What if you could skip the usual line‑up, get your Navy-wide advancement exam on your own schedule, and still keep the chain of command happy?
Sounds like a stretch, right? Plus, turns out the Navy already built a loophole for exactly that scenario. It’s called a CO‑OIC‑approved request—a formal way for a commanding officer or officer in charge (OIC) to give you permission to sit for a navy‑wide advancement exam outside the standard testing window Turns out it matters..
If you’ve been hearing whispers about “CO‑OIC approved” and wondering whether it’s worth the paperwork, you’re not alone. In practice, it can be a game‑changer for sailors who need a little flexibility—whether you’re about to ship out, dealing with a family emergency, or simply trying to align the exam with a personal study sprint. Below is everything you need to know, from the basics to the nitty‑gritty of pulling it off without a hitch.
What Is a CO‑OIC Approved Request for a Navy‑Wide Advancement Exam
In plain English, a CO‑OIC approved request is a formal, written endorsement from your commanding officer (CO) or the officer in charge (OIC) of your department that authorizes you to take a navy‑wide advancement exam at a time or location that deviates from the standard schedule The details matter here..
The Navy runs a handful of “navy‑wide” exams each year—chief petty officer (CPO) exams, enlisted advancement exams, and certain rating‑specific tests. Now, normally, these are administered on set dates at designated testing centers. The request lets you break that mold, but only if the higher‑up chain signs off Not complicated — just consistent..
Real talk — this step gets skipped all the time.
Where Does the Process Live?
The request lives in the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) system, specifically under the Advancement and Rating (A&R) Office. When you submit a request, it gets routed through your command’s administrative office, then up to the rating’s career manager for final approval That alone is useful..
Who Can Submit It?
- Sailors: Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for the exam in question.
- CO/OIC: Must be the officer who has direct authority over the sailor’s rating or billet.
If you’re a petty officer looking to jump to the next paygrade, you’re the one filling out the form. The CO/OIC just signs it—no extra signatures needed unless you’re in a joint command.
Why It Matters / Why People Care
You might ask, “Why go through all this hassle?” Because the standard exam windows don’t always line up with real life. Here are three scenarios where a CO‑OIC approved request can make a huge difference.
1. Deployment Timing
Imagine you’re slated to ship out in two weeks, but the next navy‑wide exam isn’t until the following month. If you wait, you’ll miss the chance to advance before you leave, potentially costing you a pay bump and a better billet on the next ship. A CO‑OIC request can move the exam forward, letting you qualify before you deploy.
Some disagree here. Fair enough.
2. Family or Medical Emergencies
Life throws curveballs. A sudden family illness or a personal medical issue might make the standard exam dates impossible. The request is a formal way to say, “I need to take this exam now, and I have my command’s blessing Small thing, real impact..
3. Study Rhythm
Some sailors thrive on intensive study blocks. If you’ve just finished a grueling sea‑phase and have a clear month ahead, you might want to schedule the exam during that window rather than during a busy sea tour. Aligning the exam with your personal peak performance can boost your score.
Bottom line: the request is a tool for aligning career progression with the messy reality of naval life. Skipping it means you’re stuck with the “one size fits all” calendar, which rarely fits anyone perfectly Most people skip this — try not to. That's the whole idea..
How It Works (Step‑by‑Step)
Getting a CO‑OIC approved request off the ground isn’t rocket science, but it does involve a few moving parts. Below is the typical workflow, broken down into digestible steps.
1. Verify Eligibility
Before you even think about paperwork, make sure you meet the basic requirements for the exam:
- Time‑in‑rate: Minimum months of service in your current rating.
- Performance: Satisfactory or better on your latest evaluation.
- Training: Required courses or qualifications completed (e.g., NECs).
If you’re missing any of these, the request will be denied automatically Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
2. Talk to Your Immediate Supervisor
A quick chat with your division chief or leading petty officer can save you time. They’ll let you know if the request is realistic and may even help you draft the justification.
Pro tip: Bring a one‑page outline of why you need the exception—personal circumstances, deployment schedule, etc. The clearer you are, the smoother the approval Surprisingly effective..
3. Complete the Official Form
The Navy uses NAVADMIN 063/23 (or the latest iteration) as the template. The form includes:
- Sailor’s name, rank, rating, and billeting location.
- Desired exam date(s) and location (if off‑site).
- Reason for request (choose from the list or write a brief narrative).
Fill it out electronically if your command uses the MyNavy Portal; otherwise, a typed PDF works fine.
4. Get the CO/OIC Signature
Hand the form to your commanding officer or the officer in charge of your department. They’ll sign in the “approval” box and add any comments.
What if they hesitate? Offer a short oral brief—explain the impact on your career and how the request won’t disrupt the command’s mission. Most COs appreciate the initiative.
5. Route the Form to the Rating’s Career Manager
Your command’s admin office will forward the signed request to the Rating Career Manager (RCM). This is the person who ultimately decides if the exam can be scheduled outside the standard window.
