makes the examination all that more critical.

To be eligible to take the exam, Sailors must meet all the necessary requirements and be recommended by their commanding officer for promotion. The test is standardized to provide an unbiased tool to help rank qualified candidates for promotion. The exam consists of 175 questions related to a Sailor’s duties and responsibilities and the results are part of the formula used by the Navy to promote the very best.

For these Sailors, test anxiety is an unpleasant fact as they compete to advance in their careers.