Nuke Qualifying Test

[DDMurray]

Don't take this the wrong way, but the purpose of the test is see if you have the background to be successful in the pipeline.  Unless you're several years removed from school I don't think there are any topics that can be pinpointed as more important than others.  It's been 26 years since I took the exam and I'm sure it's different now. 

[MCWunjo]

They provided a calculator for my test. It was ancient. Had a 3-state switch nobody knew the function of. Anyways, I don't remember the test so well so I couldn't tell you what was on it, sorry. It was mostly math on my version, though. Not too much chemistry. The only equations I remember needing to recall were for area and volume. Don't stress about it. Hopefully you like your original rating just in case. Good luck.

[crewjobs_too]

My son had scored a 99 on the ASVAB back in January at MEPS  and they told him that he had automatically qualified for nuke and was supposed to meet the nuke recruiter that same day to complete his package, but by chance the nuclear recruiter was not at MEPS that day. They had to come back next week.  On the return visit to MEPS the nuclear officer was there and he made them all take the NAPT anyway.  He scored a 69 out of 80.   My son says it was not hard. They handed out 4 function calculators to use even though he brought a graphing calculator with him. 

Best of luck to you.

I'm very nervous for the test, and so have been studying like crazy. I did well on my asvab, 88, and was only 4 points off, 246 out 250, from being automatically qualified for nuke. With that in mind, should I be stressing so much over the NAPT?

[co60slr]

Lastly, I hear they let you use calculators, so can you use a texas instruments Ti-84 graphing? It can transmit data, which I heard they disqualifies them. If anybody knows if they check, and go by this it would be great, and if so recommend a good graphing, or scientific calculator which fits the regulations.

My first recommendation is to ask your Nuke Recruiter.  He'll have the lastest information for you.

Secondly, reconsider your thoughts of "maybe my calculator is illegal but hey guys...do they check?".   Do the right thing in this field.  That simple philosophy will carry you a LONG way.  Besides, guess what happens if someone figures out DURING the exam that you're essentially cheating.   Feel free to search "cheating" and "integrity" in this forum in your spare time even if only to note the number of postings on the subject.

Finally, I don't think I ever used a graphing calculator for anything but calculus courses (outside the Navy).  A cheap Casio FX114 or whatever $20 or less scientific calculator should be fine.  Otherwise, I'm known to read more into postings here than I should, but it sounds like you have a fear of math (i.e., using a calculator as a crutch?).    The (only?) way to ease your fear of this important subject is to practice, practice, practice.   In the future, you'll likely be more graded on how you set up a problem...not how fast your fingers got to a 5 significant digit number that fails to answer the question.   It's been awhile, but you may find yourself losing only 0.5 pts on an 8 pt question for a math error, and all 8 pts if you fail to understand the concept.

The best advice I received in high school from my amazing Physics teacher:   "I don't care what YOUR answer is...I want to know how you got there!"

Welcome to the world of Engineering.

Co60

[rmdiebold]

Hi guys.. so heres my situation maybe you can help me out. I scored a 92 on the AFQT my combined total of all the tests was 650.. my requiter says thats good. The paper i got also says i don't need to take the NAPT.. however my problem is i didn't go to a tier 1 school in high school and the highest math class i've complete was basic algebra. i was told not completing higher math makes it hard to get into nuke. I've had hardly any college classes and i'm beginning to think my recruiter might be slow.. does anyone have any advice on what i should do to make sure i get in and if i even qualify?? any advice would be welcome.

[retread]

Here is some advice:

Avoid pointing out 'stupid' things that 'smart' people do, because the 'smart' person knows what he is doing (that is why they are deemed 'smart') and the fact that you may think it was 'stupid' is because you are so.

A little advice: When giving advice ensure what you write is grammatically correct or you would not be deemed "smart".  Thus your awesome advice may not be taken and the person receiving it may suffer as a result.

[sovbob]

Hi guys.. so heres my situation maybe you can help me out. I scored a 92 on the AFQT my combined total of all the tests was 650.. my requiter says thats good. The paper i got also says i don't need to take the NAPT.. however my problem is i didn't go to a tier 1 school in high school and the highest math class i've complete was basic algebra. i was told not completing higher math makes it hard to get into nuke. I've had hardly any college classes and i'm beginning to think my recruiter might be slow.. does anyone have any advice on what i should do to make sure i get in and if i even qualify?? any advice would be welcome.

