Chūnin

are ninja who are qualified to watch over and guide other ninja. Chûnin have reached a level of maturity that primarily consists of leadership skills and tactical prowess. Some of them, like Iruka Umino, function as teachers and others, like Shikamaru Nara, serve as team leaders in charge of small teams who need to make decisions and utilize the skills of the shinobi under their command to the maximum effect. Chûnin are typically sent on C-rank missions or B-rank missions.

To become a Chûnin, a Genin participates in a large examination, known as the "Chûnin Exams." The only shown exam is a three-stage exam: the first stage tests their information gathering abilities and decision-making abilities (as well as their overall understanding of the ninja philosophy), the second stage tests their abilities at accomplishing a mission and adhering to guidelines, and the third consists of fights between those who passed the previous two stages, watched by a council which decides who becomes a Chûnin and who does not. This is not actually based on who wins, but rather their performance during the fights. This way, anybody who makes it to the third stage of the Exams has a chance to become Chunin.

In the past, each village held their own Chûnin exam. After the 3rd Ninja World War, allied ninja villages agreed to hold the exams together at the selected village that would host the exam. This was done to improve relations between the villages and prevent war between them. Another advantage is that ninja that took the exam might attract clients who are interested in hiring them. Because of the growing number of ninja in each village, the exams are hosted twice every year.

Upon reaching Chûnin level, ninjas can wear an identifying tactical vest (also referred to as flak jackets) that holds ninjutsu scrolls. This vest is not mandatory; instead, some opt for more elaborate clothing like capes and robes.