National Star Certification Exam (NSCE)

The aim of NSCE is to certify that senior cadets have attained a level of proficiency in knowledge and skills to instruct and supervise junior cadets at the Local Headquarters (LHQ) and at Cadet Summer Training Centres (CSTCs).  NSCE testing is held every year between 15 Feb and 31 Mar.

NSCE serves as a prerequisite for:
(1) Master Cadet appointment;
(2) advanced summer training;
(3) selection as a CSTC staff cadet;
(4) selection for national and international exchanges.

Prerequisites:
In order to participate in Phase 1 of the NSCE, a cadet shall:
a. express an interest in sitting the NSCE;
b. have successfully completed the gold star course at the local cadet corps; and
c. be recommended by the Corps CO.
In order to participate in Phase 2 of the NSCE, a cadet must have attained a minimum of 60% on Phase 1.

Content of NSCE:
PHASE 1
Phase 1 is a General Knowledge Examination (GKE). The GKE consists of 100 questions drawn from all Performance Objectives (PO’s) of the Star Program and is to be completed within a 90-minute time limit.  All questions are of a multiple choice or true/false format.


PHASE 2
Phase 2 consists of five Skill Tests that must be completed within a specified time limit. They are:

a. Bushcraft which consists of the cadet correctly tying five of the listed eight knots within a 6 minute time limit:
(1) the thumb knot;
(2) the clove hitch;
(3) the half hitch;
(4) the figure eight knot;
(5) the double figure of eight (re-woven);
(6) the reef knot;
(7) the bowline; and
(8) the fisherman’s knot.

b. Map and Compass, which consists of the cadet correctly completing the seven tasks at four stands within a ten- minute time limit. The four stands are organized as follows:
(1) determine the six figure grid reference for a specific point on a map and identify the elevation of a given point on a map;
(2) measure a distance along a route on a map and measure a grid bearing on a map using a compass;
(3) orient a map by inspection of the surrounding terrain and features; and
(4) calculate and set the magnetic declination on the compass for a given map sheet, and orient a map using a compass.

c. Classroom Instruction that consists of the cadet teaching a 30-minute classroom mutual. The mutual shall be assigned to the cadet no later than two weeks prior to the cadet’s arrival at the testing centre. A mark of 60% is required to be successful.

d. Drill Instruction that consists of the cadet teaching a 30-minute drill mutual. The mutual shall be assigned to the cadet no later than two weeks prior to the cadet’s arrival at the testing centre. A mark of 60% is required in order to be successful.

e. Physical Fitness that consists of the ACFT. The test is to be conducted in accordance with CATO 41-03 – Army Cadet Fitness Test. The minimum standard to pass is the Bronze level. Cadets who attain the Silver or Gold levels will be given a higher score.

To pass the NSCE, the cadet shall:
a. obtain a minimum of 60% on the GKE; and
b. obtain a pass standard on all five Skill Tests, including achievement of the Bronze standard on the ACFT.

Retesting:
At the conclusion of regular testing, those cadets who fail a single practical test (including the ACFT) are authorized a retest. There will be no retests for the General Knowledge Exam.  While the Map and Compass test consists of seven items, it is to be considered as only one test. Therefore, should a cadet fail two items on the Map and Compass test and pass all other skills tests, the cadet is to be retested on those two items again. The same retesting concept applies to the Bushcraft test.

With the exception of the ACFT, all retests will be completed during Phase 2 of the NSCE.

NSCE Resources:
Army Cadet Reference Book
NSCE Information Booklet  (1.30 MB)
NSCE Study Guide (5.05 MB)