What do you mean when you say you "didn't go to a tier I school in high school"?  If you graduated from a traditional state-accredited public or private high school, you're tier I.  If you acquired your high school diploma from a non-traditional source (GED, foreign high school, home-school, etc) then you're tier II.  If you were home-schooled and you got above a 50 on the AFQT, you're upgraded to tier I (but you still need to take the NAPT).

The nuke requirement for math is Algebra I.  Pre-algebra is not acceptable.

Here's a quote from COMNAVCRUITCOM 1130.8H Volume 4 Section 010102
http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/publications/Directives/1130_8H_VOL%20IV_Programs%20%26%20Classification-with%20CH%206.pdf

"a. Education

(1) HSDG Required. Applicants for the NF Program must be HSDG from a state-
accredited high school and coded as “12L”. Applicants who attended any non-
traditional program during high school, applicants who attained HSDG status by any
means other than a state-accredited high school diploma, and applicants that graduated
from a foreign high school require a NF Type 2 Non-Traditional Education Waiver.
...
(3) Algebra. Applicants must have completed one year of high school or college
level algebra."

[rmdiebold]

What do you mean when you say you "didn't go to a tier I school in high school"?

Oh nothing, just my recruiter told me that they might not except me because i went to a tier II school... anyways thanks for the info and the help. I wasn't getting any answer to my questions with the recruiter so i figured I'd try a forum and see what I got. It was helpful.

[HydroDave63]

. And they will both clearly understand each other with a vocabulary of 100 words, not all of English origin.

and if they don't have a word for it, the placeholder word is "donkey **** apparatus" 

[Deannatroy]

Hi. I am 17, still in high school, and just signed up for the Navy. I got an 87 on my ASVAB, but scored a 238 on NUKE so I have to take the test as well. My current job is a CTR so I am not sure if I should try for NUKE or not. I have been adviced to by my recruiter and the Chief, but not sure how I will do. Can anyone tell me  what type of things are on the test? Last night was my first time even hearing the word NUKE!!!!

[co60slr]

Hi. I am 17, still in high school, and just signed up for the Navy. I got an 87 on my ASVAB, but scored a 238 on NUKE so I have to take the test as well. My current job is a CTR so I am not sure if I should try for NUKE or not. I have been adviced to by my recruiter and the Chief, but not sure how I will do. Can anyone tell me  what type of things are on the test? Last night was my first time even hearing the word NUKE!!!!

While you're going to get 40 people that tell you to start researching the Forum threads for your answers (and trust me...there are tons of unsorted Q&As with many "golden nuggets" for you to find), I'll offer a quick bit of advice:

Consider your resume in 6-8 years after the Navy when you're looking to get out.   What do you want to get out of the Navy (e.g., experience, education) that will help with those goals?    The question doesn't imply you have an immediate answer since many of us were once in your exact shoes.   Go to Monster.com (et al.) and find out who and how many are hiring Nukes, and how many are hiring Crypto Techs without college degrees.   

In comparison, I usually ask the same thing of guys wanting to go SEALS.    "How do you plan to market your skills in the civilian world....assuming you come back from the desert in one piece?"   (Usually got a blank stare on that one).  Glamorous titles don't always mean much on a resume.

As far as ANY recruiter goes, this joke applies about 110% of the time:  http://www.ahajokes.com/hea26.html

Good luck on your journey.  I doubt you'll lose...regardless of the path.

Co60

[DDMurray]

Remember this day.  If you end up going nuke, you'll remember the day because it's a decision that will shape your life, good or bad.  As far as what's on the test, it's mostly higher level Algebra, Basic Physics and Basic Chemistry.  Since you're still in school, I doubt you'd benefit from studying too much.

No matter what field you select, remember the things that will help you succeed in the Navy are the same things that will set you up for success when you get out.

I joined the Navy with the intention of being a radioman.  I changed to nuke at the last minute.  It was the best decision I ever made.  Good Luck!  Let us know what you decide to do.

[HydroDave63]

Hi. I am 17, still in high school, and just signed up for the Navy. I got an 87 on my ASVAB, but scored a 238 on NUKE so I have to take the test as well. My current job is a CTR so I am not sure if I should try for NUKE or not. I have been adviced to by my recruiter and the Chief, but not sure how I will do. Can anyone tell me  what type of things are on the test? Last night was my first time even hearing the word NUKE!!!!

