The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is used to identify whether a candidate is qualified to enlist in a particular branch of the military. We will review everything there is to know about ASVAB scores in our guide below.
It is important to know that no one technically passes or fails the ASVAB. Each branch of the military has specific minimum ASVAB score requirements.
What is a Good ASVAB Score?
A good ASVAB score is a passing score, which would be anything above the minimum ASVAB requirement for the branch of the military that you are seeking to enlist in.
The AFQT score (not composite score) is used for the minimum ASVAB required score. The following table shows the minimum AFQT score you would need for each branch.
| Military Branch | Min. Score (With a HS Diploma) | Min. Score (With a GED) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 31 | 50 |
| Army | 31 | 31 |
| Coast Guard | 40 | 50 |
| Marine Corps | 32 | 50 |
| Navy | 35 | 50 |
The average ASVAB score is 50. Since ASVAB scoring is presented as a percentile, a 50 would mean that you scored the same as 50% of other test-takers (average).
The highest ASVAB score you can receive is a 99. This means that you scored better than 99% of all other test-takers.
You can begin preparing for the exam by taking one of our free ASVAB practice tests.
AFQT Score
AFQT scores are a critical component of the ASVAB scoring process. These are the scores that different branches of the Military use to determine if you meet their minimum requirements.
AFQT scores are based on your scores from the following four subtests:
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
AFQT scores are represented as percentiles in the range of 1 to 99. The percentile score indicates how a candidate’s score compares to others who have taken the exam.
If an ASVAB candidate has an AFQT score of 65, this implies that their score is higher than 65% of other test-takers. You can read more about the AFQT score on the official website.
ASVAB Score Chart
The following table shows the ASVAB score chart. After taking the exam, you will be classified into one of the following categories.
The AFQT range is listed as a percentile (comparison between your ASVAB score and other test-takers).
| Category | AFQT Range (Percentiles) |
|---|---|
| I | 93-99 |
| II | 65-92 |
| III A | 50-64 |
| III B | 31-49 |
| IV A | 21-30 |
| IV B | 16-20 |
| IV C | 10-15 |
| V | 1-9 |
How Are ASVAB Scores Calculated?
The ASVAB is a timed, multiple-choice aptitude test administered in paper or computerized form. The exam is multiple-choice with 4 possible answers.
You want to answer every question even if you must guess at some of the answers. You are not penalized for wrong answers, but you are penalized for questions left blank, as these are counted as incorrect.
Each question counts as 1 point, so if you left 15 questions blank, you automatically have reduced your ASVAB score to 85.
There are 10 different subtests on the exam. You will be given a standard score for each subtest. Standard scores are calculated from your raw scores (total number of points you receive on each subtest).
The standard scores are a statistically derived score that typically ranges from 30 to 70 for each subtest.
The standard scores are created so that a 50 represents a mean (average) score.
An applicant’s standard scores on each of the individual subtests are used to calculate two separate types of scores:
- Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) Scores
- Composite Scores
These 2 scores are the important ASVAB test scores that are used to determine enlistment eligibility and MOS/Job qualifications.
You can learn more about the specifics of the subtests by reading our ASVAB exam overview guide.
If you want to practice for the exam, you can use our free ASVAB practice test.
What Are ASVAB Scores Used For?
ASVAB scores are used primarily by each branch of the United States armed forces to determine if an individual meets minimum entrance requirements. These scores are also used to determine which specific jobs within each military branch would be a good fit for that individual.
Armed Forces Recruiters will send applicants to Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) or Military Entrance Test sites (MET) to take the ASVAB to determine whether the applicant is eligible for active military duty in a specific branch of the military.
In addition, many high schools will also use the ASVAB to help guide students in their choice to attend college, technical or vocational schools, or enlist in the armed forces. High school counselors will also utilize the test scores to help identify any specific career paths for a student to take.
