Starfleet Academy Preparatory Program is a six-week course designed to prepare prospective cadets for the Starfleet Academy entrance exam. Program admission is by testing only and applicants are required to perform satisfactorily on tests examining stress reaction, spatial orientation, and deductive reasoning. Testing for admission requires approximately four days.

In 2371, Nog took the tests to enter the Preparatory Program. Despite the attempts of his uncle Quark to sabotage the spatial orientation section, Nog passed the tests, and was accepted onto the program. (DS9: "Facets")