NVM Command Set Specification

Command Set

The individual command set specifications allow NVM Express to isolate and independently evolve command sets for emerging technologies such as Zoned Namespaces, Key Value, Computational Storage and Subsystem Local Memory. The NVMe specifications before NVMe 2.0 included all command set details. NVMe 2.0 separates these command sets into different specifications.

The NVMe Base specification defines the Admin Command Set, which provides essential administrative and management commands, including identify and get-log-page.


What is the NVM Command Set specification?

The NVM Command Set specification defines the NVM Command Set, which includes the most essential I/O commands: read and write. The NVM Command Set specification is effectively the block address command set that existed in NVMe before the NVMe 2.0 specifications.

As of August 5, 2025, the set NVMe Specifications are as of the follows:

  • NVM Express® Base Specification, Revision 2.3
  • Command Set Specifications:
    • NVM Express® Computational Programs Command Set Specification, Revision 1.2
    • NVM Express® Key Value Command Set Specification, Revision 1.3
    • NVM Express® NVM Command Set Specification, Revision 1.2
    • NVM Express® Subsystem Local Memory Command Set Specification, Revision 1.2
    • NVM Express® Zoned Namespaces Command Set Specification, Revision 1.4
  • Transport Specifications:
    • NVM Express® NVMe over PCIe Transport Specification, Revision 1.3
    • NVM Express® NVMe over RDMA Transport Specification, Revision 1.2
    • NVM Express® NVMe over TCP Transport Specification, Revision 1.2
  • NVM Express® NVMe Boot Specification, Revision 1.3
  • NVM Express® NVM Express Management Interface Specification, Revision 2.1