How Navy Job Selection Works
The Navy calls its enlisted jobs ratings (job titles like Aviation Machinist's Mate or Cryptologic Technician). Each rating has specific ASVAB subtest score requirements. Unlike the Army, the Navy generally lists minimums in individual subtests or small combinations — not named line score composites.
After enlisting, Sailors typically attend "A School" to earn their rating designation. The higher your ASVAB scores, the more ratings you'll qualify for and the more negotiating power you'll have during the job selection process.
Key ASVAB Subtests for Navy Ratings
The Navy uses these abbreviations when listing rating requirements:
- VE — Verbal Expression (WK + PC)
- AR — Arithmetic Reasoning
- MK — Mathematics Knowledge
- GS — General Science
- EI — Electronics Information
- MC — Mechanical Comprehension
- AS — Auto & Shop Information
Intelligence & Cryptology Ratings
These are the most competitive Navy ratings and require the highest combined scores:
- Cryptologic Technician Intelligence (CTI): AFQT 72, VE+MK+GS 162
- Cryptologic Technician Networks (CTN): AFQT 64, VE+MK+GS+AR 232
- Cryptologic Technician Technical (CTT): AFQT 64, VE+MK+GS+AR 232
- Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM): AFQT 64, AR+MK+EI+GS 222
- Intelligence Specialist (IS): VE+MK+GS 162
Nuclear Field Ratings
Nuclear ratings are among the most demanding in the entire military. They come with significant enlistment bonuses but require exceptional scores:
- Nuclear Field (NF — all nuclear ratings): AFQT 60+, AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 252 or AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 252 with a qualifying NAPT (Nuclear Field Aptitude Test)
- Specific ratings: Machinist's Mate Nuclear (MMN), Electrician's Mate Nuclear (EMN), Electronics Technician Nuclear (ETN), Interior Communications Electrician Nuclear (ICN)
Electronics & Technical Ratings
- Electronics Technician (ET): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
- Information Systems Technician (IT): VE+MK+CS 55 or AR+2MK+GS 222
- Electrician's Mate (EM): AR+MK+EI+GS 212
- Fire Controlman (FC): AR+MK+EI+GS 223
- Sonar Technician Surface (STG): AR+MK+EI+GS 214
- Sonar Technician Submarine (STS): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
- Aviation Electronics Technician (AT): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
- Aviation Electrician's Mate (AE): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
Aviation Ratings
- Aviation Machinist's Mate (AD): VE+AR+MK+AS 210
- Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM): VE+AR+MK+AS 210
- Aviation Ordnanceman (AO): VE+AR+MK+AS 185
- Air Traffic Controller (AC): VE+AR+MK+MC 220
- Naval Aircrewman (AWx): VE+AR+MK+MC 210
Operations & Deck Ratings
- Operations Specialist (OS): VE+MK+CS 157 or AR+2MK+GS 210
- Gunner's Mate (GM): AR+MK+EI+GS 200
- Boatswain's Mate (BM): No specific line score minimum (AFQT 35+)
- Quartermaster (QM): VE+AR 100
Medical & Administrative Ratings
- Hospital Corpsman (HM): VE+MK+GS 156
- Dental Technician (DT): VE+MK+GS 156
- Legalman (LN): VE+MK 109
- Yeoman (YN): VE+MK 109
- Personnel Specialist (PS): VE+MK 105
Special Warfare Ratings
- Navy SEAL (SO): BUD/S screening, plus GS+MC+EI ≥ 165 or VE+MK+MC+CS ≥ 220
- Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC): AR+MC+GS ≥ 165 or VE+MK+MC+CS ≥ 220
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD): AR+VE ≥ 109, MC 51+
Submarine Ratings
All submarine billets require volunteers and additional screening, plus higher ASVAB thresholds:
- Machinist's Mate Submarine (MMS): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
- Electrician's Mate Submarine (EMS): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
- Electronics Technician Submarine (ETS): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
Which Subtests Matter Most for Navy Ratings?
Looking at the patterns above, the composite AR+MK+EI+GS comes up in almost every technical rating. Raising these four subtests will open the most Navy doors. Target a combined score of 220+ to qualify for the majority of technical and electronics ratings.
For intelligence and nuclear field ratings, AFQT is also gated (60–72 minimum), so verbal and math fundamentals matter too.
Browse the full list at our Navy Ratings Explorer.