Incoming freshmen of maritime schools in the Philippines, from SY 2026-2027 onwards, will now be required to take the National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test (NaMMAT), as mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Leading the maritime higher education institutions (MHEI) is Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) with its Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) programs, the only Level III–Accredited maritime programs of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) in the National Capital Region.
Under CEB Resolution No. 543-2025, CHED approved the nationwide administration of the NaMMAT to evaluate the readiness of aspiring maritime students.
The Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM) has been tapped to manage the test which will be initially administered free of charge for the pilot run. The exam covers two parts: personal and interpersonal traits, and academic proficiency in English, Mathematics, Science, and Reasoning.
In the same resolution, CHED emphasized that the NaMMAT will not have a pass-or-fail system. Hence, OLFU as a maritime higher education institution (MHEI) will assess an applicant’s score and recommend the next best steps for the applicant.
Testing Schedule and NCR Sites
The NaMMAT will be held on October 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 28, 2025 in 23 testing centers nationwide. Again, this is a Pilot Run so the exam is free-of-charge for now. For maritime hopefuls in Metro Manila, test venues include:
- National Teachers College, Quiapo, Manila — October 28
- Philippine Merchant Marine School, Las Piñas — October 28
And, certainly, OLFU welcomes maritime enrollees from all parts of the Philippines. For interested parties residing in the provinces, other test venues and dates can be viewed at www.cem-inc.org.ph/nammat.
According to CHED-CEM, additional exam dates and/or venues could be announced, depending on the need. However, there is no assurance of this. Therefore, OLFU’s aspiring maritime education applicants are strongly encouraged to take the NaMMAT this October 2025.
Eligibility and Requirements
The exam is open to senior high school graduates, graduating Grade 12 students, degree holders, and those who previously completed college-level courses. Both Filipino and foreign nationals may apply.
Applicants must register online through the NaMMAT website at https://www.cem-inc.org.ph/nammat/user/register and provide:
- A valid email address
- A valid school or government-issued ID (e.g., Philippine National ID, driver’s license, passport, voter’s ID, or OLFU student ID)
On the exam day, examinees are required to bring their NaMMAT examination permit, valid ID that matches their registered name, pencils, and a transparent plastic envelope for personal items.
Prohibited materials include calculators, mobile phones, review notes, and electronic devices.
Results and OLFU Reminder
Examinees can access their individual results 20 business days after the last testing date via their NaMMAT online account. A consolidated master list will also be furnished to CHED.
For registration concerns and official announcements, applicants may visit www.cem-inc.org.ph/nammat or email nammat@cem-inc.org.ph.
OLFU is advising all prospective students of its maritime programs to register early, prepare the necessary documents, and select the nearest NCR test center to ensure smooth admission for Academic Year 2026–2027.
To further accommodate applicants, ongoing enrollment in OLFU’s maritime programs—Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE)—is accepted either before or after taking the NaMMAT.
Ongoing enrollment for the Academic Year started in September, and interested may apply online at bit.ly/OLFUApplicationForm.
Story by Raymond Lumagsao
