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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Navy DEP Practice Test: Ranks, Paygrades, and DEP Basics

Quick quiz for Navy boot camp prep. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Damari NavarroUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Navy DEP test quiz on dark blue background

This Navy DEP practice test helps you check your grasp of DEP rules, ranks, and paygrades before boot camp. For more hands-on review, try the navy boot camp quiz and the navy terminology quiz. Want a deeper dive? Work through Navy BMR questions next for extra practice.

What does DEP stand for in the Navy?
Deferred Enlistment Program
Detailed Entry Program
Delayed Entry Program
Direct Enlistment Program
The Navy's DEP stands for the Delayed Entry Program, which allows recruits to commit to future service while preparing for boot camp. It provides time for medical screening, administrative processing, and initial fitness training. DEP is administered by Navy recruiting commands to ensure a smooth transition into active duty. .
Which paygrade corresponds to a Seaman Recruit in the Navy?
E-3
E-4
E-1
E-2
In the Navy enlisted paygrade structure, a Seaman Recruit is classified as paygrade E-1. This is the entry-level rank for all enlisted sailors upon initial enlistment. Understanding paygrade assignments is a key part of DEP orientation. .
What is the primary benefit of selecting a ship date while in DEP?
Opportunity to prepare and train before shipping
Reservist bonus
Guaranteed advanced pay
Job specialization guarantee
Selecting a ship date in DEP allows recruits to plan and prepare for boot camp, including fitness training and personal affairs, before reporting to basic training. It also secures a spot in an upcoming recruit training cycle. This planning helps reduce stress and increases success rates at RTC. .
During DEP, what rank does a recruit hold?
Seaman Recruit
Petty Officer Third Class
Civilian, no rank
Seaman Apprentice
DEPers remain civilians until they ship to recruit training and take the oath of enlistment. They are not on active duty and thus hold no Navy rank while waiting in DEP. This is an important distinction regarding pay, benefits, and authority. .
Which form is used for the initial medical screening in the DEP process?
SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions
DD Form 2807-1 Report of Medical History
DD Form 214 Certificate of Release
NAVPERS 1070/613 Record of Emergency Data
DD Form 2807-1, Report of Medical History, is the initial document used to screen recruit medical history. It helps MEPS medical staff determine if a recruit meets health standards. A second medical examination form (DD Form 2807-2) follows if needed. .
How long can a recruit remain in DEP before shipping to recruit training?
Indefinitely
Up to 12 months
Six months
Two years
Navy policy generally limits the DEP period to 12 months before shipping to recruit training. If a ship date is not set within that time, enlistment contracts may be subject to administrative separation. This timeline ensures force management and training pipeline efficiency. .
Which oath must recruits take before departing for basic training?
Oath of Enlistment
Oath of Citizenship
Officer Commissioning Oath
Oath of Allegiance
Enlisted recruits take the Oath of Enlistment, which commits them to serve in the armed forces. This oath is administered by a commissioned officer or authorized official at MEPS or the recruiting office. It differs from the Oath of Office given to commissioned officers. .
What attire are DEP recruits typically authorized to wear to official meetings?
Navy Working Uniform
Service Khaki
Civilian clothes
NWU Type I
While in DEP, recruits are considered civilians and usually attend meetings in civilian attire unless directed otherwise. They do not wear uniforms until they report to recruit training and are issued Navy uniforms. This policy maintains a clear separation between DEP and active duty status. .
What is the primary purpose of the DEP?
To allow recruits time to prepare before basic training
To train officers at OCS
To assign permanent duty stations
To delay shipping in times of war
The DEP gives future sailors time to complete administrative, medical, and academic requirements before reporting to boot camp. It helps recruits prepare physically and mentally for service life. DEP also allows the Navy to manage training quotas and ensure readiness. .
How often are DEP recruits generally required to attend check-in sessions with their recruiter?
Only before shipping
Daily
Monthly
Weekly
DEP recruits typically check in with their recruiter on a weekly basis to update personal information, ensure medical clearance is current, and track preparation progress. This routine keeps recruits on schedule for shipping dates and reduces administrative delays. .
Which document becomes legally binding only when a recruit reports to boot camp?
