“What jobs do I qualify for with my ASVAB scores?” is one of the frequently asked questions of ASVAB test-takers, especially for Coast Guard applicants. Coast Guard is one of the most competitive military branches, known for its high enlistment standards. So, you are nervous about “What is the ASVAB score for Coast Guard?”, and “Whether my scores qualify for any Coast Guard position?”
Don’t worry! In this post, you will get your answer. Our post gives you everything you need to know about Coast Guard jobs and ASVAB score requirements, and tips to boost your scores. Scroll down right away to find the best job opportunities for your scores!
How to calculate the Coast Guard ASVAB score?
To begin your journey in the Coast Guard, understanding how your ASVAB score for the Coast Guard is calculated is essential. Generally, there are two types of scores needed to calculate for the Coast Guard enlistment, namely ASVAB line scores and AFQT scores. This scoring process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Determine standard scores
The raw scores from nine ASVAB subtests are counted and then, converted into standard scores that allow for comparison across different test versions.
Read the ASVAB standard score to know more about the standardized score process.
Step 2: Compute Coast Guard line scores
Next, standard scores in specific subtests are chosen based on the Coast Guard’s required skills and then formed into form line (composite) scores, which are specific to certain job functions within the Coast Guard. The detailed Coast Guard line score is presented in the table below:
These line scores are what the Coast Guard uses to determine your qualifications for particular ratings.
Step 3. Compute AFQT score
Your AFQT score is derived from four specific ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK). The AFQT score is crucial as it determines your overall eligibility to enlist in the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard ASVAB score calculator
To choose the right job in the Coast Guard, the ability to calculate your ASVAB is crucial. However, with so many components in the scoring formula, it’s easy to get confused and make mistakes in your calculations. To avoid these issues, you can rely on our Coast Guard ASVAB score calculator. This tool simplifies the process, providing you with accurate AFQT and composite scores tailored to Coast Guard requirements.
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1. Enter your scores into the calculator
Click on our calculator and input the number of correct answers for each subtest.
Step 2. Wait to get your results
The calculator will immediately compute your scores, giving you the precise AFQT percentile score and composite scores necessary for Coast Guard enlistment.
By using our calculator, you can focus on preparing for your Coast Guard career without worrying about complex calculations.
What is a good ASVAB score for the Coast Guard?
What is considered a “good” ASVAB score largely depends on the job you are aiming for. Generally, meeting the minimum Coast Guard ASVAB score requirements qualifies you for enlistment, but higher scores can open up more opportunities, position you for advanced training programs, and even make you eligible for potential enlistment bonuses.
Carefully review the requirements for AFQT and line scores in the section below to determine what scores are good enough to match your career aspirations. For example, besides the generally required AFQT score, if you’re interested in highly technical fields like Information Systems Technician, you’ll need strong line scores in areas like EL and AR.
Minimum ASVAB score requirements for the Coast Guard
The first criterion you need to qualify to enlist in the Coast Guard is a minimum AFQT score. According to the Coast Guard, you need at least an AFQT score of 36 for active duty enlistment.
For GED holders, the minimum score increases to 50. Officer programs have different standardized test requirements. The higher your AFQT score is, the more opportunities you have to receive benefits and incentives.
ASVAB scores for Coast Guard ratings
AFQT score is the first requirement to enlist you in the Coast Guard branch in general, then what specific jobs you can qualify for depends on your line score used for Coast Guard. There are over 20 job titles in the U.S Coast Guard (USCG), sorted by “rating”. The minimum USCG ASVAB score requirements for each rating are as the table below:
USCG ASVAB score requirements
| Coast Guard Rating | Coast Guard Job Title | Minimum line score requirement |
|---|---|---|
| AET | Avionics Electrical Technician | AFQT = 65 or MK + EI + GS = 172 and minimum AR = 52 |
| AMT | Aviation Maintenance Technician | AFQT = 65 or AR + MC + AS + EI = 220 and minimum AR = 52 |
| BM | Boatswain’s Mate | AR + VE = 100 |
| DC | Damage Controlman | VE + MC + AS = 155 |
| EM | Electrician’s Mate | MK + EI + GS = 153 and minimum AR = 52 |
| ET | Electronics Technician | AFQT = 65 or MK + EI + GS = 172 and minimum AR = 52 |
| GM | Gunner’s Mate | AR + MK + EI + GS = 209 |
| IT | Information Systems Technician | AFQT = 65 or MK + EI + GS = 172 and minimum AR = 52 |
| MST | Marine Science Technician | VE + AR = 114 and minimum MK = 56 |
| PA | Public Affairs Specialist | VE + AR = 109 and minimum VE = 54 |
Notes:
It’s important to note that specific ASVAB score requirements can vary depending on the job within the Coast Guard and can change over time based on military needs and applicant availability.
Besides the ASVAB scores needed for the Coast Guard, you must fulfill other criteria to enlist. According to the Coast Guard, the qualifications for active duty enlistment are as follows:
- Age requirement: 17 to 41
- national proof: U.S. citizen or authorized permanent resident
- Education degree: Completion of high school or its equivalent
- Physical fitness: Meet the physical fitness requirements established by the Coast Guard
- Military service: A maximum of 14 years of total non-Coast Guard military service is allowed. An authorized DD368 (conditional release) is required if you are serving in the Reserve or another branch of the armed forces at this time.
- Dependents: If single, having any dependents for whom you have primary custody will require a waiver and a dependent care plan. If married, you must have no more than three dependents, including your spouse.
FAQs
1. Why is the Coast Guard ASVAB score so high?
The Coast Guard sets higher ASVAB score requirements due to several reasons:
- Specialized missions: The Coast Guard has unique missions such as search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection, which demand recruits with strong aptitude and skills. High requirement ensures that recruits have the skills necessary to perform effectively in specialized roles.
- Smallest size branch: As the smallest branch of the U.S. military, the Coast Guard has fewer positions available, allowing them to be more selective in choosing candidates who are likely to excel in their challenging roles.
- High standards of training and professionalism. A high score ensures candidates have enough skills to afford this difficult training.
2. What is the minimum ASVAB score for the Coast Guard?
The minimum AFQT score required for Coast Guard enlistment is 36. However, certain jobs may require higher scores, particularly in the table above.
3. How to study for the ASVAB Coast Guard?
To effectively study for the ASVAB and qualify for the Coast Guard, follow these steps:
- Understand the test format: Familiarize yourself with the ASVAB subtests and the types of questions asked. Focus on the sections that are counted for Coast Guard line scores.
- Create a study schedule: Allocate time each time to study specific subtests. Make sure you have ample time to prepare before the test day.
- Develop a Coast Guard-specific study strategy: An effective study strategy tailored for Coast Guard requirements will help you concentrate on the areas that matter most.
- Practice with ASVAB sample tests: Taking practice tests will help you gauge your readiness and identify areas where you need to improve. Try our free Coast Guard ASVAB practice tests to get started right away.
Check out our Coast Guard ASVAB study guide for more detailed strategies.
Final thoughts
Entering the Coast Guard is highly competitive, so understanding the ASVAB score requirements for Coast Guard jobs gives you an important advantage in pursuing a successful career. With our comprehensive guide covering all the key information about Coast Guard ASVAB scores, you can easily match your scores with your desired job, ensuring you’re on the right path to achieving your enlistment goals. Don’t forget to explore our practice tests and use our score calculator to track your progress. Best of luck in your future with the USCG!
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