ASVAB Score Requirements for Different Military Branches
When it comes to ASVAB requirements, your AFQT score will be used to determine if you are eligible for that specific branch of the military. Each branch has different requirements.
Air Force AFQT Score Requirements
- Minimum AFQT Score (with High School Diploma): 31
- Minimum AFQT Score (with GED): 50
Army AFQT Score Requirements
- Minimum AFQT Score (with High School Diploma): 31
- Minimum AFQT Score (with GED): 31
Marine Corps AFQT Score Requirements
- Minimum AFQT Score (with High School Diploma): 32
- Minimum AFQT Score (with GED): 50
Navy AFQT Score Requirements
- Minimum AFQT Score (with High School Diploma): 35
- Minimum AFQT Score (with GED): 50
Composite Scores
Composite Scores are sometimes referred to as “line scores”, “aptitude area scores”, or “MOS scores”. These scores are calculated by taking your standard score from various subtests and inputting them into a formula.
Composite scores are used by the different branches of the U.S. Armed Services to determine which military jobs (or Military Occupational Specialties/MOS) may be the best fit for you.
These composite scores are only one factor in determining which military job is right for you. The recruiter will also use job availability, physical and medical qualifications, and eligibility for security clearance as additional factors.
Each branch of the service also defines their own composite scores and eligibility requirements.
Air Force Composite Scores
The Air Force utilizes a combination of the ASVAB subtests referred to as MAGE (Mechanical, Administrative, General Aptitude and Electronics) scoring to determine what specific occupational Air Force specialties an individual is qualified for.
MAGE is based on eight ASVAB subtests, which are grouped together into four different “Qualification Areas”.
| Composite Score | Standard Scores | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Verbal Expression (VE), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Auto and Shop Information (AS) | AR + 2xVE + MC + AS |
| Administrative | Verbal Expression (VE), Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | VE + MK |
| General | Verbal Expression (VE), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | VE + AR |
| Electronics | Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Electronics Information (EI), General Science (GS) | AR + MK + EI + GS |
Army Composite Scores
How the Army uses ASVAB scores to find out what specific Army jobs a person qualifies for can be complicated. There is no single test score that determines whether someone is qualified to be a combat instructor or a small arms mechanic or some other job.
Every Army job has certain skills and knowledge required to do that job successfully. The Army took each job within the Army and broke it down into which skills and knowledge were necessary to do each job, which are now referred to as Occupational Specialties (OS).
From those Occupational specialties, they were able to devise a battery of tests that would provide an indication of what jobs an individual was capable of doing within the Army.
| Occupational Specialty | ASVAB Scores Looked at |
|---|---|
| Clerical | Word Knowledge, Comprehension, Math Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning |
| Combat | Word Knowledge, Comprehension, Math Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning |
| Electronics | Science, Math Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, Electronic Information |
| Field Artillery | Math Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mechanical Comprehension |
| General Maintenance | Science, Auto & Shop information, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information |
| Basic Technical | Word Knowledge, Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning |
| Mechanical Maintenance | Auto & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronic Information |
| Food & Operators | Word Knowledge, Comprehension, Auto & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension |
| Surveillance & Communications | Word Knowledge, Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Auto & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension |
| Skilled Technical | Word Knowledge, Comprehension, Science, Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension |
The Army utilizes the subtest test scores from the ASVAB to determine what specific occupational specialty an individual is qualified for.
They convert an individual’s score on ASVAB subtests into composite score areas referred to as line scores. Lines scores are grouped together in various ways to identify an individual’s job selection.
