If your multiple is high enough, then you are advanced. Twice a year advancement examinations are given. Everyone in that rate scoring above that cutoff is advanced. In the Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief Petty Officer and Master Chief Petty Officer category, add selection boards to the mix. AND you must be selected by the board.
Competition is very keen.
Advancement for officers is just a little different. There are no tests. It's primarily time and performance. There are some time limits, but the process is controlled by selection board. What this means to you is, there is no such thing as an eight hour day and you work as hard and as long as you need to complete an assigned task on time.