now i understand that you have to have so much time in before being promoted but is that all. do you take a test or anything, and if so is it difficult? what if you fail?
it does depend on time but also your name and info have to get looked over by a board of higher ranked people and they decide if they think you have enough experience to be promoted. if they decide not to promote you then you are considered "below zone" and next year they will look over your file again.