Joining the military has long been a significant part of American life, accounting for approximately 1% of the total population. Despite its large military population, aspiring applicants face a difficult challenge in applying to any branch and passing the ASVAB Scores.
Starting a military career, like any other life-changing course, offers numerous opportunities but can be perplexing at times, especially if you go in unprepared. As a result, you’ll have to take a series of tests to determine your profile. Before that happens, however, you must pass a standardized aptitude examination set up by the US Defense Department.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, is a multiple-choice test that determines which branch and rank you are eligible for in the military. But what is a good score to get on the ASVAB? What do your ASVAB results mean? Understanding how ASVAB scores are calculated will help you develop a study strategy so that you can focus on specific areas where you want to excel and ensure that you are completely prepared for the exam with our Free ASVAB practice test 2024.
General Information about ASVAB Test
Since its first introduction in the year 1968, it has become a legalized multi-aptitude test which was eventually after 8 years, accustomed by all US military branches. As mentioned above, it is a standardized multifaceted aptitude test augmented by the US Defense Department that functions to serve as a determiner in knowing which department is the applicant most suited to and preferably, with higher remarks on the latter.
Each US military branch namely; Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy have their own minimum standards which vary uniformly with their own minimum regulated ASVAB Scores.
Take note: All military branches in the United States are required to partake in this ASVAB test by legal measures and underlying regulated context. Relatively, all branches have varying criteria in which you most likely would consider fully equipping yourself according to your desired career path in any military branch.
To join the US military, you are required to first talk to a recruiter and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a multiple-choice test used to adjust qualification for enlistment and determine eligibility for a specific career in various military branches. When you take the ASVAB test, you’d better know about 3 scores: Standard Scores, Composite Scores, and AFQT Scores.
After the test, you are given a Standard Score for each of the subtests. Standard Scores are on a scale of 0 to 100 so the mean or average is set to 50. On this scale, every 10 points from the mean represent one standard deviation. This means that a 60 Standard Score would be above average. Most test-takers’ scores are between 30 and 70. The Standard Scores on each of the individual subtests are used to calculate other scores that determine your eligibility, branch, and rank in the military. These scores are Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) scores and Composite Scores.
The ASVAB test contains 9 ASVAB sections:
- General Sciences – quantifies prior knowledge of earth and life, aerospace sciences, and practical applications of sciences.
- Arithmetic Reasoning – ability to analyze and solve simple to advanced arithmetic problems and mathematical word analysis
- Word Knowledge – quantifies the ability to comprehend the literal and figurative definition of words via synonymous terms.
- Paragraph Comprehension – scales the ability to acquire definite data from written literature or similar materials
- Mathematics Knowledge – scales capacity in learning and applying mathematical concepts and subsequent derivations.
- Electronics Information – scales prior knowledge about electromotive force, electric circuits, electronic devices, and electrical-related applications
- Auto & Shop Information – scale prior knowledge about locomotive repair and maintenance along with metal and wood methods.
- Mechanical Comprehension – quantifies knowledge about certain mechanical principles, structural backing systems, and properties of varying materials
- Assembling Objects – measures ability with geometrical and spatial associations.
On this website, we offer a free ASVAB Study Guide pack for all 9 ASVAB sections. We recommend you read these study guides to grasp all the core concepts before taking our ASVAB practice tests.
What are ASVAB Scores used for?
Scores from the ASVAB are utilized for a variety of purposes. Most high schools administer the ASVAB to learners in grades 10-12, and the resulting ASVAB scores can be used to help students decide whether to attend college, technical or vocational school or enroll in the armed forces.
The test is also used by high school career counselors to find specific career paths for students to pursue.
ASVAB testing is widely used across all branches of the military. Armed Forces Recruiters will send candidates to Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) or Military Entrance Test sites (MET) to take the ASVAB in order to determine eligibility for active military service in a particular branch of the military.
The ASVAB is used by each branch of the armed forces to evaluate not only if a person meets minimum entry requirements, but also to determine the person’s aptitude for particular jobs in that military branch.