For example, a Tank Turret Mechanic would have had to score at least 100 from the combined line scores from the Mechanical Maintenance subtests.
| Composite Score | Standard Scores | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| General | Verbal Expression (VE), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | VE + AR |
| Technical, Clerical, Combat, Electronics Repair, Field Artillery, General Maintenance, Mechanical Maintenance, Operators/Food, Surveillance/Communication Skilled Technician | Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Mathematics Knowledge (MK). General Science (GS), Electronics Information (EI), Auto Information (AI), Shop Information (SI), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Assembling Objects (AO) | Weighted combinations of all ASVAB Subtests |
Marine Corps Composite Scores
How the Marines use ASVAB scores to find out what specific Marine Corps jobs a person qualifies for can be confusing. There is no single test score that determines whether someone is qualified to be a Combat Engineer or a tank mechanic or some other job.
Every Marines Corps job has certain skills and knowledge required to do that job successfully. The Marines took each job within the Marines and broke it down into which skills and knowledge were necessary to do each job, which are now referred to as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
From those codes, they were able to devise a battery of tests that would provide an indication of what jobs and individual was capable of doing within the Marine Corps.
The Marines use the MCCS (Marine Corp Composite Scores) to determine the specific MOS an individual is qualified for. The MCCS is based on seven ASVAB subtests, which are grouped together into three different sections:
- Section 1: Electronics Repair, Missile Repair, Electronics & Communications (EL) – Based on General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge and Electronic Information ASVAB subtests.
- Section 2: General Maintenance, Construction, Utility and Chemical Maintenance (MM) – Based on General Science, Auto & Shop, Mathematics Knowledge and Electronics Information ASVAB subtests.
- Section 3: General Technical, Special and Officer Programs (GT) – Based on Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Arithmetic Reasoning ASVAB subtests.
| Composite Score | Standard Scores | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Auto and Shop Information (AS), Electronics Information (EI) | AR + MC + AS + EI |
| Clerical | Verbal Expression (VE), Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | VE + MK |
| General Technician | Verbal Expression (VE), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | VE + AR + MC |
| Electronics | Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Electronics Information (EI), General Science (GS) | AR + MK + EI + GS |
Navy Composite Scores
The Navy does not use line scores. They utilize the actual scores from the ASVAB subtests grouped into 10 different Ratings categories to determine what specific occupational Navy specialty an individual is qualified for.
For example, a Submarine Electronics Technician would have had to score at least 222 from the combined scores from the Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information and General Science subtests.
| Composite Score | Standard Scores | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| General Technician | Verbal Expression (VE), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | VE + AR |
| Electronics | General Science (GS), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Electronics Information (EI) | GS + AR + MK + EI |
| Basic Electricity and Electronics | General Science (GS), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | GS + AR + 2xMK |
| Engineering | Auto and Shop Information (AS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | AS + MK |
| Mechanical 1 | Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Auto and Shop Information (AS), Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | AR + AS + MC |
| Mechanical 2 | Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Assembling Objects (AO) | AR + MC + AO |
| Nuclear | Verbal Expression (VE), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | VE + AR + MK + MC |
| Operations | Verbal Expression (VE), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Assembling Objects (AO) | VE + AR + MK + AO |
| Hospitalman | Verbal Expression (VE), General Science (GS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | VE + GS + MK |
| Administrative | Verbal Expression (VE), Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | VE + MK |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can you take the ASVAB?
If you are not happy with the score you received on the initial ASVAB test you took, you can retake the ASVAB up to two more times. There is a required waiting period, between each retake.
To take the ASVAB a second time, the required waiting period is one month from the initial test date.
To take the ASVAB a third time, the required waiting period is six months from the time you took the ASVAB the second time.
How long are ASVAB scores good for?
If you take the ASVAB but don’t plan to enlist right away, the scores from your ASVAB test are good for up to two years.
What is the AFQT score?
The AFQT score is the most important part of the ASVAB score. This is the score that the different branches of the military use to determine if you meet their minimum requirements.
The AFQT score is made up of your scores from arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and mathematics knowledge.
What is the composite score?
The composite score is calculated by taking your standard score from various subtests and putting it into a formula.
Composite scores are used by different branches of the military to determine your Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Each branch defines their own composite scores and requirements.
