Advancement Study Guides

Resources to prepare for your next advancement exam.

CWT3 — E-4

Study guide and bibliography for CWT3 advancement exam

Navy COOL BIBs
CWT2 — E-5

Study guide and bibliography for CWT2 advancement exam

Navy COOL BIBs
CWT1 — E-6

Study guide and bibliography for CWT1 advancement exam

Navy COOL BIBs
CWTC — E-7 Chief

Study guide and bibliography for CWTC advancement exam

Navy COOL BIBs
More study materials coming soon

In the meantime, use the official Navy COOL Advancement Bibliographies.

Open Navy COOL

Key References & Publications

NAVEDTRA 14234A — IT Fundamentals

Navy Rate Training Course covering foundational IT concepts. No public URL — request from your training officer or access via Navy eLearning (CAC required).

CAC Required — Request via Training Office
NAVEDTRA 14295A — Cryptology

Rate Training Course specific to cryptologic operations. No public URL — request from your training officer or access via Navy eLearning (CAC required). Essential reading for advancement exams at all paygrades.

CAC Required — Request via Training Office
DoD 8140 Manual

Defines cyberspace workforce qualifications and certification requirements. Directly relevant to NEC eligibility.

Open
CJCSM 6510.01B — Incident Handling

Joint Chief of Staff Manual for cyber incident handling and reporting. Search the JCS Library for the current version. Required knowledge for CSSP roles.

Open
NIST SP 800-61 Rev 3 — Incident Response

Computer Security Incident Handling Guide (current edition). Foundational reference for all DCO and CSSP certification exams.

Open
MyNavy HR — Advancement Info

Official source for advancement cycle dates, eligibility, and administrative requirements. Bookmark this page.

Open
Pro Tips for Advancement
  • Review the current Advancement Bibliography (BIB) — it lists exactly what's on the exam.
  • Study Professional Military Knowledge (PMK) material; it's weighted heavily.
  • Complete all required training and qualifications before your exam cycle.
  • Ensure your FITREP / EVAL reflects mission impact and technical leadership.
  • Use JKO to knock out required courses before exam cycle opens — late completions may disqualify you.
  • Your NEC-specific technical knowledge is tested — know your NAVEDTRA rate training courses cold.