JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Earning a promotion to technical sergeant is a challenging and sometimes daunting undertaking for many Airmen. The recent E-6 promotion release brought joy to 92 Charleston Airmen and their families, but it was also disappointing for 408 other eligible staff sergeants.

Sewing on technical sergeant stripes is rewarding in terms of increased responsibility and a sizeable boost to personal income. The average selectee will see an increase of almost 10 percent in base pay and 17 percent in housing allowances, resulting in an estimated gain of $6,000 per year.

This does not factor the early opportunities for additional promotions, pay raises and advancement in the length of a career. Many Airmen have asked me to comment on promotion and to recommend actions for better tests results.

The first thing I ask is how much preparation was completed. Answers usually fall into two categories - one being Airmen who did not commit as much time as they should have, and the other being those who invested an adequate amount of time but with unremarkable results.

The promotion process involves many weighted factors with two key aspects being the Specialty Knowledge Test and the Professional Fitness Examination. These are the areas which Airmen have full control over and should therefore dedicate their preparation and study efforts to scoring well.

How much should they study? Each Airman should gauge this by understanding their capability to comprehend and retain information. It surprised me to learn that the Air Force average for non-selectees on both tests was in the 50 percent range. Scoring at or less than 50 percent on a test should be a dead giveaway that your preparation technique has failed. Determine what method of study works. It may be writing out flash cards, listening to audiotapes, using one of the commercial study guides or reading the material multiple times.

One approach for understanding your abilities is to take a few college courses. Attending college builds the mental capacity for critical thinking, test taking, comprehension and self-confidence. Routine studying gives the brain a good workout throughout the year. Once you recognize your preference for understanding material, work hard at it. Mine was using flashcards. If you have been reading through the study materials and it resulted in low scores, then change something for next year - you already know the result from the current process.

Study and preparation for the promotion tests is an individual responsibility. Capitalize on resources such as the free Professional Development Guide audiotape from the Air Force Professional Development Branch at https://www.omsq.af.mil/pd/MP3s.htm.

Dedicate the necessary time and approach your study plan with a sense of purpose. The disappointment you have endured should fuel your motivation to be successful next year. Testing for promotion is not a matter of luck, it is about personal commitment and desire to achieving a dream. You too can celebrate earning a stripe next year!