It's time to start preparing -- 2012 WAPS testing cycle to begin

  • Published
  • 51st Force Support Squadron
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 2012 Weighted Airman Promotion System testing begins with the 12E8 Senior Master Sergeant Promotion cycle December 1 to 14; the 12E6/E7 Technical and Master Sergeant Promotion cycle is February 1 to March 31, 2012; and the 12E5 Staff Sergeant Promotion cycle is May 1 to June 15, 2012.

For those who are not already preparing, here is a reminder of the individual's responsibilities:
--Know when you are eligible for promotion; you can check your status via vMPF
--Take prompt action to correct promotion file when errors are found
--Know your testing requirements
--Review the 2012 Enlisted Promotions References and Requirements Catalog (formerly WAPS Catalog) at https://www.omsq.af.mil/TE/EPRRC.pdf to identify reference requirements
--Obtain and study the correct material, to include non-CDC references at least 60 days prior to the start of the testing cycle
--Promptly contact your unit WAPS monitor when WAPS CDCs are not received or are incorrect
--Maintain the issued material until it is superseded or no longer needed
--Be prepared to test on the first day of the cycle
--If present for any portion of the test administration window you must test prior to PCS

Each eligible Airman is only authorized one "initial" issue based on skill level status - senior airmen receive 5-Level material, staff and technical sergeants receive 7-Level material.

Initial material for staff and technical sergeants is the same material. Airmen will not receive another set of "initial" after promotion to technical sergeant unless it is "new" material.

After the initial issue, Airmen only receive updates/changes to previously issued material. For example, if a new volume or supplement is printed, this new material is sent to Airmen to add to the previous year's material.

Airmen must maintain their issued CDC materials for the next year's testing until superseded or no longer needed.

WAPS study material is ordered every August and mailed to each base by the end of September. For those scheduled to receive a new set or changes and do not receive them by December 1, contact the unit WAPS Monitor.

For members with a DEROS prior to November 1, the material will be mailed to the gaining MPF.

Members are required to maintain study material during years of ineligibility (i.e. two-year periods between ranks). Airmen who lose or fail to follow up on obtaining their CDCs can purchase a set of replacement material for $20.

***IMPORTANT***
The new 2011 Professional Development Guide (PDG) hard copy will not be shipped until October or November. The interim E-version is available at http://pdg.af.edu/. The interim E-version is considered valid access for the minimum 60-day study time prior to testing.