2 formula options listed.
Navy rating guide
BM Boatswain's Mate ASVAB score requirements
Score target and study focus for Navy BM.
BM
Navy rating score brief
Boatswain's Mate
ASVAB score targetVE+AR+MK+AS 163+ or 1 more
Handles seamanship, ship operations, small boats, deck equipment, and watchstanding.
Good fit if you want a hands-on shipboard path with practical seamanship and teamwork.
Maritime operations, ship handling, port operations, rigging, and marine safety roles.
Study first
Focus these areas
Word KnowledgeParagraph ComprehensionArithmetic ReasoningMath KnowledgeAuto InformationShop InformationAssembling Objects
- Start with word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, math knowledge; those subjects show up directly in the listed Navy formula options.
- Keep AFQT fundamentals steady too: arithmetic reasoning, math knowledge, word knowledge, and paragraph comprehension.
Daily work
What you may do
- Support ship operations, deck equipment, watchstanding, small boats, and seamanship tasks.
- Work hands-on with crews that keep the ship moving safely and efficiently.
BM Navy rating FAQ
Common Boatswain's Mate ASVAB questions
What ASVAB score do you need for Navy BM Boatswain's Mate?
VE+AR+MK+AS 163+ or MK+AS+AO 126+ is the planning target shown on this MeritMarch guide. Treat it as study guidance, not a contract promise, because Navy rating access, openings, waivers, medical qualification, and recruiter guidance can change.
What does a Navy BM Boatswain's Mate do?
Handles seamanship, ship operations, small boats, deck equipment, and watchstanding.
Which ASVAB sections should I study for BM?
Start with the subjects behind the listed formula options: Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Auto Information, Shop Information, Assembling Objects. If your AFQT is not stable yet, keep Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension in the plan too.
Is BM guaranteed if I meet the score target?
No. ASVAB scores are only part of Navy rating access. Current openings, medical standards, citizenship, security screening, education rules, waivers, and Navy needs can all affect whether a rating is available.
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Sources and official confirmation
Formula target shown on this page: VE+AR+MK+AS 163+ or MK+AS+AO 126+. Current Navy rating access still depends on Navy policy, openings, medical qualification, background screening, waivers, citizenship, and recruiter guidance.
Sources reviewed May 9, 2026: Navy careers, Official ASVAB military-jobs composites, NavyCS rating ASVAB score table, NavyCS Nuclear Power Test reference.