Local recruitment agreement
Enlistment contract
Civilian job offer
Recruiter's handbook
The enlistment contract (DD Form 4) is signed upon commitment but does not take full legal effect until the recruit ships to recruit training and is sworn in. Before that, recruits remain in DEP and may be administratively separated if they do not ship. .
What type of administrative action can occur if a DEP recruit fails to meet program requirements?
Administrative separation
Honorable discharge
Dishonorable discharge
Court-martial
Recruits who do not meet DEP standards - such as failing medical or fitness requirements - are administratively separated from the program. This separation is not a dishonorable discharge, as recruits are not yet on active duty. .
At what minimum age can one enlist in the Navy DEP with parental consent?
19 years old
18 years old
17 years old
16 years old
Applicants aged 17 may enlist in the DEP with parental consent, but must be 17 at the time of contract. Those 18 and older may enlist without consent. DEP candidates under 17 are not eligible for enlistment. .
Which document verifies a recruit's educational credentials during the DEP process?
SF-50 Personnel Action
Security clearance memo
High School Diploma or GED
ASVAB score report
Recruits must present a valid high school diploma or GED certificate during DEP processing to verify you meet education requirements. ASVAB scores establish qualification for ratings but do not substitute for a diploma. .
What level of conduct must DEP recruits maintain per Navy regulations?
No specific conduct requirements
Optional code of conduct
Good moral character
Honorary status
DEP recruits are expected to maintain good moral character to remain eligible for service. Any criminal activity or misconduct can result in administrative separation. These standards help ensure deployable, trustworthy personnel. .
What is the minimum AFQT score generally required to qualify for Navy enlistment?
40
31
20
35
Most Navy ratings require a minimum AFQT score of 31, which places recruits in Category III. Higher-tier ratings may demand higher line scores. The AFQT is derived from four subtests of the ASVAB. .
Which paygrade corresponds to a Petty Officer Second Class?
E-5
E-3
E-4
E-6
Petty Officer Second Class is paygrade E-5 in the Navy rank structure. Promotion to this level requires advancement exams and time-in-rate. Recognizing paygrades helps recruits understand career progression. .
What does MEPS stand for in the Navy enlistment process?
Military Entrance Processing Station
Marine Enlistment Processing Station
Military Enlistment Processing Service
Main Entrance Personnel Station
MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station, where recruits undergo medical examinations, aptitude testing, and final processing before service. It is a joint-service facility that prepares candidates for enlistment. .
If a DEP recruit fails the initial medical screening, they may request which of the following?
Enlistment bonus
Job reclassification
Administrative separation
Medical waiver
Recruits who do not meet medical standards at MEPS can request a medical waiver, which allows a case-by-case review of their condition. Waiver approval depends on current needs and risk assessments. Without a waiver, recruits are separated. .
What form number is the standard enlistment contract for the Navy?
NAVPERS 1070/613
SF-86
DD Form 4
DD Form 214
The standard enlistment contract for all U.S. Armed Forces is DD Form 4, Enlistment/Reenlistment Document. It formalizes the terms of service, pay, and bonus agreements. It becomes effective upon shipping to basic training. .
Which of these is NOT a component of the initial Physical Screening Test for DEP recruits?
Two-minute crunches
Push-ups
Sit-ups
1.5-mile run
The Navy's initial Physical Screening Test includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. There is no separate two-minute crunches event; sit-ups serve that purpose. This test measures baseline fitness before boot camp. .
Which base houses the primary Navy recruit training center?
Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes
Naval Station San Diego
Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Air Station Pensacola
All enlisted recruits for the U.S. Navy attend boot camp at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes in Illinois. It is the Navy's only boot camp location. It provides standardized training for all fleet sailors. .
Who typically administers the Oath of Enlistment to Navy recruits?
Sailor recruit trainer
Recruiter's administrative assistant
Command Master Chief
Commissioned officer at MEPS
A commissioned officer at MEPS or an authorized official administers the Oath of Enlistment. This formal ceremony marks the legal enlistment into the U.S. Navy. Recruiters facilitate processing but do not swear in recruits. .
What type of ID card do DEP recruits carry to verify their program status?
Recruiter-issued DEP ID card
No ID is issued
