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Free Army Board Exam Prep

U.S. Army Promotion Board (SGT/SSG)

Prepare for the Army Board exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

Army Military Promotion Exams License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation

1

Phase 1: Core Regulations & LeadershipYou are here

Master AR 670-1, AR 600-20, FM 6-22, and the NCOER system.

25
hours
2

Phase 2: History, Values & Customs

Memorize Army Values, creeds, rank structure, and key battles.

15
hours
3

Phase 3: First Aid & Force Protection

Study TC 4-02.1, 9-line MEDEVAC, TCCC, CBRN, and FPCON levels.

15
hours
4

Phase 4: Mock Boards

Practice with NCO mentors in a mock board setting to build confidence.

15
hours
Estimated total study time
70 hours
That's about 7 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the Army Board Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
No specific age requirement beyond active service
Education
No civilian education requirement for board appearance; civilian education earns promotion points separately
Experience
Must meet the AR 600-8-19 Table 3-1 time-in-service and time-in-grade criteria for the applicable zone
Additional Requirements
  • Chain of command recommendation required
  • Must not be flagged under AR 600-8-2 or command-referred to ASAP
  • Must appear in the prescribed service uniform (AGSU or ASU) per the unit memorandum of instruction

Army Board Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

4-8 weeks recommended

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

Unit-level NCO boards conducted at battalion or brigade level

In-Person Only
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Soldiers who do not pass may reboard at the next scheduled unit board, typically the following month, with chain of command recommendation.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$0
Total Estimated Cost$0 — board is free for active duty soldiers
Why Choose Us

Free Army Board Prep Tools

Reported exam pass rate: Not publicly reported; varies by unit and soldier preparation level.. Check the exam sponsor for the latest official figure.

100 Practice Questions

Covers all major board topics from AR 670-1 to chain of command.

AI-Powered Learning

Get instant explanations for Army regulations, doctrine, and procedures.

2026 Updated

Aligned with current Army regulations, FM 6-22, and SMA guidance.

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What You'll Study

11 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

Army Board Exam Details

U.S. Army Promotion Board (SGT/SSG)

Administered by U.S. Army / Unit-Level NCO Boards

Official Source
Pass/Fail by board vote (majority of board members)
Passing Score
Oral
Questions
30-45
Minutes
Free (military)
Exam Fee
Study time: 40-80 hours
Prerequisites: Must be recommended by the chain of command and meet the AR 600-8-19 Table 3-1 time-in-service and time-in-grade criteria; BLC is required before the SSG board appearance.

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official U.S. Army / Unit-Level NCO Boards content outline

Promotions and the Board Process

AR 600-8-19 eligibility zones, promotion points, board composition and conduct, and the mandatory situational and Individual Critical Task List requirements.

Uniforms, Grooming, and Awards

AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1 wear and appearance, Army Directive 2025-18 grooming standards, Army Directive 2025-13 facial hair policy, and the AR 600-8-22 awards system.

Leadership, Counseling, and Evaluations

ADP 6-22 Army Leadership Requirements Model, mission command, ATP 6-22.1 developmental counseling, and the AR 623-3 NCOER.

Customs, Courtesies, Drill, and Organization

AR 600-25 salutes and honors, flag etiquette, TC 3-21.5 drill and ceremonies, rank structure, the chain of command, and the NCO support channel.

Army History, Heritage, and Creeds

Army birthday and Continental Army origins, evolution of the NCO Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Army, major campaigns, Army Values, and the Soldier's and NCO Creeds.

Army Programs and Command Policy

SHARP under AR 600-52, Military Equal Opportunity under AR 600-20, ASAP under AR 600-85, suicide prevention, prohibited activities, and retention.

First Aid, CBRN, and Force Protection

TC 4-02.1 and ATP 4-02.83 Tactical Combat Casualty Care, the 9-line MEDEVAC request, CBRN defense and MOPP, and AR 525-13 force protection conditions.

Military Justice and the Law of War

The UCMJ, Article 15 non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, the Code of Conduct, the law of armed conflict, guard duty, and operations security.

Weapons, Land Navigation, and Readiness

TC 3-22.9 individual and crew-served weapons, TC 3-25.26 map reading and land navigation, the Army Fitness Test, and the Army Directive 2026-13 waist-to-height body composition standard.

Training and Sustainment

AR 350-1 training management, the Individual Critical Task List and Digital Job Book, Sergeant's Time Training, PMCS and maintenance, and property accountability.

What's Included

11 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

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What's Next After the Army Board?

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Army Board Exam FAQ

Official U.S. Army / Unit-Level NCO Boards Resources

Verify information with these official sources

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