Once a Master is satisfied with his pupil's performance (at least 3D, or two pips higher than base... whatever is higher, in all required skills and has learned all required Powers) he has the authority, granted by the Academy, to promote the Apprentice to Padawan Adept. The Master then sends the Adept on whatever errands he wishes (reporting all the while to the Academy). After the Adept displays proper understanding of the Jedi Code and has a total of at least 13D in Force Skills, the Master may promote the Adept to the rank of Knight Guardian. The Guardian is still in the servitude of his Master and after demonstrating superior resourcefulness, true understanding of the Light, and a total of 17D in all Force Skills, he goes before the ruling council of the local Praxeum and may, on an unanimous vote only, be promoted to the rank of full Knight. At this point a Jedi is still bound to his Master but is usually given freedom to conduct his own business. When a Jedi gains a total of at least 27D in Force Skills he may, with the recommendation of his local Praxeum, travel to the Academy and undergo review of the Ruling Council for the rank of Master. As with the rank of Knight, the vote must be unanimous. The next, and highest, rank in the Jedi Knights is that of Grand Master. There may only be twelve Grand Masters, the Ruling Council of the Order, at any given time. They hold their office until death or retirement and may only be replaced by a Master with a rating of 15D in all Force Skills who has the support of all members of the Jedi Council. Once a Jedi obtains a seat on the Ruling Council he has achieved the greatest honor available to a Jedi. All members of the Ruling Council are equal regardless of seniority.

After the Sith Resurgence, this was modified and streamlined. There was little distinction between Apprentice and Adept, both were termed Padawan Learner and answered to a Master. After the Master was convinced the Padawan was sufficiently skilled and mature, they were given a series of tests to be promoted to the rank of Knight. From this rank on they could have Padawan of their own, with the permission of the council. Most declined for many years until they were more certain of their abilities. Once a Knight was skilled enough, the Council could review her actions and skills and promote the Knight to the rank of Master, where they were not required to obtain Council permission for the majority of their actions and could sit on the Council if a vacancy opened up and they were selected by a majority of the remaining Council members. Even in the Jedi, this allowed for a fair amount of politiking and promotions beyond the rank of Knight were based more on contacts than skill, but not by much.