DD Form 2 Military ID Card
Common Access Card (CAC)
DEP recruits receive a recruiter-issued DEP ID card, which confirms their status in the program and allows access to certain resources. They are not issued a Common Access Card until they become active duty. .
What action describes a recruit leaving the DEP without ever shipping to boot camp?
AWOL
Court-martial
Administrative separation
Voluntary reenlistment
Recruits who decide not to ship to boot camp or fail to meet DEP requirements are administratively separated from the program. They remain civilians and do not receive a discharge characterization since they never entered active duty. .
Which instruction provides detailed policies on the Navy Delayed Entry Program?
OPNAVINST 1130.8
SECNAVINST 1420.1
BUPERSINST 1610.10
NAVPERS 15665I
OPNAVINST 1130.8 is the primary instruction that governs the Navy Delayed Entry Program, defining recruiter responsibilities, DEP recruit management, and separation procedures. It is updated regularly by the Chief of Naval Operations. .
Which test must applicants take to qualify for Navy nuclear field enlistment?
NAPT
ASVAB
LCAT
ASTB
The Nuclear Apprentice Program Test (NAPT) is required for recruits enlisting in Navy nuclear fields. It measures advanced math and reading comprehension beyond the ASVAB. Successful candidates qualify for specialized training pipelines. .
Which organization adjudicates security clearances for Navy recruits?
FBI
Local Recruiting Office
DoD Central Adjudication Facility
NSA
The DoD Central Adjudication Facility (DoD CAF) is responsible for reviewing and granting security clearances for service members, including recruits. They assess background investigations and determine clearance eligibility. .
MOS in Navy enlisted ratings stands for what term?
Medical Operations Specialty
Military Occupational Specialty
Maritime Operations Section
Marine Ops Standard
MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialty, a term more commonly used in the Marine Corps, but it helps describe a sailor's job specialty in joint-service contexts. In the Navy, the equivalent is simply 'rating.' .
According to OPNAVINST 1130.8, how many days may a recruit defer shipping due to personal hardship?
30 days
120 days
60 days
90 days
OPNAVINST 1130.8 allows recruits to defer shipping for personal hardship reasons up to 90 days, subject to approval by the commanding officer at their recruiting district. This deferment helps manage unforeseen circumstances without administrative separation. .
Which program allows enlistees to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School before full Academy admission?
ROTC Scholarship
NAPS
OCS Prep
SWO Dam Program
The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) prepares candidates academically and physically before they enter the U.S. Naval Academy. Enlistees can be selected for NAPS through a separate process, not standard DEP. .
DEP recruits are typically required to live within how many miles of their recruiting office?
30 miles
50 miles
100 miles
10 miles
Recruiting policy generally requires DEP participants to remain within 30 miles of their recruiting office to ensure availability for appointments, MEPS travel, and training check-ins. Exceptions must be approved by the recruiter. .
Which event must DEP recruits complete within 30 days of their enlistment date?
Basic Life Support course
Initial Strength Test
Safety training certification
Sea Trial
Recruits must complete the Initial Strength Test (IST) within 30 days of enlistment to ensure they meet minimum fitness standards for naval training. The IST measures push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run performance. .
Which medical form authorizes shipment for recruits with approved waivers?
NAVMED 6120/3 Report of Medical Board
NAVPERS 1070/602 Dependency Application
OPNAV 5400/1 Ship's Configuration
NAVMED 1300/1 Diving Manual
NAVMED Form 6120/3 documents medical waivers approved by a medical waiver authority, allowing recruits with certain conditions to ship to training despite initial disqualifications. It is the final clearance for enlistment. .
Which instruction governs Navy enlisted ratings and advancement exams?
SECNAVINST 1230.1
OPNAVINST 3500.39
BUPERSINST 1610.10
NAVPERS 18068F
NAVPERS 18068F, Navy Ratings and Ratings Exams Manual, outlines the structure of enlisted ratings, job descriptions, and advancement exam content. It guides sailors through career progression requirements. .
Pay Entry Basic Date (PEBD) is used to calculate which of the following?
Basic Allowance for Subsistence
Enlistment bonus eligibility
Overtime pay
Retirement pay
PEBD marks the start of a sailor's service for purposes of pay and retirement calculations. It affects longevity pay and retirement eligibility. Accurate PEBD recording is critical for career milestones. .
Which Navy instruction covers performance evaluation reports for enlisted personnel?
OPNAVINST 6110.1
NAVMED P-117
SECNAVINST 5300.17
