Navy Retail Specialist (RS) Advancement
Exam Study Guide Questions for E-4, E-5, and
E-6 Advancement – Questions with Answers
and Rationales
Instructions: This exam contains multiple-choice questions covering the core content tested on the
Navy Retail Specialist (RS) advancement examination. Topics include NAVSUP P-487, ship's store
operations, ROM system functions, inventory management, service activities (laundry, barbershop),
financial accountability, and security.
1. What is the primary publication governing the operation of a Navy Ship's Store?
A. NAVSUP P-409
B. NAVSUP P-485
C. NAVSUP P-487
D. OPNAVINST 5100.19
Correct Answer: C — NAVSUP P-487
Rationale: NAVSUP P-487 (Ship's Store Trust Fund) is the "bible" for RS Sailors,
providing all regulations for retail and service activities .
2. What is the primary mission of the Ship's Store Afloat?
A. To generate maximum profit for the Navy General Fund
B. To provide items necessary for day-to-day living and promote morale
,C. To serve as a primary storage facility for Fleet Logistics Centers
D. To provide tax-free luxury items for officers only
Correct Answer: B — To provide items necessary for day-to-day living and
promote morale
Rationale: The Ship's Store is designed to provide for the comfort and well-being
of the crew while generating funds for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) .
3. Which ROM function is used to record the receipt of a shipment?
A. Inventory Adjustment
B. External Receipt
C. Internal Expenditure
D. Cash Collection
Correct Answer: B — External Receipt
Rationale: External Receipts are used in the Retail Operations Management
(ROM) system to account for merchandise arriving from outside vendors or OSO
(Other Supply Officer) transfers .
4. What is the maximum amount of "Navy Cash" a Sailor can carry on their card's
electronic purse?
, A. $500
B. $1,000
C. $2,500
D. $5,000
Correct Answer: B — $1,000
Rationale: The standard limit for the chip-based electronic purse on a Navy Cash
card is $1,000 .
5. In the Laundry, what is the minimum required temperature for "hot" water
washing to kill bacteria?
A. 120°F
B. 140°F
C. 160°F
D. 180°F
Correct Answer: C — 160°F
Rationale: Per NAVSUP P-487 and health standards, laundry must be washed at
160°F for at least 25 minutes to ensure proper sanitization .
6. How often must a "Spot Inventory" be conducted by the Sales Officer?
Exam Study Guide Questions for E-4, E-5, and
E-6 Advancement – Questions with Answers
and Rationales
Instructions: This exam contains multiple-choice questions covering the core content tested on the
Navy Retail Specialist (RS) advancement examination. Topics include NAVSUP P-487, ship's store
operations, ROM system functions, inventory management, service activities (laundry, barbershop),
financial accountability, and security.
1. What is the primary publication governing the operation of a Navy Ship's Store?
A. NAVSUP P-409
B. NAVSUP P-485
C. NAVSUP P-487
D. OPNAVINST 5100.19
Correct Answer: C — NAVSUP P-487
Rationale: NAVSUP P-487 (Ship's Store Trust Fund) is the "bible" for RS Sailors,
providing all regulations for retail and service activities .
2. What is the primary mission of the Ship's Store Afloat?
A. To generate maximum profit for the Navy General Fund
B. To provide items necessary for day-to-day living and promote morale
,C. To serve as a primary storage facility for Fleet Logistics Centers
D. To provide tax-free luxury items for officers only
Correct Answer: B — To provide items necessary for day-to-day living and
promote morale
Rationale: The Ship's Store is designed to provide for the comfort and well-being
of the crew while generating funds for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) .
3. Which ROM function is used to record the receipt of a shipment?
A. Inventory Adjustment
B. External Receipt
C. Internal Expenditure
D. Cash Collection
Correct Answer: B — External Receipt
Rationale: External Receipts are used in the Retail Operations Management
(ROM) system to account for merchandise arriving from outside vendors or OSO
(Other Supply Officer) transfers .
4. What is the maximum amount of "Navy Cash" a Sailor can carry on their card's
electronic purse?
, A. $500
B. $1,000
C. $2,500
D. $5,000
Correct Answer: B — $1,000
Rationale: The standard limit for the chip-based electronic purse on a Navy Cash
card is $1,000 .
5. In the Laundry, what is the minimum required temperature for "hot" water
washing to kill bacteria?
A. 120°F
B. 140°F
C. 160°F
D. 180°F
Correct Answer: C — 160°F
Rationale: Per NAVSUP P-487 and health standards, laundry must be washed at
160°F for at least 25 minutes to ensure proper sanitization .
6. How often must a "Spot Inventory" be conducted by the Sales Officer?
