What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The preparation for this exam centers on the official "START Guide for Future Sailors." This course covers foundational Navy knowledge, custom, and courtesies. Key topics you must master include the Navy’s Mission and Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. You will need to memorize the 11 General Orders of a Sentry and the Navy’s unique vocabulary, including military time and the phonetic alphabet. Additionally, you will study the entire chain of command, from your recruiter to the President, and learn to identify all Navy enlisted and officer ranks.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

While the practice test is a flexible study tool, it mirrors the format of the official knowledge test you will take within your first few days at RTC Great Lakes. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions that require sharp recall of the memorized material, such as quoting a specific General Order or identifying a rank insignia. To achieve a passing score and be eligible for automatic advancement to Seaman Apprentice (E-2), recruits often need to score at least 100% or miss no more than a few questions, depending on the current guidelines.

How to Study and Exam Centers

The best way to prepare is through active memorization. Utilize flashcards for general orders, ranks, and vocabulary. Recite these aloud to build muscle memory. The Navy offers an official mobile application for the START Guide, which includes interactive practice tests. Study groups with fellow DEP members are highly effective for mutual testing. This practice exam can be taken from any computer or mobile device. The final, official test will be administered physically at the Recruit Training Command upon your arrival.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Successful completion of the Navy START material and the subsequent basic training unlocks all career paths within the Navy. This initial step is your doorway to hundreds of specialized roles. Mastering this guide sets you on a trajectory of leadership and achievement. Below are some of the entry-level career fields you will be eligible to pursue after finishing your training:

• Seaman

• Airman

• Fireman

• Constructionman (Seabees)

• Hospital Corpsman

• Cryptologic Technician

• Intelligence Specialist

• Operations Specialist