BUPERSINST 1610.10
BUPERSINST 1610.10 governs enlisted evaluations, including periodic performance reports (EVALs). It sets policy for reporting periods, counseling, and promotion recommendations. While not directly DEP, it is vital for career management post-shipping. .
What does Joint Services Transcript (JST) provide for prior-service applicants?
Medical history records
Security clearance level
Official pay statements
Verified training and education credits
The JST is an official record of military training, experience, and education, which prior-service personnel can use to earn college credit or verify qualifications for ratings. It streamlines transition into the Navy. .
Which form authorizes background investigations for security clearances?
DD Form 93 Record of Emergency Data
SF-52 Request for Personnel Action
SF-85 Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions
SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions
SF-86 is the standard form used to collect personal and background information for national security clearance investigations. Recruits requiring classified access complete this form during processing. .
What key date on a recruit's contract indicates when they must report to boot camp?
Ship date
Enlistment date
Report-to-work date
Contract signature date
The ship date on a recruit's DD Form 4 is the date they are scheduled to report for recruit training. It is the date the contract goes into effect, and recruits are sworn in as active duty. .
Which paygrade is associated with Petty Officer First Class?
E-5
E-7
E-6
E-4
Petty Officer First Class holds paygrade E-6 in the Navy enlisted structure. Advancement to E-6 requires passing exams, meeting time-in-rate, and performance evaluations. .
Which exam must an E-4 take to advance to E-5 in the Navy?
DEP Advancement Test
Navy Advancement Exam
Rating Knowledge Exam
Fleet Forces Exam
Sailors take the Navy Advancement Exam, which assesses knowledge in general military subjects and rating-specific material, to advance from E-4 to E-5. Scores and performance evaluations determine promotion eligibility. .
Under what condition can a DEP recruit be eligible for an enlistment bonus?
Only officers receive bonuses
Only after completion of boot camp
No bonuses for DEP recruits
Guaranteed rating availability
Recruits who sign for certain high-demand ratings with guaranteed availability may receive an enlistment bonus upon contract execution. Bonuses are detailed in a contract addendum and become payable after shipping to basic training. .
A recruit becomes active duty upon signing the enlistment contract.
False
True
Recruits in the DEP are not on active duty until they ship to boot camp and take the oath of enlistment. Before shipping, they remain civilians under a deferred enlistment contract. Active-duty status begins when they report to recruit training. .
Which separation code is typically used for recruits administratively separated from DEP for failure to ship within 365 days?
Separation Code 351
Separation Code 305
Separation Code 341
Separation Code 316
Separation Code 316 is used for individuals who fail to ship within the maximum time allowed in DEP. This code indicates an administrative separation due to failure to report. Separation codes track reasons for discharge or release. .
Medical waivers for DEP recruits are documented under which instruction?
SECNAVINST 5420.109
BUPERSINST 1610.10
OPNAVINST 6110.1
NAVMED P-117
OPNAVINST 6110.1, the Physical Readiness and Medical Standards for Military Service, details medical waiver procedures and documentation. It outlines criteria for granting waivers to recruits and service members. .
Which voluntary education program allows DEP recruits to begin correspondence courses before shipping?
Voluntary Education Program
College Fund
Tuition Assistance
GI Bill
The Navy Voluntary Education Program permits recruits and sailors to take accredited correspondence courses before and during service. DEP recruits may begin these courses to advance their education ahead of enlistment. .
Which program was specifically created to reduce DEP no-shows by offering enlistment incentives?
NROTC Scholarship
SMART Program
A School Guarantee
College Fund Program
The Selective Merchant Marine Aid for Recruit Training (SMART) Program provided enlistment incentives to reduce DEP no-shows by offering additional financial benefits. It targeted high-demand ratings. While less common today, it influenced later bonus programs. .
Which document must recruits review for detailed job duties and requirements for their chosen rating?
OPNAVINST 3500.39
NAVEDTRA 14355A
RELR (Rating Entry Level Requirements)
BUPERSINST 1610.10
The Rating Entry Level Requirements (RELR) document outlines specific job duties, qualification standards, and training prerequisites for each enlisted rating. It guides recruits and trainers in preparing for A School. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core DEP Objectives -

