Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS)

The Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS) is a United States Air Force program that determines promotions to the ranks of Staff Sergeant (E-5) and Technical Sergeant (E-6).

The Promotion Fitness Examination is a test of material taken from the Professional Development Guide. It covers a wide range of US Air Force knowledge, including history, organization, regulations, practices, traditions, and customs. The number of PFE points awarded is equal to the number of correct responses out of the 80 items on the exam.

The Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT) is a test of material taken from the Career Development Course (CDC), applicable Air Force instructions, and manuals for each Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). The SKT is specific to each Airman’s AFSC. The number of SKT points awarded is equal to the number of correct responses out of the 100 items on the exam.

Promotion Eligibility Requirements

In order to compete for promotion, an Airman must be eligible and their record must be weighable. An Airman is eligible for promotion if they meet the eligibility requirements in DAFI 36-2502. An Airman’s Data Verification Record reflects whether their promotion record is weighable or nonweighable.

Airmen Responsibilities and Requirements

  • Airmen must present their Common Access Card (CAC) to the Test Control Officer (TCO) and their Electronic Data Interchange Personnel Identifier (EDIPI) on the CAC must match the EDIPI on the examinee roster from AFPC. The first name and last name (and suffix if any) on the CAC ID MUST match your name in the testing system.
  • Examinees must wear an authorized uniform or the uniform of the day when testing. This requirement is waived for those examinees who have been authorized to test off-base at Commercial Testing Centers for force protection and security. Also, OSI agents may be tested in civilian clothes.
  • Airmen testing off-base may schedule at any available time at the commercial testing center and should attempt to minimize negative impact to their mission responsibilities.
  • Airmen testing off-base will follow local procedures for official travel in their local area. The maximum allowable travel distance to a commercial testing center will be determined by local policy.
  • Airmen will be responsible for creating a log in and password prior to their test date. Airmen testing on base who do not have an active password or account at the time of testing will be considered a “no show” and rendered ineligible the rest of the promotion testing cycle.

*NOTE: Passwords expire after 60 days of being created. Airmen (depending on when they are scheduled to test ) will need to reset their password the day before they test.

Last updated 2023-09-22