Finding suitable Navy jobs by ASVAB scores

In our post on ASVAB scores for each branch, we addressed one of the biggest concerns for all participants after taking the ASVAB test, helping them understand the general criteria to choose the right jobs. Building on that, this post is specifically tailored for those seeking detailed information about Navy jobs that match their ASVAB scores.

In this post, we provide a comprehensive explanation of ASVAB scores for the Navy, helping you determine your eligibility for various Navy positions. Dive in to discover all the essential details you need and start planning your Navy career right now! 

How to calculate the Navy ASVAB score?

Before looking for a position in the Navy, understanding the calculation of your ASVAB score used for Navy enlistment is the first crucial step. Generally, all score components in your ASVAb result report contribute to your eligibility for Navy jobs. Here is the detailed score process:

Step 1. Determine standard score

First, your standard scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers (raw scores) on the ASVAB subtests. Your raw scores are then standardized against a national sample of 18-23-year-olds from 1997, which provides a benchmark to gauge your performance against other test-takers. These standard scores are then used to calculate both your line and AFQT scores. 

To understand the calculation process of the ASVAB standard score, check our post here. 

Step 2. Compute the Navy line score

After determining standard scores, the Navy selects scores from specific subtests related to job-specific requirements and groups them into categories corresponding to various Navy positions. Each Navy job requires a particular combination of subtest scores, so understanding how your scores align with these categories is crucial. Below is an overview of the Navy line scores:

To learn more about ASVAB line scores, you can check here.

Step 3. Determine the AFQT score for the Navy

Finally, the AFQT score combined from four subtests (AR, MK, WK, and PC) is computed. This score is critical as it determines your basic eligibility to enlist in the Navy. For more details on the AFQT score calculation process, see our post on the AFQT score. 

Navy ASVAB score calculator

Calculating your ASVAB scores is necessary for choosing the suitable Navy career path, however, the calculation process is complex, especially with manual calculation. To streamline the process of calculating your Navy ASVAB score, we have introduced a specialized Navy ASVAB score calculator. This tool is designed to help you accurately and automatically compute both your AFQT and line scores used for Navy enlistment, without much effort. 

Here are the simple steps to calculate your scores with our calculator:

Step 1. Input your ASVAB scores

Click on Calculator and enter your standard scores for each ASVAB subtest

Step 2. Receive instant scores

Wait a second. The calculator will instantly generate your AFQT and line scores, helping you quickly understand your eligibility for various Navy ratings. Moreover, our calculator can suggest qualified jobs based on your scores. 

This tool is an incredibly convenient way to ensure you are on the right track as you prepare for your Navy career.

What is a good score for the Navy?

A good Navy varies for each applicant due to their different career goals. For example, you consider an AFQT score of 36 to be good enough since it qualifies you for the Navy, but other recruits might aim for a score of 50, as it qualifies them for more advanced training programs or incentives. 

Generally, some factors contribute to a “good” score:

• Minimum AFQT requirements: To qualify for enlistment in the Navy, your AFQT score must meet the required threshold as mentioned below.
• Minimum line scores: Each Navy position requires specific line scores. For example, technical jobs may require higher scores in areas like Arithmetic Reasoning and Mathematics Knowledge. Carefully read the requirements of your desired job to determine whether your score is efficient. 
• Personal goals: What positions do you want to enlist in, and whether you aim for enlistment incentives or not affect your qualified score in the Navy. 

Minimum AFQT score requirements for Navy

According to the SBE, to be eligible to enlist in the Navy, both active duty and reserve, the following AFQT score requirements must be met:

• For high school diploma holders: A minimum AFQT score of 31 is required (Score requirement provided by Washington’s local MEPs in Spokane, Seattle, and Portland on August 28, 2023). 
• For GED holders: A minimum AFQT score of 50 is needed to qualify.

These requirements ensure that all Navy recruits have the foundational skills necessary for success in their training programs and duties.

ASVAB score for Navy jobs 

In addition to the minimum AFQT score, each position in the Navy requires a specific minimum ASVAB score. The US Navy refers to their specific jobs as rating, encoded as Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC). There are over 60 ratings in the Navy with score requirements as follows:

Navy ASVAB score requirements by Rating

Notes: 

The Navy job ASVAB scores can change depending on the needs of the branch and the number of applicants. It’s important to stay updated on the current requirements, as they may vary over time.

According to Navy.com, to meet the ASVAB score requirements, you must fulfill:

• Age: You must be between 17 and 41 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is required, though a diploma is preferred.
• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien.
• Medical requirement: You must pass a medical exam of the MEPs
• Physical, mental, and moral standards of the Navy: 

Meeting all these requirements is essential to pursue a career in the Navy, beyond just achieving the necessary ASVAB scores.

FAQs

1. What jobs are suitable with a Navy ASVAB score of 10?

While there is a new policy under discussion that would allow the Navy to enlist recruits who score as low as 10 on their ASVAB to address a shortage of qualified applicants, it’s important to understand a few key points:

• Eligibility based on education: This change primarily applies to high school graduates, not those with a GED. The ASVAB score is combined with educational credentials to determine eligibility for enlistment.
• Job qualification: The overall ASVAB score mentioned in this policy does not qualify an applicant for specific Navy ratings. The requirements for these positions remain unchanged.

Therefore, even if you are enlisted in the Navy with an AFQT score of 10, you may not meet the requirements for any specific job within the Navy. To improve your chances of qualifying for a job, it’s essential to work on increasing your ASVAB score to meet the minimum requirements mentioned above.

2. What is the average Navy ASVAB score?

The average Navy ASVAB score chart can vary according to different ratings and applicant pool. Generally, Navy recruits typically get the AFQT score ranging from 35-65.

3. What are the highest ASVAB score jobs in the Navy?

Some of the highest ASVAB score jobs in the Navy include roles in the Nuclear Field (NF). These jobs require high scores in specific areas due to the technical nature of the work. Here are some examples:

• Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear Field): This role involves maintaining and repairing the electrical systems on nuclear-powered ships. It requires a minimum composite score of 252.
• Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear Field): This position focuses on operating and maintaining the mechanical systems of nuclear-powered vessels. Similar to the EM (NUC), it also demands a minimum composite score of 252. 

4. What jobs do I qualify for with my ASVAB score Navy?

Your eligibility for Navy ratings depends on both your AFQT and composite scores. Refer to the table above to determine which ratings you qualify for based on your ASVAB scores.

5. How to study for Navy ASVAB?

To effectively study for the ASVAB and qualify for the Navy, these steps are recommended: 

• Focus on the sections that are counted for the Navy line scores.
• Create a study schedule to make sure you have ample time to prepare before the test day.
• Develop a specific study strategy tailored to Navy requirements 
• Practice with sample tests

For more resources, check out our Navy ASVAB study guide and sample tests.

Final thoughts

Hope that with this article, you got all the information you need to find your best potential jobs by your Navy ASVAB scores. By comprehending all the requirements related to the ASVAB scores for Navy jobs, you can identify your suitable job positions, and take the necessary steps to achieve your career goals. Remember to utilize our free materials on the study guide, practice tests, and score calculator to make your path to the Navy easier. Best of luck as you embark on this journey!