More than 900 sailors aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) took part in the Navywide September advancement exam cycle at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF).

The advancement exams, administered on the first, second, and third Thursdays of September, are 175 question multiple choice tests that cover basic military and professional knowledge.

Planning for the September cycle began five months ago.

“It takes a lot of time to prepare a crew this large for the exams,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Curtis Moen, from Kalispell, Mont. “We had to ensure every test taker had their most recent evaluation and that their advancement worksheets were signed.”

While study habits for each sailor differ, research shows Stennis sailors who study an average of five hours a week have an 82 percent chance of advancing.

“When I looked at my profile sheet, I knew where my weak spots were,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Christopher Rubalcava, from El Paso, Texas. “I studied a couple of hours every week and focused on my weaker subject areas.”

To advance to the next higher pay grade, a sailor must score above the final multiple score for that exam cycle. The final multiple score is comprised of various items including the test score, performance evaluation average and time in pay grade.

“For this test cycle, I knew I to needed to do more than just study,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Chris Jimenez, from San Juan, Puerto Rico. “I’m hoping my eval and education points help me advance to second class.”

Advancement results are expected before the 2015.

Stennis is currently undergoing a Docking Planned Incremental Availability maintenance period at PSNS & IMF.

For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis 74.