What is the AFQT score?
The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score determines whether you’re eligible to enlist in the US military. The AFQT score is made up of your scores on the 4 subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Word Knowledge (WK).
Your AFQT score varies from 0 – 100. The AFQT score is calculated through a very particular process:
- Calculate the total value of your Word Knowledge score and Paragraph Comprehension score. This score is called your Verbal Expression or VE score.
- Double your VE score and then add it to your Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) score and your Mathematics Knowledge (MK) to get your AFQT Score.
- Now the general equation will look like this:
Raw AFQT Score = 2 × (WK + PC) + AR + MK
Convert your raw score to a percentile score to compare your results to the results of thousands of other ASVAB test-takers. Army recruits require a minimum score of 31, Marine Corps recruits at least 32, Navy recruits at least 35, and Coast Guard and Air Force ASVAB score is at least 36.
AFQT scores are divided into categories, as shown in the ASVAB score chart below (official ASVAB website):
To ensure the ASVAB score of the position you pursue, you could find some more details on the official website of the ASVAB test.
What are ASVAB Composite Scores?
Composite scores also referred to as the ‘ASVAB line scores’ or ‘ASVAB mos scores are different combinations of your Standard Scores from your nine subtest score areas. These scores are used to tell you specific jobs and branches they may perform well. The official ASVAB website wrote: “Each service develops and validates its own set of composites based on the combination of subtests that are most highly correlated with an on-the-job performance for clusters of occupations.” Specifically, each branch of the military determines which skills are most important. Specific subtests will show a candidate’s knowledge of a particular skill.
These are the scoring criteria in every military branch. Each may have a different composite score and this will be shown in the succeeding tables below:
- Clerical = WK + PC + AR + MK
- Combat = WK + PC + AS + MC
- Electrical= GS + AR + MK + EL
- Generalized Maintenance = GS + AS + MK + EL
- Field Armament = AR + MK + MC
- Generalized Technicalities= WK + PC + AR
- Mechanics = AS + MC + EL
- Food Operations = WK + PC + AS + MC
- Survey & Communications = WK + PC + AR + AS + MC
- Skilled Technicalities= WK + PC + GS + MC + MK
Take note: Knowing your score and fully comprehending its meaning is an essential factor that you need to consider. Through awareness of the result, you’ll be able to know your probable weakness in one of the subject domains. Hence, this would motivate you in preparing further for what could possibly be ahead and included in the whole duration of the ASVAB test. Failing can only be in two ways; quitting after the first failed attempt or letting your mistakes be at bay, uncorrected.
What is a Good ASVAB Score for Each Military Branch?
All US military branch has their own set minimum standards along with the necessary ASVAB scores for each branch to enlist in the specific branch. Relatively, the table below would show you the necessary scores to enlist in each branch from the HSD (High School Diploma) holder and the GED bearer. The detailed ASVAB scores for each branch are listed below:
| Specific Military Branch | HSD Holder | GED Bearer |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 31 | 50 |
| Air Force | 36 | 65 |
| Coast Guard | 36 | 50 |
| National Guard | 31 | 50 |
| Navy | 35 | 50 |
| Marine Corps | 32 | 50 |
Air Force ASVAB Scores
To join the Air Force, candidates with a high school diploma must score 36 or higher on the AFQT. Furthermore, over 90% of those accepted for Air Force enlistment have a score of 50 or higher. When you receive a score of 50 or higher, your recruiter may request that you return. College credits, on the other hand, may lead to a higher enlistment rank!
Education Requirements for the Air Force
Without a high school diploma, it is nearly impossible to join the Air Force. People who only obtain a GED have extremely slim chances. Historically, only 0.5% of all annual Air Force enlistments get only a GED. If a GED holder wishes to enlist, the AFQT must be completed with a score of 50 or higher.
Army ASVAB Scores
To enlist in the Army, you must have a minimum AFQT score of 31. Furthermore, if a recruit earns higher than 50, enlistment bonuses may be available depending on the situation.
