 The Chief Petty Officer exam is an annual measure of which first-class petty officers are eligible to move up in rate, though the test is only just the beginning. It's not really a pass or fail. It's whether or not they're found to be board eligible. So the exam itself, the individual's performance mark average, which is a culmination of their last several years evaluations, and then, of course, their record as a whole is reviewed by the CPO board. And that's how the decision is made, whether or not they're going to make Chief Petty Officer or not. The process of becoming a Chief takes several months to unfold. The results for this exam will be posted within the next couple months. Usually in the March or April timeframe, sailors will find out that they were found to be board eligible. The process can be lengthy and difficult, but the pride, honor, and tradition of becoming a Navy Chief is a worthwhile endeavor. I'm Simon John Marzullo, Fleet Activities South Subo, Japan.