PQS & Promotions

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) uses a rank structure and promotions to help cadets develop leadership, responsibility, discipline, and a strong understanding of naval traditions. Rank is not simply a title or recognition—it represents increased knowledge, experience, and the ability to take on greater responsibilities within the unit. As cadets advance, they are expected to demonstrate proficiency in required training, display good conduct, and show that they are prepared to lead and support other cadets. The promotion process gives cadets meaningful goals to work toward while teaching them that leadership is earned through effort, commitment, and performance. Ultimately, the rank system helps prepare cadets to become confident, responsible leaders both within the Sea Cadet program and in their communities.

SEA CADET RANKS

RECRUIT CANDIDATE (RC)
When cadets join they begin as Recruit Candidates. For the first 60 days, recruits focus on learning the basics of what it means to be a Sea Cadet, including general knowledge and military bearing & expectations.

The requirements for promotion from RC to Seaman Recruit (SR ) are these:

  • Time: 60 days/2 months in rank as RC

  • Completion of SR Coursework & SR Exam on Polaris

  • Completion of Recruit Orientation (RO) run by the division with a favorable final evaluation

  • Taken the Physical Readiness Test (PRT). In Rochester, we test in October & April.

  • Completion of SR PQS. Download checklist here…

  • Approval of promotion by the Commanding Officer

When these requirements are met, a cadet is eligible for promotion to Seaman Recruit.

SEAMAN RECRUIT (SR)
Cadets must achieve the rank of Seaman Recruit in order to be eligible to attend Recruit Training (RT), aka “Boot Camp.”

The requirements for promotion from SR to Seaman Apprentice (SA) are these:

  • Time: 90 days/3 months in rank as SR

  • Completion of SA Coursework on Polaris

  • Complete PRT with a score/level 2 or higher. In Rochester, we test in October & April.

  • Completion of SA PQS. Download checklist here…

  • Approval of promotion by the Commanding Officer

When these requirements are met, a cadet is eligible for promotion to Seaman Apprentice.

SEAMAN APPRENTICE (SA)
In the rank of Seaman Apprentice, cadets must demonstrate they are motivated to transition from follower to leader. From this point forward, the advancement requirements become more challenging to meet. The requirements for promotion from SA to Seaman (SN) are these:

  • Time: 180 days/6 months in rank as SA

  • Completion of SN/E-3 Coursework on Polaris

  • Complete PRT with a score/level 3 or higher. In Rochester, we test in October & April.

  • Graduation from Recruit Training (RT), aka “Boot Camp”. Graduation from RT is a prerequisite for participation in all other Sea Cadet Advanced Trainings (AT).

  • Graduation from 1 additional Sea Cadet Advanced Training

  • Completion of SN PQS. Download checklist here…

  • Approval of promotion by the Commanding Officer

When these requirements are met, a cadet is eligible for promotion to Seaman.

SEAMAN (SN)
Seaman is the first rank where most cadets find themselves moving into leadership roles in the division.

The requirements for promotion from SN to Petty Officer 3rd Class (PO3) are these:

  • Time: 180 days/6 months in rank as SN

  • Completion of PO3 Coursework & PO3 Exam on Polaris

  • Complete PRT with a score/level 3 or higher. In Rochester, we test in October & April.

  • Graduation from 1 additional Sea Cadet Advanced Training

  • Approval of promotion by the Commanding Officer

When these requirements are met, a cadet is eligible for promotion to Petty Officer 3rd Class.

PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS (PO3)
Petty Officers assume the highest leadership roles in the division. Petty Officers assist adult Officers in planning and carrying out the Plan of the Day (POD) at drill, as well as participate in the planning and execution of other division activities.

The requirements for promotion from PO3 to Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) are these:

  • Time: 180 days/6 months in rank as PO3

  • Completion of PO2 Coursework & PO2 Exam on Polaris

  • Complete PRT with a score/level 3 or higher. In Rochester, we test in October & April.

  • Graduation from Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA)

  • Approval of promotion by the Commanding Officer

When these requirements are met, a cadet is eligible for promotion to Petty Officer 2rd Class.

PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS (PO2)
Cadets who join in 9th or 10th grade, and who are motivated to meet the promotion requirements, including graduation from the required Advanced Trainings, ought to be able to achieve a minimum rank of PO2 prior to graduation. Simply “checking the boxes” is not enough to advance through the Petty Officer ranks. Sea Cadet standards are high, and promotions consider demonstration of leadership skills, military bearing, and exemplary representation of the Sea Cadet Core Values, Oath and Code of Conduct.

The requirements for promotion from PO2 to Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) are these:

  • Time: 180 days/6 months in rank as PO2

  • Completion of PO1 Coursework & PO1 Exam on Polaris

  • Complete PRT with a score/level 3 or higher. In Rochester, we test in October & April.

  • Graduation from 1 additional Sea Cadet Advanced Training

  • Approval of promotion by the Commanding Officer

When these requirements are met, a cadet is eligible for promotion to Petty Officer 1st Class.

PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS (PO1)
Cadets achieving the rank of PO1 are held to the highest standards. Promotion through the Petty Officer Ranks weigh recommendations from adult Officers more heavily than prior ranks.

The requirements for promotion from PO1 to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) are these:

  • Time: 180 days/6 months in rank as PO1

  • Completion of CPO Coursework on Polaris

  • Chief Petty Officer Board Interview with a favorable evaluation and recommendation for promotion

  • Complete PRT with a score/level 3 or higher. In Rochester, we test in October & April.

  • Serve as a Staff Cadet at a Recruit Training (RT) or Navy League Orientation (NLO)

  • Approval of promotion by the Commanding Officer

When these requirements are met, a cadet is eligible for promotion to Chief Petty Officer.

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (CPO)
Chief Petty Officers represent the best of the Sea Cadet Program - it is the highest cadet rank. Not every cadet will be able to achieve the rank of CPO, depending on their motivation and ability to attend the required number of Advanced Trainings, and the number of years they spend enrolled in Sea Cadets. Promotion to Chief Petty Officer is considered a high honor and is recognized as a significant achievement. The national Sea Cadet program has worked hard to provide opportunities for Chiefs that go above and beyond leadership in their home division.