You start as an Acemdemy Ninja, then you become a genin, then Chunin, then Jonin, then Sanin, then Kage. There is other ranks too, but they are not required. You are not required to become higher than Academy, and only a few can be Sanin. You can be ranked up by different people, depending on the situation.

I believe that the ranks should be:

Acadamy-low beginer rank
Genin-Student, but certified as ninja (able to be in a cell of same rank)
Chunin-ninja (if you are a really good chunin, but not a Jonin, you can judge chunin exams)
Jonin-You are certified to be the leader of a 3 man cell to teach younger ranks
Sanin-only 3 in a clan, once they ALL die, they can be replaced (the 3 do not have to be ranked up at the same time if the Kage says so)
Kage-Master, controls all ninjas (omly 1 per village)

thanx, awesome RPG

thats good! sorry mine is junk, wikipedia want working!

yes