Training Progression

Training Levels (Star Levels)

Green Star

Green Star is the introductory level of mandatory training conducted at your corps . It is designed to give the cadet basic skills and knowledge such as drill, basic discipline, fundamental training, and so on. It is also the opportunity for cadets to get involved in many optional teams and activities like music, biathlon, or competitive marksmanship.

A cadet who qualifies Green Star is eligible for a basic 2 or 3-week course during the summer.

Red Star

Red Star is designed to reinforce and augment Green Star skills and knowledge. Training continues in drill, bushcraft, map and compass, marksmanship, public speaking, leadership, citizenship and physical fitness.  As a Red Star qualified cadet, you are the model for new cadets and are fully capable of demonstrating skills to recruits and Green Star cadets.

A cadet who qualifies Red Star is eligible for a 6-week cadet leader course during the summer.

Silver Star

Silver Star is basic training for new leaders and instructors.  Cadets who complete Silver Star will have the knowledge, skill and experience to take on new responsibilities as a leader of a small team. A Silver Star qualified cadet will have mastered almost all of the mandatory skill training of the Army Cadet Program. It is expected that Silver Star cadets will seek out and accept leadership responsibilities positions within their corps.

A cadet who qualifies silver star is eligible to attend a 6-week cadet leader instructor course (providing that he/she has successfully completed a cadet leader course).

Gold Star

Gold Star training expands on all previous training, and contains a significant amout of theoretical study and learning.  Most of their training involves planning and conducting activities. Gold Star cadets are expected to lead and instruct cadets from senior positions within the corps, and be fully involved in planning and conducting corps activities. Even though the formal instruction phase of cadet training is complete, Gold Star qualified cadets are encouraged to continue their learning through self-study and accepting new challenges and responsibilities.

A Gold Star-qualified cadet is eligible to attend 6-week advanced training course or be employed as a staff cadet in a non-instructing position.

National Star Certification Exam

 Both a written and practical exam to confirm knowledge, skills and fitness of Gold Star qualified cadets. Successful completion. It is a prerequisite for:

• advanced summer training,
• international exchanges, and
• employment in leadership position.

Master Cadet

Master Cadet is an appointment earned by a cadet who is successful at NSCE and is employed in a leadership position as a staff cadet at a Cadet Summer Training Centre.

Each year, a special guide is produced for cadets preparing for this exam and it is available through the cadet corps.