What term does the PQS program define as the minimum skills necessary to stand watches and perform duties?

• A. Qualifications
• B. Standards
• C. Prerequisites
• D. Pre-requisites

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is identifying the minimum set of skills and knowledge you must have before you can stand watches or perform duties. In the PQS program, that entry-level requirement is called pre-requisites. These pre-requisites are the essential minimums—the foundational tasks, safety procedures, and knowledge you must demonstrate or know before you’re allowed to take on a watch station or perform duties. Meeting these pre-requisites shows you’re prepared to proceed to the hands-on PQS steps and validate your competence.

Other terms describe different things: qualifications are the actual credentials you earn after completing PQS tasks, and standards refer to the level of performance expected. The word prerequisites is commonly used, and the hyphenated form pre-requisites is the term the PQS program uses to label those entry requirements. Keeping that precise term in mind helps align your study with the official guidance.