Understanding the National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test (NaMMAT): A New Era in Maritime Education

The Philippines, long recognized as the seafaring capital of the world, is entering a new chapter in maritime education and training. On 14 August 2025, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued Memorandum Order No. 07, Series of 2025, which formally introduced the National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test (NaMMAT). This landmark policy is expected to reshape the way aspiring seafarers are selected and prepared for maritime programs in the country.

What is NaMMAT?

The National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test (NaMMAT) is a standardized national examination designed specifically for students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).

NaMMAT serves as a screening and placement tool to ensure that only those with the necessary aptitude, skills, and foundational knowledge are admitted into maritime programs. By doing so, it strengthens the quality of maritime education, aligns the Philippines with international standards, and enhances the global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers.

Why NaMMAT Was Created

For years, the Philippine maritime industry has faced challenges in maintaining its reputation as a top supplier of competent seafarers. Issues such as:

• Uneven admission standards across maritime schools.
• High attrition rates in maritime programs.
• Skills mismatches that affect performance in licensure exams and shipboard work.
• Compliance requirements with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.

NaMMAT addresses these concerns by setting a uniform benchmark for entry into maritime programs nationwide.

Who Needs to Take NaMMAT?

• Incoming first-year college students applying for BSMT and BSMarE.
• Transferees from other programs who wish to shift into maritime courses.
• Returning students reapplying to maritime education programs after academic leave.

Only those who pass NaMMAT will be eligible for admission into maritime higher education institutions (MHEIs).

Structure and Coverage of NaMMAT

NaMMAT is designed to assess not just academic skills but also aptitude for seafaring life. While the official breakdown may vary slightly per CHED guidelines, the exam generally covers:

1. Mathematics and Physics – To measure problem-solving and technical ability crucial for navigation and engineering.

2. English and Communication Skills – To ensure proficiency in maritime English, the global language of shipping.

3. Abstract and Mechanical Reasoning – To test logical thinking, spatial awareness, and mechanical comprehension.

4. General Knowledge and Awareness – Including maritime-related contexts, science, and technology.

5. Personality and Aptitude Assessment – Measuring discipline, adaptability, and traits necessary for shipboard life.

How NaMMAT Will Benefit the Maritime Industry

1. Standardized Admission – All maritime schools will use the same benchmark, raising the overall caliber of enrollees.

2. Improved Student Retention – Students with the right aptitude are more likely to complete their programs successfully.

3. Higher Licensure Exam Passing Rates – Better-prepared students will translate into stronger performance in the Marina licensure examinations.

4. Enhanced Global Reputation – Filipino seafarers will continue to be highly sought after by international shipping companies.

5. Compliance with International Standards – Ensures that the Philippines maintains recognition by IMO and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Implementation of NaMMAT

CHED has directed all Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) to integrate NaMMAT as a mandatory admission requirement starting in Academic Year 2026–2027.

• CHED, MARINA, and partner testing agencies will coordinate the administration of NaMMAT nationwide.
• Results will be standardized and centralized to avoid inconsistencies.
• HEIs are strictly prohibited from admitting students into BSMT or BSMarE who have not passed NaMMAT.

What Students Should Do to Prepare

For aspiring seafarers, passing NaMMAT will be the first big step toward a maritime career. Here are some preparation tips:

• Strengthen foundations in Math, Science, and English.
• Practice reasoning and problem-solving exercises.
• Develop discipline and time management—traits critical for shipboard life.
• Take review programs or practice tests once available from authorized institutions.

The National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test (NaMMAT) is more than just an entrance exam—it is a gateway to professional seafaring. By setting a high standard for entry into maritime programs, it ensures that the Philippines continues to produce world-class seafarers who embody competence, discipline, and resilience.

As the policy takes effect, NaMMAT is expected to transform not just schools and students but the future of the Philippine maritime industry itself. 

Understanding NaMMAT: The National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test

A New Milestone in Maritime Education

The National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test (NaMMAT) is poised to redefine how maritime programs select and prepare students in the Philippines. Introduced under CHED Memorandum Order No. 07, Series of 2025, the NaMMAT requires all aspiring freshmen in maritime programs—especially those entering BS in Marine Transportation and BS in Marine Engineering—to pass a standardized aptitude exam before admission (Manila Times, 2025; Tribune, 2025).

Origins and Partnership

In a significant move to strengthen maritime education, CHED signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM) on February 16, 2024, tasking CEM with developing and administering the NaMMAT. Prior to full implementation, CHED also conducted public consultations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in mid-2024 to gather feedback and refine policies and standards for NaMMAT (CHED, 2024a; CHED, 2024b).

Purpose and Coverage

NaMMAT is designed to assess not only academic readiness but also key behavioral traits essential for maritime life:

Part A: Seafaring Aptitude

• Organizational aptitude
• Leadership skills
• Management abilities
• Attitude and adaptability

Part B: Academic Proficiency

• English (grammar, composition, reading comprehension)
• Mathematics (algebra, geometry)
• Science
• Abstract Reasoning (verbal and numerical pattern analysis)

(Academy Reviewers, n.d.; Manila Times, 2025)

Executive Perspective and Policy Context

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during the PMMA Class of 2025 commencement on 15 August 2025, highlighted NaMMAT’s goal: to evaluate student readiness for maritime courses. He also mentioned a ladderized maritime education program in development to create smoother pathways from non-degree to degree courses, along with expanded onboard training opportunities (Tribune, 2025; TCCI-PH, 2025).

Implications and Considerations

The Manila Times (2025) raised critical questions about NaMMAT’s legal alignment with Republic Act 7731, which affirms the right to access higher education programs without national entrance exams. While NaMMAT focuses on program suitability and readiness rather than limiting access, the policy’s introduction challenges long-standing principles of equal educational opportunity.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Partner Agency	CHED and CEM partnership to develop/administer NaMMAT
Consultation Period	July 2024 across multiple regions for policy standards
Test Structure	Part A: Seafaring Aptitude (leadership, adaptability) Part B: Academic Proficiency (Math, Science, English, Abstract Reasoning)
Political Endorsement	President Marcos highlighted readiness measurement and ladderized education
Legal Debate	Contrasts with RA 7731 which prohibits entrance exams for higher education

References:

• Academy Reviewers. (n.d.). National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test Reviewer (NaMMAT reviewer). Retrieved from https://www.academyreviewers.com

• CHED. (2024a, February 16). CHED and CEM collaborate for the advancement of maritime education in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.cem-inc.org.ph

• CHED. (2024b, July). Public consultation on the proposed policies, standards, and guidelines for the National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test (NaMMAT). Retrieved from https://ro11.ched.gov.ph

• CHED/DepEd News. (2024, July). CHED public consultations for NaMMAT standards. Retrieved from https://www.ilovedeped.net

• Manila Times. (2025, June 11). National entrance exam for maritime education. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net

• TCCI-PH. (2025). Details of NaMMAT and government reform initiatives. Retrieved from https://tcci-ph.com

• Tribune. (2025, August 15). Marcos to boost maritime education. Retrieved from https://tribune.net.ph