Ninja Ranking

Ninja are classified by their village into 5 ranks.

Students
Ninja who have enrolled in the ninja academy. They are not officially ninjas yet, however train in nijutsu and learn to search their hidden village.

Genin
When a student graduates Ninja Academy they are given a forehead protector with their Hidden Village's sign, and are classified as genin. These are low level ninja who are only suited for unimportant tasks. They generally go on missions with their instructor, who is a much higher level ninja.

Chuunin
Once a year genin are given the opportunity, with their instructors recommendation, to enter into the Chuunin exam. If they pass, they are promoted to Chuunin, and can take on high level missions. They are also given more tasks and responsibility around the hidden village, and may be chosen to lead other ninjas.

Jounin
Jounin are high level ninjas, and serve as instructors for lower level ninjas, and perform the most dangerous missions. Kakashi and Guy are both Jounin. The skill and fighting ability of Jounin varies considerably, however to become a Jounin a ninja must be very smart and capable in any situation.

Kage
Each hidden village is led by a chief ninja, usually the strongest and smartest, called a Kage. Each hidden village names theirs differently:
Leaf: Hokage
Sand: Kazekage
Mist: Mizukage
Rock: Tsuchikage
Cloud: Raikage