Patches and epaulets.

Ranks 

A new member of the Air Cadet Program is referred to as an "Air Cadet" (AC) at the time of enrollment. After the cadet satisfies specific nationally prescribed standards, they are promoted to higher ranks. To guarantee that every cadet who receives a rank promotion has the same fundamental skills or comparable experience, that all cadets are evaluated using the same criteria—the successful completion of squadron training—and that all cadets are given an equal chance to progress, specific criteria for each rank have been established. 

When cadets advance to the rank of Flight Corporal, they begin to be given responsibilities within their flights. Within their flights, flight corporals can serve as section commanders, advising junior cadet sections on matters like drill and uniforms. Sergeants oversee the squadron's daily operations and are in charge of training EOs, handling various administrative duties (such as taking attendance), and supporting flight NCOs in their capacity as seconds-in-command. Flight Sergeants have duties akin to those of Sergeants and are in charge of flights. To guarantee seamless operations and the accomplishment of all required tasks, Warrant Officers 2nd Class collaborate closely with adult leadership. They typically help officers in support positions in public relations, administration, training, and supply. First-class warrant officers supervise all squadron operations and answer directly to the squadron's commanding officer. 

Each rank's official name begins with the word "cadet" (e.g.: cadet corporal). However, corporal is the typical wording because custom avoids using the word "cadet" in casual references. In situations where it is necessary to differentiate between cadets and members of the Canadian Forces, ranks will be written or spoken as cadet corporal, with the abbreviation C/Cpl. 

Merit Review Board (MRB) process 

A Merit Review Board (MRB) must recommend the cadet for any promotion to the rank of Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) or Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2). A minimum of three and a maximum of five members make up the MRB. A representative of the Air Cadet League or local sponsor, the commanding officer (or delegate) serving as the board's chairperson, and one to three other members are chosen by the squadron commanding officer. 

The MRB consists of an interview and a review of the cadet's file. The board chairperson sets the criteria for the file review, which are the same for all candidates. These criteria typically include attendance rates, a review of the cadet's performance during squadron training, a review of performance evaluations or reports from summer training courses, any pertinent disciplinary or positive notes on file, and a list of squadron and national awards the cadet has received. Cadets will be asked to complete the interview after the file review is finished. The identical questions will be sent to all participating cadets up to 72 hours prior to the interview. Cadets may be questioned regarding their involvement in the program, their objectives, their leadership experiences, and their reactions to different situations. The board will determine whether the cadet deserves to be promoted to the next rank after both parts of the MRB process are finished.