The chunin exam allows the ninja to gain a kind of promotion and prove his abilities while passing the tests. The exam is conducted in several stages under the supervision of examiners from different villages. Each country used to hold its own chunin exam, but after the world war they decided to strengthen their relationship and hold a common test. On the surface, this does not seem to be a dangerous business, but in fact, test takers may die during the exam, as mentioned in the anime itself.
The chunin exam starts in episode 20, which is chapter 34 in the manga.
How Does The Chunin Exam Work?
The chunin ability is tested in several stages:
- The written exam (using their intelligence, like Sakura did, or tricks to stealthily cheat).
- A test of survival (strategy, teamwork, cunning).
- Optional stage: duel (one-on-one combat among survivors).
- Finals (a duel in a few weeks, during which participants have time to prepare).
The chunin exam in the anime is a very important stage, as it’s where Naruto and his team get to know their future friends better. Prior to this test, they only knew each other through their shared training at the ninja academy. Also Naruto was able to demonstrate what he is capable of during a duel with Kiba. Everyone was sure he was going to lose, but with the help of chance he defeated his opponent. During Naruto’s next fight, everyone is finally convinced that he is no longer the silly, showy boy he used to be.
Also, this exam is important because it is during the ninja from the Village of Sound that he is kidnapped by Sasuke and attacked by Konoha.
The exam starts back in episode 20 of season 1, and the attack on Konoha (the conditional interruption and completion of the exam) occurs in episode 67 (manga chapter 115) of the same season 1.
