What the Course Entails and Exam Details

This examination focuses strictly on military memorization, Naval customs, and physical readiness standards. It does not cover specific job technical skills, as those are taught later in "A" School.

Key study topics include:

The Sailor’s Creed and the Core Values (Honor, Courage, Commitment). The 11 General Orders of a Sentry. Navy and Marine Corps Officer and Enlisted Rank Structure. Naval uniform regulations and grooming standards. Basic Military Timekeeping. Chain of Command structure. Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) standards and requirements.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

While not a single standardized "sit-down" test in the civilian sense, the DEP "final exam" is a series of continuous evaluations conducted by recruiters and staff during DEP meetings and upon arrival at Boot Camp.

Assessments are typically multiple-choice written tests, verbal "quizzing" under pressure (e.g., reciting General Orders on command), and practical evaluations of military bearing.

There isn't a universally fixed passing score; however, a recruit must demonstrate near-perfect proficiency in memorization (especially of the General Orders and Sailor's Creed) and meeting minimum physical standards before being deemed "ready to ship."

 How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for DEP is primarily self-study and participation in mandatory DEP meetings. Recruiters provide future Sailors with a "START" guide, which serves as the primary textbook for all required knowledge.

The most effective study method is consistent, repeated memorization using flashcards and rote recitation. It is crucial to practice these requirements aloud, as recruits will be required to recite them during periods of physical and mental stress in Boot Camp.

Assessments and check-ins take place primarily at local Navy Recruiting Stations (NRS) or during regional DEP functions managed by Navy Talent Acquisition Groups (NTAG). The final culmination and validation of this knowledge occur during the initial days ("P-Days") of Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes.

 Job Opportunities from the Course

Mastery of the Delayed Entry Program material does not directly lead to a specific rating (job) within the Navy; that is determined by a recruit's ASVAB score.

However, performing exceptionally well in DEP can unlock immediate advancement opportunities, allowing a recruit to graduate Boot Camp at a higher paygrade (e.g., advancing from Seaman Recruit (E-1) to Seaman Apprentice (E-2) or Seaman (E-3)). This performance also sets the foundation for success in any technical Navy job ("rating") a Sailor chooses, such as:

Electronics Technician (ET) Hospital Corpsman (HM) Master-at-Arms (MA) Cryptologic Technician (CT) Nuclear Machinist's Mate (MMN)