does anyone remember if the PFE only for 3d career field was just for this year or for this year and next year?

I've heard both. But I've also read they haven't even started on some of the CDCs for a few of the new career fields.

I'm just wondering how the cutoff will be affected...it was 328 last year (for 3C0X1)...my guess is that number is going up. $1 bet on 340...

Just a note on the CDC part of the question: AMS has a job listing right now for a MSgt 3D0X4 to write CDCs, so no only do they not have CDCs, but they haven't even identified someone to write them yet. It will be hard to write, review and distribute CDCs in time for next year's testing cycle.

The announcement mentioned only one year.

Historically, this sort of situation (career field redefinitions and mergers) has led to two years of PDG only testing.

This will be my first year testing so what are the advantages/disadvantages of pdg only?

There really isn't an advantage or disadvantage. Since all people will be on the same playing field. However, the scores normally required for a PFE/PDG only test tend to be a bit higher than if you tested on both areas.. This is due to the fact that everyone will be studying for one test only therefore their scores will be higher on that one test. If you are a 3C/3D braniac who has been concentrating only on the SKT/CDC side of the house you may be at a disadvantage. Put down the CDCs and the networking books you read at night and pick up the other one (the one that collects dust in everyone's house until this time of year). First time testers will probably be at a disadvantage due to TIS/TIG etc., but it can be made up on the test. Score above an 80 and you should have a legitimate chance...no real science to my guess, just past experience.

I was promoted to SSgt, TSgt and MSgt all testing without the SKT test..due to three mergers in our career field and one special duty assignment. It can be done, but it makes it harder until you get some time under your belt.

Advantage: Only one thing to study

Disadvantage: Cutoff score goes up slightly, [supposedly] harder version of the PFE then if taking both PFE and SKT. At least thats what I've heard.

Though this is not my first time testing it is first time with PDE only. Should be interesting cause I'm almost testing out of cycle. M wife made TSgt testing PFE only.


BTW - has anyone tested out of cycle before? I was under the impression that you will have the advantage of knowing the cutoff based on the current grade cycle. Basically you only compete against yourself and your ability to make that cutoff? Is this true?

My one and only time testing for SSgt I was out of cycle. So it is basically if you test far enough out of cycle that the scores are already out, you'll have a really good idea. I mean everything else you can calculate up yourself. I'm not sure how it works with TIG/TIS points though. Do you get it them when you test, or when the cycle started?

Heh. That answer is covered in the material you are supposed to study for the test . . ..

The TiG points are calculated out to the first day (and the last day for TiS) of the final month when someone selected in THAT CYCLE could be promoted.

The way it broke down for Tech and Master this year was that Comm would have been taking the same version of the PFE whether the conversion took place or not. At least on the day and time that I tested anyway.

IIRC testing out of cycle can be a double edged sword for the career field because the AF takes into account those testing out of cycle will be promoted and modifies the cutoff accordingly. In other words, if the assumes that 25 3D0X2s that are deployed will make rank, the cutoff will be 25 in-cycle selectees higher.

It can't be an exact science such as this the cutoff is an average based on scores not a set number. That is why you are not racked and stacked but rather just have to meet the cutoff score. They can have no way of knowing how many people will make the cutoff testing out of cycle. other that statistical info. I'm sure the statistical number of promotees testing out of cycle is factored into the cutoff some how though.

Yes I made staff out of cycle and it is true that you have the advantage of knowing the cutoff. If you do well enough on the test you can all but know when you walk out of the test if you made it or not. All you have to do is score above the cut off and then you will have a line number that will look like 10730.5 or something like that.