Do you want to do exciting technical things that no one understands?

Want stimulating schools that teach one-of-a-kind procedures on old legacy equipment?

And, do you want to do them in an air-conditioned cube farm, or out at sea in a sweaty engineroom and eating monkey-on-a-stick in exotic ports of call?

[Deannatroy]

I will definitely keep you guys posted. I really do appreciate all the great advise and comments that you guys have given me because right now, you all are all I have to go by. My family is not the most supportive or even try to stay informed with what I do, and my recruiter has little information about because he is not a NUKE. So thanks everyone for your help.

[retread]

I will definitely keep you guys posted. I really do appreciate all the great advise and comments that you guys have given me because right now, you all are all I have to go by. My family is not the most supportive or even try to stay informed with what I do, and my recruiter has little information about because he is not a NUKE. So thanks everyone for your help.

The above link given to you would be of great help.  Read everything you can on these forums and most of your questions will be answered.  There are many here who can be very helpful.  Congratulations on your desire to serve our country, we are lucky to have you.  Now, go do some research!!

[Deannatroy]

The above link given to you would be of great help.  Read everything you can on these forums and most of your questions will be answered.  There are many here who can be very helpful.  Congratulations on your desire to serve our country, we are lucky to have you.  Now, go do some research!!

I am in the process of researching now. My recruiter is giving me little time to think this through because he has already scheduled for me to take the NUKE test, and continues to persuade me into believing that this is the best choice for me with no proof or reason. Also, I am unable to access the link you attempted to provide me with.

[Deannatroy]

My first recommendation is to ask your Nuke Recruiter.  He'll have the lastest information for you.

Secondly, reconsider your thoughts of "maybe my calculator is illegal but hey guys...do they check?".   Do the right thing in this field.  That simple philosophy will carry you a LONG way.  Besides, guess what happens if someone figures out DURING the exam that you're essentially cheating.   Feel free to search "cheating" and "integrity" in this forum in your spare time even if only to note the number of postings on the subject.

Finally, I don't think I ever used a graphing calculator for anything but calculus courses (outside the Navy).  A cheap Casio FX114 or whatever $20 or less scientific calculator should be fine.  Otherwise, I'm known to read more into postings here than I should, but it sounds like you have a fear of math (i.e., using a calculator as a crutch?).    The (only?) way to ease your fear of this important subject is to practice, practice, practice.   In the future, you'll likely be more graded on how you set up a problem...not how fast your fingers got to a 5 significant digit number that fails to answer the question.   It's been awhile, but you may find yourself losing only 0.5 pts on an 8 pt question for a math error, and all 8 pts if you fail to understand the concept.

The best advice I received in high school from my amazing Physics teacher:   "I don't care what YOUR answer is...I want to know how you got there!"

Welcome to the world of Engineering.

Co60

I do not have a NUKE recruiter because my recruiter is not a NUKE. How do I get in contact with one?

[Deannatroy]

Do you want to do exciting technical things that no one understands?

Want stimulating schools that teach one-of-a-kind procedures on old legacy equipment?

And, do you want to do them in an air-conditioned cube farm, or out at sea in a sweaty engineroom and eating monkey-on-a-stick in exotic ports of call?

I do want change. That was the reason for joining the Navy. After researching it, I want to take the NUKE test and am looking foward to the future as a NUKE.

[co60slr]

I do not have a NUKE recruiter because my recruiter is not a NUKE. How do I get in contact with one?

You walk into your recruiter's office and ask for a name and telephone number.  Then you say, "I'll continue discussing Navy options with you once I speak with someone that can anwer my specific questions."

You DO have a Nuclear Recruiter...you just haven't asked to speak with him yet.  Right?

[DDMurray]

http://www.navy.com/navy/careers/nuclear-energy/nuclear-operations.html

Plenty of links to get more info here.

Hope this helps.

[Deannatroy]

You walk into your recruiter's office and ask for a name and telephone number.  Then you say, "I'll continue discussing Navy options with you once I speak with someone that can anwer my specific questions."

You DO have a Nuclear Recruiter...you just haven't asked to speak with him yet.  Right?

