In the explicit value format, the actual value of the primitive data type is given. For example, an application program can specify 1234 as the value of an INTEGER data type. Each of the primitive data types has a unique explicit value notation and these are explained in Primitive ASN.1 data types. Examples are TRUE and FALSE for BOOLEAN types, -3.125 for REAL types, and 1001001 for BIT STRINGS.

Values can be formatted and sent to the API enclosed in single or double quotation marks. Quotation marks are required if the value contains a space. Use the same kind of quotation mark to begin and end the value. The quotation marks are ignored by CMIP services.