Army Education Requirements
More GED holders can enlist in the Army than any other military branch. As a result, some recruitment years have allowed 15% of enlistees to enter without a high school diploma. College credits, like those in the Air Force, provide access to a higher enlistment rank! In addition, recruits with a college degree can enter the Army with a level as high as E-4.
Coast Guard ASVAB Scores
The Coast Guard is the most difficult branch of the military to join. To enlist, you must have a minimum ASVAB score of 36.
Requirements for Coast Guard Education
A high school diploma is required for 95% of recruits. The minimum AFQT score for a recruit who has a GED is 47. In addition, the Coast Guard offers advanced enlistment ranks of E-2 with at least 30 college credits and E-3 with at least 60 college credits.
National Guard ASVAB Scores
National Guard recruits must achieve a minimum AFQT score of 31. Those who don’t score a 31 are rare exceptions. Unfortunately, military job opportunities are not highly sought after for such low scores. In this case, study and retake the test to improve your score.
Education Requirements for the National Guard
The lowest AFQT score required when a person has a GED rather than a high school diploma is 50. Thus, GED holders who obtain 15 college credits at the 100 level or higher are treated the same as those with high school diplomas.
Marine Corps ASVAB Scores
To join the Marine Corps, recruits must achieve a minimum ASVAB score of 31. Only a few exceptions exist.
Education Requirements for the Marine Corps
Recruits who do not have a high school diploma are nearly disqualified to enlist. It is worth noting that the Marine Corps does not permit more than 5% of recruits to join with only a GED. A GED holder must achieve a minimum AFQT score of 50. The Marine Corps, like the other branches, offers advanced enlistment rank to recruits who have some college credits. The Marines, on the other hand, are less generous to candidates with some college credit. Enlistment is limited to a maximum of E-2.
Navy ASVAB Scores
Navy recruits must score at least 35 on the AFQT. Regretfully for some, there isn’t much flexibility in the Navy when it comes to minimum ASVAB scores. Reserve enlistment is available for those with an ASVAB score higher than 31.
Education Requirements for the Navy
The Navy almost never accepts recruits who do not have a high school diploma. It should be noted that GED enlistments require at least a 50 on the AFQT. Applicants with only a GED must provide three references from prominent community members (police, fire, teacher, civil servant, etc.). An individual with college experience can raise their enlistment rank to E-3.
Take note: Every specific ASVAB test from any military branch may differ in terms of time duration and level of difficulty. However, it’s worth noting that having a lesser score on one subject domain doesn’t guarantee an overall failure. Conversely, just being able to achieve the minimum score for enlistment doesn’t secure your spot in the service as well.
Read more >> Is The ASVAB Hard in 2024?
ASVAB Scores FAQs
Do you get a bonus for scoring high on the ASVAB?
To join the Army, recruits must score 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB. Recruits who are still in high school or have a GED must have a score of 50 or higher. Enlistment bonuses may be available to new candidates who score 50 or higher.
Is a 90 on the ASVAB good?
A percentile score of 90 simply means that you performed as well as or better than 90% of other test-takers. You’ll also be given a Composite Score, which the military uses to determine which job you’d be best suited for.
Is 68 a good ASVAB score?
Standard Scores range from 0 to 100. The mean, or average, on this scale is 50, and every 10 points away from the mean represents 1 standard deviation. This implies that a Standard Score of 60 is above average. The majority of participants receive scores ranging from 30 to 70.
Is a 75 ASVAB score good?
A person’s score represents what percentage of the sample test-takers he or she outperformed. As a result, a score of 75 indicates that you outperformed 75% of the sample group.
Hope that this information has given you a better idea of “what is a good ASVAB score.” Please use our practice exams to help you prepare for your next ASVAB exam. You will be rewarded if you work hard enough.
Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions or recommendations regarding our products.
Marvin Shaw is a homeschooling high school teacher and an ASVAB tutor. He's one of the creators of our ASVAB question collection. With his broad knowledge and a big love for the U.S. military, he's mentored hundreds of students to successfully enter the military.
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