Which paygrades are eligible for advancement exams in the enlisted ranks?

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In enlisted advancement, the testing component is used for promotions from the lower noncommissioned ranks up to senior noncommissioned ranks. The exam is part of the process for advancing from Third Class up to Chief Petty Officer, meaning paygrades E-4 through E-7 take the advancement exam and have their score combined with time in rate and performance to determine eligibility. Promotions to E-8 and E-9 rely on a selection board rather than an exam, and those at E-1 through E-3 advance primarily through time in service and other criteria rather than this exam. Therefore, the paygrades eligible for advancement exams are E-4 through E-7.