Nitpicking Star Trek TNG “Thine Own Self” – Preferential Treatment?

Obviously, a crew member of any rank can serve on the bridge. Worf as a Lieutenant was Chief of Security. Wesley as an Acting Ensign piloted the ship. The nit comes from the stated fact that in order to be eligible for promotion to the rank of Commander, you must pass the “Bridge Officer’s Test”. Deanna passed and earned the rank of Commander. Riker also states that an officer cannot command the bridge without passing the test.

So why is Data allowed to command the night watch without being a full commander? For that matter, why was Worf in command of the bridge on the last shift of the day watch in Data’s Day (S4 Ep11). Do Worf and Data get preferential treatment because they are members of the senior staff? Or did Worf and Data pass the Bridge Officer’s Test and NOT get promoted?

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