There are basically two different 'ladders' that cadets must climb within the Air Training Corps. One is exam based only, and this is classification - for this you must pass different stages of exams, which become progressively harder until you become a 'Staff' cadet - the top of the ladder.

Completely unreladed to this is the rank system. This is done on a merit and suitability basis, and is left to the discretion of your CO, who will accept advice from AWOs, and any existing NCOs. The final cadet rank: Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) can only be creaated at Wing level.