How many years prior to the STA-21 application due date must candidates have certified copies of their SAT or ACT test scores?

Candidates must have certified copies of their SAT or ACT test scores that are no more than three years old by the STA-21 application due date. This time frame ensures that the test scores reflect the candidate's current academic abilities, which is vital for assessing their readiness for officer training. The requirement for a three-year limit allows the selection board to evaluate recent academic performance, which is particularly important given that test standards and educational curriculums can change over time. This approach is designed to ensure that candidates possess relevant and recent academic skills as they transition to the responsibilities of leadership within the naval officer ranks.