Rating (Navy Job Classification)
A Rating is the Navy and Coast Guard system for classifying enlisted jobs, identified by a name and abbreviation. ASVAB composite scores determine which ratings a recruit qualifies for, similar to how the Army uses MOS codes.
Exam Tip
Rating is the Navy/Coast Guard job system (equivalent to Army MOS). Rate = pay grade + rating. Higher ASVAB scores = more rating options. Nuclear Field requires AR+MK+EI+GS of 252+.
What is a Navy Rating?
A Rating is the Navy's classification system for enlisted occupational specialties. Each rating represents a specific job field with its own training, duties, and ASVAB score requirements. The Coast Guard uses a similar rating system.
How Ratings Work
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Rating | The job specialty (e.g., BM = Boatswain's Mate) |
| Rate | Pay grade + rating (e.g., BM2 = Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class) |
| NEC | Navy Enlisted Classification - subspecialty code |
Popular Navy Ratings
| Rating | Title | Key ASVAB Area |
|---|---|---|
| HM | Hospital Corpsman | VE+MK+GS |
| IT | Information Systems Technician | AR+GS+2MK |
| MA | Master-at-Arms | WK+PC+AR+MC |
| ET | Electronics Technician | AR+MK+EI+GS |
| CTR | Cryptologic Technician | VE+MK+GS |
| ABE | Aviation Boatswain's Mate | VE+AR+MK+AS |
| GM | Gunner's Mate | AR+MK+EI+GS |
| YN | Yeoman | VE+MK |
| LS | Logistics Specialist | VE+AR |
Rating vs. Other Branch Systems
| Branch | System | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | Rating + NEC | IT (Info Systems Tech) |
| Coast Guard | Rating | ME (Maritime Enforcement) |
| Army | MOS | 25B (IT Specialist) |
| Marines | MOS | 0671 (Data Systems Admin) |
| Air Force | AFSC | 3D0X2 (Cyber Systems Ops) |
Rating Assignment Process
- Take ASVAB and receive line scores
- Meet with Navy classifier at MEPS
- Review available ratings based on scores and Navy needs
- Sign a contract for a specific rating
- Attend "A School" for rating-specific training after boot camp
Important Notes
- Some ratings are "open" (always available) while others have limited slots
- Higher ASVAB scores increase rating options and may qualify for bonuses
- Nuclear Field program requires very high ASVAB scores (AR+MK+EI+GS = 252+)
- Sailors can convert to different ratings during their career
Study This Term In
Related Terms
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test administered by the U.S. Department of Defense to determine qualification for military enlistment and job placement across all branches. It consists of 10 subtests covering verbal, math, science, and technical domains.
Line Scores (ASVAB)
Line scores are composite scores derived from specific combinations of ASVAB subtest results. Each military branch uses different line score formulas to determine which jobs a recruit qualifies for, separate from the AFQT enlistment score.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
A Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is the Army and Marine Corps system for classifying enlisted jobs. Each MOS is identified by a numeric code and requires specific ASVAB line scores for qualification.
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