I was not aware that there even were different types of recruiters. I definitely did not know that there was a NUKE recruiter because up until two days ago, I didn't know what NUKE was. I am scheduled to take my NUKE test on Tuesday, so should I ask for a NUKE recruiter before or after I take it?

[co60slr]

I was not aware that there even were different types of recruiters. I definitely did not know that there was a NUKE recruiter because up until two days ago, I didn't know what NUKE was. I am scheduled to take my NUKE test on Tuesday, so should I ask for a NUKE recruiter before or after I take it?

Before you sign the dotted line.  Make sure someone has answered all your questions...in person.

The test is simply a preemployment test.   If you pass, you can be considered for a position, which you have to formally accept.   Otherwise, there are many fine jobs in the Navy.

Again, I only offer a suggestion for you to look at what you think you may want to do AFTER the Navy.   Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with a tour in the Military...as long as you get an education or skill set out of it.   Hence, my question...what do you plan on doing after the Navy as a Crypto Tech?   Maybe just the GI Bill and college afterwards?  Nothing wrong with that either.   All questions for you to decide.

[Deannatroy]

Before you sign the dotted line.  Make sure someone has answered all your questions...in person.

The test is simply a preemployment test.   If you pass, you can be considered for a position, which you have to formally accept.   Otherwise, there are many fine jobs in the Navy.

Again, I only offer a suggestion for you to look at what you think you may want to do AFTER the Navy.   Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with a tour in the Military...as long as you get an education or skill set out of it.   Hence, my question...what do you plan on doing after the Navy as a Crypto Tech?   Maybe just the GI Bill and college afterwards?  Nothing wrong with that either.   All questions for you to decide.


I plan to just stay in the Navy for as long as I can. This is why I hope to get a job a truly enjoy because I am hopefully going to be doing it the next 30 or so years. My goal is to be financially stable by the time I get out.

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

As of November 10th (my last day at the office) there were still NO nuke tests to be given. They were still pending reissue. I suggest that Deannatroy use the phone number I sent in my PM to my relief as Nuke coordinator. He will be more than happy to supply any answers requested! Call him SOONER rather than LATER! Don't wait-be proactive!

[Deannatroy]

I have decided to just stick with being a CTR after doing an extensive amount of research. This field in no way interest me regardless of how much it pays and if I am capable of doing it. I thank everyone who has helped me to come to this conclusion and wish you all the best. For those who are in the Navy, maybe we will bump into each other on a ship. Until then...
                ~Deanna Mooney

[dapper29]

Be prepared to take the NAPT anyway. I scored a 99 on my ASVAB with a Nuke score of 268 and they still want me to take it because I haven't taken a math course in over 2 years. It's completely messed up my enlistment though because somebody left a safe open at a MEPS center and NCIS has to investigate to determine whether the test was compromised or not.

Edit: I see this was the issue way back in November 2010. I think the safe was compromised a second time since then though...

[radoseal]

Which is anti ethical to being a nuke.

Mike

The word you're looking for is "antithetical" as in antithesis.  While I agree with your point, I don't think there is anything unethical about poor grammar.

[Broadzilla]

Antiethical works just as well nub.

[taynuclear]

im takeing the napt test on wed and im worried about how ill do, i got an 86 on my asvab and a 245 on my nuc line score, it seems like i have to get a combined score of my nuke and my napt of 290, and i would only need a 45 to do that, is that correct? and if so how hard will it be to get that score? ive never taken chemistry, physics, or trig, but that was because i was lazy in highschool, not uninteligent. ive been studying the basic concepts of physics and chem, how much more do i need to know and how much do i need to worry?

[Starkist]

im takeing the napt test on wed and im worried about how ill do, i got an 86 on my asvab and a 245 on my nuc line score, it seems like i have to get a combined score of my nuke and my napt of 290, and i would only need a 45 to do that, is that correct? and if so how hard will it be to get that score? ive never taken chemistry, physics, or trig, but that was because i was lazy in highschool, not uninteligent. ive been studying the basic concepts of physics and chem, how much more do i need to know and how much do i need to worry?

Heres the deal. You're gonna get yapped at for not searching. You need to do a search for yourself. This question has been answered a myriad of times, and your situation is not unique.  It will also allow you to potentially answer more questions you may have in the future.

Yes you should worry. This test will ultimately decide your future. Want to pass? Go study.