    Learn the purpose, enrollment process, and key benefits of the delayed entry program navy to build a solid foundation before boot camp.

  2. Identify Rank and Paygrade Structures -

    Recognize and differentiate between enlisted ranks and paygrades within the navy dep program to navigate career progression.

  3. Recall Eligibility and Timeline Requirements -

    Memorize the essential criteria, milestones, and deadlines associated with navy delayed entry participation.

  4. Navigate the DEP Start Guide -

    Follow step-by-step instructions from the navy dep start guide to ensure you're fully prepared for your departure date.

  5. Apply Test-Taking Strategies -

    Use effective methods to tackle practice questions and master core topics on the navy dep test.

  6. Evaluate Personal Readiness -

    Assess your confidence and preparedness levels to identify areas for improvement before officially entering the delayed entry program.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Rank and Paygrade Basics -

    Familiarize yourself with enlisted (E-1 to E-9) and officer (O-1 to O-10) paygrades so you can ace questions on the delayed entry program navy ranks. Remember the mnemonic "Enlisted Earn, Officers Oversee" to recall that E-levels focus on technical tasks while O-levels lead divisions. Official Navy personnel charts (OPNAVINST 1000.16) are a great reference for visualizing rank insignia and pay scales.

  2. DEP Enrollment and Timeline -

    Understand the navy dep program timeline, including the maximum 365-day window between enlistment and boot camp, to navigate your delayed entry confidently. Know key milestones like medical screenings, background checks, and contract amendments, as outlined in the Navy DEP Start Guide. Quizzing yourself on these deadlines ensures you're ready for the navy dep test dates without missing a step.

  3. Administrative Requirements -

    Review essential paperwork such as your enlistment contract, G.I. Bill forms, and the security clearance SF-86 to satisfy navy delayed entry administrative tasks. Use a checklist approach - borrowed from the official Navy Recruiting Command resources - to ensure vaccination records, ID verification, and legal documents are in order. This habit prevents last-minute surprises when shipping off for boot camp.

  4. Core Values and Code of Conduct -

    Memorize the Navy's Core Values - Honor, Courage, Commitment - using the acronym "HCC" to answer ethics and leadership questions on the navy dep test with confidence. Dive into the Department of the Navy's official guidelines to see real-life scenarios where these values apply. Internalizing these principles will help you demonstrate the right mindset from DEP through active duty.

  5. Physical Readiness Standards -

    Master the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) components - push-ups, planks, and the 1.5-mile run - by tracking your reps and times against Navy requirements (NAVADMIN 260/18). Chart your progress weekly, aiming to exceed minimum standards so you approach boot camp with a performance edge. A simple formula, "PRT Score = Push-ups + Plank seconds/10 + Run score," can help you estimate your overall readiness score.

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