The Servicewide Examination (SWE) Guide (Updated 2024) provides detailed descriptions on how a SWE works along with what processes and procedures are required to be followed by members and their commands to ensure a successful SWE cycle.
Background: Many procedures must be followed to make a service wide cycle successful. Below is a general overview of the sequence of events that must occur. For details and specific dates of these events, refer to The Servicewide Exam Guide.
| STEP |
ACTION |
| 1. |
Member meets advancement eligibility requirements outlined the Enlisted Advancements and Evaluations Manual. |
| 2. |
Commanding Officer recommends member for advancement on latest Employee Review. |
| 3. |
Unit receives ALCGENL or ALCGPSC message announcing the upcoming SWE. Unit passes message info on EOCT and SWE waivers, timeline, and other important message data to members. |
| 4. |
PPC posts PDE to Direct Access. Corrections to PDE are initiated by member and completed by unit and SPO. |
| 5. |
Member follows up to ensure that PDE corrections are reflected in Direct-Access prior to PDE Correction Deadline Date. |
| 6. |
Unit notifies PPC via message of any waiver requests, changes to Exam Board OPFAC and changes of eligibility status of members prior to PDE Correction Deadline Date. |
| 7. |
PPC (adv) sends SWE tests and instructions to the SWE Officer of the exam board unit. |
| 8. |
SWE Officer notifies PPC (adv) of any missing or incorrect exams. |
| 9. |
SWE Officer administers SWE and follows pre and post-test handling procedures provided in administrator's booklet. |
| 10. |
PPC (adv) scans test answer sheets and uploads scores to Direct-Access for inclusion into members final multiple scores. |
| 11. |
PPC (adv) ensures Profile Letters containing exam score, and final multiple scores are posted in DA. |
| 12. |
CGPSC (epm) or (rpm) releases the Advancement Eligibility List and cutoffs. |
| 13. |
CGPSC (epm) or (rpm) releases monthly Advancement Announcement Messages with the names of members authorized to promote on the first day of the upcoming month. |
| 14. |
PPC (adv) completes advancements in the pay and personnel system and completes and forwards CPO Certificates to E7's and above. |
IMPORTANT: All SWE Officers should read this handbook in its entirety prior to each service wide exam cycle. This handbook contains specific instructions on receipt, administration, and post exam procedures.
Servicewide Exam Officers Handbook
Leadership and Management School (LAMS) Completion Deadline for Servicewide Exam Participation Waiver Process Guidance
Completion of a Leadership and Management School (LAMS) Course is required for advancement to first class petty officer. Occasionally individuals incur complexities or extenuating circumstances when attempting to obtain a LAMS class quota, which are beyond the members’ control. LAMS completion deadline waivers are available to allow for certain provisions where individuals are unable to complete LAMS prior to the Servicewide Examination Eligibility Date (SED). PPC (ADV) has created a process guide which provides reference to policy, procedures and information on submitting Leadership and Management School (LAMS) completion deadline waivers to PPC.