ASVAB Scores: A Detailed Guide

If you are considering applying for a role in the US military, you will need to consider the requirements for the role. The application process is designed to evaluate candidates’ citizenship, education, health, skills, and capabilities.

To be part of the US Armed Forces, you must meet their high standards. Some of the most important qualities to have to be an officer include discipline, leadership, and adaptability.

One of the stages in applying for a US military role is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This aptitude test evaluates whether an applicant is suited to a career in the Armed Forces.

If you are planning to apply for a military role, it is important that you learn to understand ASVAB scores. This can help you to assess your own suitability for various military roles and career paths.

In this article, you will learn more about the different ASVAB tests, what’s involved in calculating ASVAB scores, the ASVAB score ranges for different branches of the military, and how these scores are used in military career planning. You’ll also get answers to frequently asked questions.

What Are ASVAB Scores?

Developed and maintained by the Defense Department, the ASVAB is an aptitude test that is administered at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) across the US.

The assessment measures not only whether you are a good fit for a military role, but also which branch and occupation you are best suited to.

Types of ASVAB Tests and their Scores

There are three types of ASVAB test, and each has significant differences.

The versions are:

CAT-ASVAB

Taken by a large number of potential military recruits, this computer-adaptive test features 129 questions that increase or decrease in difficulty based on whether you answered the previous question correctly.

Your CAT-ASVAB score is calculated using a formula that accounts for the difficulty of the question and the accuracy of your answer. 

MET-site ASVAB

This test, also known as P&P-ASVAB, is taken at MET sites by candidates who do not live near a CAT-ASVAB testing center. It is a pen and paper exam and features eight subtests compared to CAT-ASVAB’s nine sections.

Student ASVAB

As the term suggests, this test is taken by high school and college students who are exploring the idea of joining the US Armed Forces.

This paper exam is given in schools and analyzed by students and their career counselors.

ASVAB Test Scores – Components

After taking an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, you will be given several ASVAB test scores that explain how you have performed.

The higher ASVAB score you can achieve, the more options you have.

You will receive a Standard Score which correlates with how many questions you answered correctly, as well as the following results:

AFQT Score

The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is calculated using the Standard Scores from the following four ASVAB sections:

• Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
• Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
• Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
• Word Knowledge (WK)

Your AFQT score will be reported as a percentile between 1 and 99. Percentile ranks indicate how you scored compared to a sample of candidates who took the same test.

For example, if you have an AFQT score of 82, this means that you performed as well as or better than 80% of the normative sample group. Candidates who achieve high AFQT scores have a better chance of being accepted for military service.

Composite Scores

One of the scores you will receive after taking an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test is a composite, or line, score.

This score demonstrates your overall performance across all of the subtests. Your composite score is used to determine which military roles you are eligible and qualified for.

In calculating ASVAB score reports, administrators use the results from the following four subtests:

• Math knowledge
• Arithmetic reasoning
• Word knowledge
• Paragraph comprehension

Your scores for each of these sections, which will be between 0 and 100, are added together and divided by four to determine your composite score. This score will also be between 0 and 100.

Subtest Scores

Your subset scores indicate how you performed in each of the subsets on the test.

In the full-length CAT-ASVAB test are the following subsets:

• General Science
• Arithmetic Reasoning
• Word Knowledge
• Paragraph Comprehension
• Mathematics Knowledge
• Electronics Information
• Auto & Shop Information
• Mechanical Comprehension
• Assembling Objects

These ASVAB test scores are important as they highlight your most prominent skills and abilities.

How to Interpret ASVAB Scores

Understanding the ASVAB Score Chart/Report

Once you understand the components of the ASVAB score chart, you will be able to read and analyze your own results.

One of the most important concepts to familiarize yourself with is the AFQT scoring system. Your score will be converted into a percentile that indicates how you performed compared to the rest of the sample group.

This data is used to select the absolute best candidates for positions within the US Armed Forces.

Each branch of the military requires a different minimum AFQT score:

Air Force

Minimum score of 31.

Minimum score of 50 for candidates with a high school-equivalent degree such as GED or HiSET but without at least 15 hours college credit.

Army

Minimum ASVAB score for Army jobs – 31.

Minimum score of 50 for candidates with a high school-equivalent degree (GED or HiSET).

Coast Guard

Minimum score of 40.

Minimum score of 47 in addition to 15 hours college credit for candidates with a high school-equivalent degree (GED or HiSET).

Marines

Minimum score of 31.

Minimum score of 50 for candidates with a high school-equivalent degree (GED or HiSET). 

Navy

Minimum score of 31.

Minimum score of 50 in addition to 15 hours college credit for candidates with a high school-equivalent degree (GED or HiSET).

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Your Subset Scores are especially helpful for pinpointing your strengths and areas needing improvement.

If you are considering potential career paths within the Armed Forces, you can use your Subset Scores to identify the topics that need further study.

Using ASVAB Test Scores for Military Career Planning

Qualifying for Enlistment

If you take the computerized CAT-ASVAB test, you will answer questions across nine subsections. The paper-based MET-site ASVAB consists of eight sections.

Your subtest scores are important as they highlight the areas you are strongest in. Military recruiters will analyze these scores to match your skills and abilities to certain roles.

For example, achieving high scores in certain sections can increase your chances of being offered a role.

The average ASVAB score is 50, so you should aim to score equal to or higher than this for the best chance of being recruited.

Job Placement

When recruiting candidates into the branches of the Armed Forces, military recruiters consider the different components that make up your ASVAB score.

Each job role within the Army is associated with a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). They each have their own ASVAB test score requirements.

Your ASVAB results are translated into 10 calculations known as “Army line scores.” Some of these ASVAB line scores are clerical, combat, field artillery, and surveillance and technical. You must achieve the minimum ASVAB score for Army roles to be offered a position.

The US Air Force also translates your ASVAB scores into qualification areas called Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC). There are four AFS codes: general, mechanical, administrative, and electrical.

To be successful in applying for a role within the Air Force, you must meet the minimum required score. Out of all of the US military branches, the Air Force has the highest ASVAB requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ASVAB scores?

ASVAB scores are the results from taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). They are used to recruit candidates applying for roles in the Armed Forces. 

The average ASVAB score is 50, so aim to score equal to or higher than this for the best chance of being recruited.

How to read ASVAB scores?

To read your ASVAB scores, you can use this guide to understand the different components such as Composite Scores and AFQT scores.

How long are ASVAB scores good for?

ASVAB scores are valid for up to two years after you take the test.

How to check ASVAB scores?

You can check your ASVAB scores by logging into your account on the ASVAB website.

What do ASVAB scores mean?

Your ASVAB scores provide an insight into your cognitive abilities – how well you learn and solve problems.

How are ASVAB scores calculated?

Your Standard Score refers to how many questions you answered correctly. The Composite Score is calculated using the results from four of the test subsets. Your Subtest Scores indicate how you performed in each of the eight or nine sections.

What are line scores on the ASVAB?

ASVAB line scores are calculated for each of the career categories within the Army. You must achieve the minimum line score for your chosen job role to be considered.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning to join the US Armed Forces, you will need to take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. For many positions, the standards are high and so you will need to demonstrate exceptional skills and knowledge. 

By practicing using cognitive ability tests and ensuring you are prepared for the assessment, you can achieve a high score and start on your chosen career path.