Promotion Eligibility

Question 1

Airman Basic to Airman

Answer 1

6 months TIG

Noncompetitive

Unit Commander recommendation

Question 2

Airman to Airman First Class

Answer 2

10 months TIG

Noncompetitive

Unit Commander recommendation

• Individuals initially enlisting for a period of 6 years:
  
  • Promoted from AB or Amn to A1C upon completion of either technical training
  • …or 20 weeks of technical training, whichever comes first

Question 3

Airman First Class to Senior Airman

Answer 3

• 20 months TIG
• 36 months TIS
• or 28 months TIG whichever is first

Unit Commander recommendation

Noncompetitive

Must attain 3-skill level by effective date of promotion

Question 4

SrA Below The Zone (BTZ)

Answer 4

• Competitive one time promotion consideration for stellar A1Cs
• If chosen, A1Cs are promoted six months early
• Must meet same skill level requirement
• Candidates will compete within unit level or a central base board depending on unit size and Wing CC requirements

Question 5

Promotion eligibility - NCO ranks

Answer 5

• Competitive
• Weight Airman Promotion System (WAPS)
  
  • used to promote to the ranks of SSgt & TSgt
  • Airmen compete and test within their Control Air Force Specialty Code (CAFSC)
  • 475 total points possible
  • Four weighted factors considered
  • SrA are eligible to WAPS test once minimum TIS, TIG, and required skill levels are met

Question 6

• Promotion eligibility - NCO ranks
  
  • Four weighted factors considered

Answer 6

• Four weighted factors considered
  
  • Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT)
    
    • Tests AF Specialtly Code knowledge
    • 100 max points
  • Professional Fitness Examination (PFE)
    
    • Measures military and supervisory knowledge independent of AFSC
    • 100 max points
  • Decorations
    
    • 25 max points
  • Enlisted Performance Reports (EPR)
    
    • Total score based on previous 3 EPRs
    • 250 max points

Question 7

Stripes for Exceptional Performers (STEP)

Answer 7

• Available to SrA and SSgts only (promotions to SSgt or TSgt respectively)
• Designed to promote deserving hard-chargers who are behind their peers usually due to poor test performance
• Commanders should guard against using this program as BTZ
• Isolated acts or single achievements should not be sole basis for STEP promotion
• Minimum TIS/TIG reqs still apply
• PME reqs must still be met
• An individual may not receive more than 1 promotion in 12 month period
• Exception: SrA must serve 6 months TIG before promotion to SSgt

Question 8

SrA to SSgt

Answer 8

6 months TIG

3 years TIS

5-level by Promotion Eligibility Cutoff Date (PECD)

Question 9

SSgt to TSgt

Answer 9

23 months TIG

5 years TIS

7-level by PECD

Question 10

Promotion eligibility - Master Sergeant

Answer 10

• Competitive
  
  • 675 total points possible
  • Four weighted factors considered
    
    • SKT
      
      • 100 pts
    • PFE
      
      • 100 pts
    • Decs
      
      • 25 pts
    • *Board Score
      
      • Individual’s records are reviewed and scored by each promotion panel member
      • Board Score replaces EPR points
      • 450 Max points
    • Must meet minimum TIG/TIS skill level reqs (see TSgt to MSgt card)

Question 11

TSgt to MSgt

Answer 11

24 months TIG

8 years TIS

7-level by PECD

Competitive

Question 12

Promotion Eligibility - Senior Master Sergeant/Chief Master Sergeant

Answer 12

• Competitive
• 575 total points possible
• Three weighted factors considered
  
  • *USAF Supervisory Exam
    
    • It’s Objective
    • 100 max points
  • Decorations
    
    • 25 max points
  • Board Score
    
    • 450 max points

Question 13

MSgt to SMSgt

Answer 13

20 months TIG

11 years TIS

SNCO Academy

CCAF

Question 14

SMSgt to CMSgt

Answer 14

21 months TIG

14 years TIS

SNCOA

CCAF