6. Await Confirmation
The RCM will either:
- Approve: You’ll receive a confirmation email with the new exam date, location, and any special instructions.
- Deny: You’ll get a brief note explaining why, often citing lack of testing slots or conflict with the exam’s integrity.
If denied, you can appeal by providing additional documentation—medical records, deployment orders, etc Small thing, real impact. But it adds up..
7. Register for the Exam
Once approved, you still need to register through Navy Advancement Examination System (NAES). Use the new date and location provided. Remember to bring your Military ID, exam admission ticket, and any required rating‑specific equipment (e.Day to day, g. , a calculator for certain technical exams).
8. Prepare and Take the Test
All the paperwork is done, now it’s study time. Stick to a schedule, use the latest Rating Manuals, and consider a quick review session with a senior who’s already passed the exam.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
Even with a solid process, sailors trip up on the details. Here’s the short version of what most get wrong—and how to avoid it.
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Late
The navy‑wide exam calendar is set months in advance. If you wait until the last minute to request an exception, the testing center may already be fully booked.
Fix: Start the conversation at least 45 days before the desired exam date.
Mistake #2: Vague Reasoning
A generic “personal reasons” line gets flagged. The RCM needs a concrete justification.
Fix: Be specific—mention deployment orders, a medical certificate, or a family emergency with dates Worth keeping that in mind..
Mistake #3: Forgetting the CO/OIC Signature
Some sailors think a digital approval is enough. The Navy still requires a hand‑signed endorsement on the official form.
Fix: Print the form, have the CO sign, then scan it back in.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Rating‑Specific Prereqs
You might be cleared for the exam, but you missed a required NEC (Navy Enlisted Classification). The request will be denied automatically.
Fix: Cross‑check the rating’s Advancement Requirements on the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website before you start Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Mistake #5: Assuming Approval Means Automatic Scheduling
Even after approval, you still have to register through NAES. Skipping that step results in a “no‑show” and a missed chance to advance.
Fix: Mark the registration deadline on your calendar the same day you get the approval email Not complicated — just consistent..
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
Now that you know the process and pitfalls, let’s talk about tactics that actually move the needle And that's really what it comes down to..
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Create a One‑Pager
Draft a single‑page document that includes:- Desired exam date & location
- Reason (with supporting dates)
- Impact on your career and the command
Attach it to the official form. It shows you’re organized and makes the CO’s job easier.
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apply Your Rating Mentor
A senior petty officer who’s already advanced can vouch for you in the request. A quick note from them can tip the scales Easy to understand, harder to ignore.. -
Use the “Deployment Cycle” Argument
If you’re about to ship, frame the request as “advancing before deployment improves billet options on the next ship.” Commanders love forward‑thinking. -
Keep Copies of Everything
Save PDFs of the signed form, email confirmations, and any supporting documents. If a glitch occurs, you have proof. -
Follow Up Politely
After you submit, send a brief email to the admin office: “Just checking on the status of my CO‑OIC approved request for the 2024 CPO exam. Thank you!” A gentle nudge can prevent it from slipping through the cracks Turns out it matters.. -
Plan Your Study Around the New Date
Once you have the exam locked in, build a study calendar that ends a week before the test. Use Navy Learning Management System (NLMS) modules and practice exams. -
Prepare for the Logistics
If the approved location is off‑base, arrange transportation and lodging early. The Navy won’t cover off‑site travel for an approved request, so budget accordingly Nothing fancy..
FAQ
Q: Can I request a CO‑OIC approved exam for any navy‑wide test?
A: Mostly yes, but some high‑stakes exams (e.g., the SEAL Physical Screening Test) have stricter rules. Check the specific exam’s instruction manual Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Q: How long does the approval process usually take?
A: Typically 7‑10 business days after the CO/OIC signs the form, assuming no missing documents.
Q: Will my exam score be treated any differently because of the exception?
A: No. Once you sit the exam, your score is processed exactly like any other candidate’s.
Q: What if my request is denied? Can I appeal?
A: Yes. Submit a written appeal with additional evidence (e.g., medical records) to the Rating Career Manager within 5 business days of the denial And that's really what it comes down to..
Q: Do I still need to meet the standard eligibility dates (time‑in‑rate, etc.)?
A: Absolutely. The CO‑OIC approval only waives the scheduling restriction; it doesn’t override basic eligibility That's the part that actually makes a difference. And it works..
That’s the whole picture. The CO‑OIC approved request isn’t a secret shortcut—it’s a formal, transparent way for the Navy to give sailors flexibility when life throws a curveball.
If you’ve been stuck waiting for the next exam window, take the initiative: talk to your supervisor, fill out that form, and get that signature. In practice, a little paperwork can mean a big payoff—both in paygrade and in the confidence that you’re steering your career, not the other way around.
Good luck, and see you at the testing center.
