PERSONNEL ADVANCEMENT REQUIRE- MENTS (PARS).—PARS are skills and abilities that can best be demonstrated (shown) by actual performance. Generally, each PAR contains one or more OCCSTDs on the same or similar subject and is written in on-the-job rating language. PARs aren’t competitive; that is, no mark is assigned. Completion indicates that you can perform the tasks. Completion   of   PARs   is   mandatory   for advancement.  Commands  should  make  sure  you complete  PARs  before  you  are  recommended  for advancement.  Because  of  limitations  in  command equipment,  mission,  and  operations,  you  may  not  be able  to  demonstrate  all  PARs.  In  that  case,  actual demonstration  of  ability  isn’t  mandatory.  However, your  being  recommended  for  advancement  must  be based on the command being satisfied that you have the necessary  ability  to  perform  properly  at  the  higher paygrade  at  the  present  command  and  at  other commands. PARs are not designed to replace other qualification programs,  such  as  PQS.  However,  PAR  items  that duplicate  “sign  off”  items  in  other  programs  can  be signed off as PAR items if they have already been signed off under any other program. PARs and BIBS are available in electronic format from: NETPDTC Web Site: Get PARS, www.cnet.navy.mil/netpdtc Streamlined Automated Logistics Transmission System (SALTS), www.salts.navy.mil BIBLIOGRAPHY (BIB) FOR ADVANCE- MENT-IN-RATE EXAM STUDY.—The  BIB  is developed by exam writers (chief petty officers) to help Sailors  study  for  advancement-in-rate  examinations. The  BIB  is  a  list  of  references  that  includes  training courses  (TRAMANs/NRTCs),  instructions,  technical manuals,  guides,  and  other  publications  commonly used in a rating. BIBs are posted (issued) three times a year and are only  available  in  electronic  format.  You  can  find  the BIBs at the NETPDTC web site. The E-4/E-5/E-6 BIBs are posted in March and September; and E-7 BIBs are posted in July. The BIBs posted in March are for the exam given the following September; the BIBs posted in  September  are  for  the  exam  given  the  following March. TRAINING MANUAL INFORMATION.— Training  manuals  (TRAMANs)  and  their  associated nonresident training courses (NRTCs) are prepared as self-study packages to help you develop the knowledge required for your rating. You may also use them when preparing  to  take  an  advancement  examination.  The information  in  some  TRAMANs  is  considered mandatory. You  must  complete  certain  courses  (mandatory courses) to meet advancement eligibility requirements. For  example,  if  you’re  going  up  for  E-3  and  didn’t attend the Apprenticeship Training Program (ATP), you must complete Basic Military Requirements (BMR) and either the Airman (AN), Fireman (FN), or Seaman (SN) (depending on your rate) TRAMANs. If you graduated from  the  ATP,  you  have  satisfied  the  requirement  for completion  of  the  AN,  FN,  or  SN  apprenticeship TRAMAN. However, you still must complete the BMR. Remember, you are responsible for the information in training manuals concerning the rating in which you wish to be advanced and the appropriate apprenticeship and general rate training manuals. COMMANDING   OFFICER’S   (CO’S) RECOMMENDATION.—This  eligibility  require- ment is, perhaps, the most important of all. For your CO to  recommend  you  for  advancement,  he/she  must  be satisfied that you are fully qualified for advancement. To   a   great   extent,   your   CO   relies   on   the recommendations  of  the  people  in  the  chain  of command  to  decide  if  you  are  fully  qualified  for advancement.  Your  supervisor  constantly  evaluates your performance to see if you can handle the duties and responsibilities of an advancement. In addition, your CO can add requirements to the eligibility  requirements  shown  here.  These  additional requirements  should  be  met  for  you  to  receive  your CO’s recommendation. Check with your supervisor or personnel  office  to  see  if  your  command  has  local requirements. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIRE- MENTS.—In  addition  to  the  eligibility  requirements 16-6 Student Notes: