To embark on a career in the US military, the first steps typically involve consulting a recruiter and tackling the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This multiple-choice test plays a vital role in evaluating your potential for success within the armed forces. But the crucial question remains: What Is A Good Asvab Score? What constitutes a good ASVAB score for aspiring Army personnel? And what ASVAB score is considered good for the Air Force?
This guide will delve into the intricacies of ASVAB scoring, outlining the minimum ASVAB scores required for enlisting in various military branches. Furthermore, we’ll provide valuable tips to help you effectively prepare for the ASVAB test.
Understanding How the ASVAB is Scored
The ASVAB generates three distinct types of scores:
- Standard Scores
- Composite Scores
- AFQT Score
Let’s break down each of these scores to understand their significance.
ASVAB Standard Scores
For each of the 10 subtests within the ASVAB, you’ll receive a Standard Score. These subtests include the following (it’s important to note that the Auto Information and Shop Information subtests combine to form a single Auto and Shop Information, or AS, score):
- General Science (GS)
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Electronics Information (EI)
- Auto and Shop Information (AS)
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
- Assembling Objects (AO)
Standard Scores are graded on a scale from 0 to 100. On this scale, 50 represents the mean, or average, with each 10-point increment from the mean representing one standard deviation. Therefore, a Standard Score of 60 signifies an above-average performance. The majority of test-takers typically score between 30 and 70.
While individual subtest scores may not reveal a great deal on their own, they can be combined in various ways to create composite scores (also known as line scores).
ASVAB Composite Scores
Composite scores, or line scores, are calculated using different combinations of your Standard Scores from the nine subtest areas. These scores are instrumental in identifying the military occupations for which you are best suited. Each military branch employs its own unique calculations to determine the skills required for specific jobs.
The following table illustrates the specific subtests used to evaluate a candidate’s eligibility for particular military roles. Take note that “VE” represents “Verbal Expression,” a combination of your Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension scores.
| Military Branch | Job/Specialty | Subtest Scores Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | Mechanical | AR, VE, MC, AS |
| Administrative | VE, MK | |
| General | VE, AR | |
| Electronic | AR, MK, EI, GS | |
| Army | General | AR, VE |
| Technical | Combination of scores from all subtests | |
| Clerical | ||
| Combat | ||
| Electronics Repair | ||
| Field Artillery | ||
| General Maintenance | ||
| Mechanical Maintenance | ||
| Operators/Food | ||
| Surveillance/Communication | ||
| Skilled Technician | ||
| Marine Corps | Mechanical | AR, MC, AS, EI |
| Clerical | VE, MK | |
| General Technician | VE, AR, MC | |
| Electrical | AR, MK, EI, GS | |
| Navy | General Technician | VE, AR |
| Electronics | GS, AR, MK, EI | |
| Basic Electricity and Electronics | GS, AR, MK | |
| Engineering | AS, MK | |
| Mechanical 1 | AR, AS, MC | |
| Mechanical 2 | AR, MC, AO | |
| Nuclear | VE, AR, MK, MC | |
| Operations | VE, AR, MK, AO | |
| Hospitalman | VE, GS, MK | |
| Administrative | VE, MK |
Source: Official ASVAB
AFQT Score
Your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score holds the greatest significance among all the ASVAB scores. This score is the primary determinant of your eligibility to enlist in the US military.
The AFQT score is derived from a combination of your scores on the following subtests:
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Word Knowledge
It employs a scale ranging from 1 to 99. These scores represent percentiles, indicating how well you performed compared to other test-takers. For instance, an AFQT score of 53 signifies that you performed as well as or better than 53% of the individuals who took the test. A higher percentile reflects better performance on the ASVAB, enhancing your chances of qualifying for enlistment.
The ASVAB score chart below outlines the different score ranges and categories, as defined by the official ASVAB website:
| AFQT Category | Score Range |
|---|---|
| I | 93-99 |
| II | 65-92 |
| IIIA | 50-64 |
| IIIB | 31-49 |
| IVA | 21-30 |
| IVB | 16-20 |
| IVC | 10-15 |
| V | 1-9 |
While there is no formal “passing” or “failing” score for the ASVAB, it’s crucial to achieve an AFQT score high enough to meet the enlistment requirements of your chosen military branch. Each branch establishes its own minimum requirements, which we will explore further.
What Is a Good ASVAB Score? Minimum Scores for Enlistment
Having grasped how the ASVAB is scored and recognized the paramount importance of the AFQT score, the question arises: what constitutes a good ASVAB score? More precisely, what qualifies as a good AFQT score?
Favorable ASVAB scores are those that meet the enlistment criteria for your desired military branch. It’s not about surpassing this minimum threshold by a significant margin but simply meeting the requirement.
Each branch establishes its own minimum AFQT score requirement. For example, if you aspire to join the Air Force, you’ll need to be aware of the minimum Air Force ASVAB score.
Additionally, the minimum ASVAB scores for enlistment may vary slightly depending on whether you possess a high school diploma or a GED. Individuals with a GED, as opposed to a high school diploma, typically need to attain a higher AFQT score to qualify for enlistment.
The table below presents the minimum AFQT score for each branch of the military, categorized by those with high school diplomas and those with GEDs. Note that certain branches rarely accept applicants with only GEDs.
| Military Branch | Minimum AFQT Score (High School Diploma) | Minimum AFQT Score (GED) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 31 | 50 |
| Army | 31 | 50 |
| Coast Guard | 40 | 50 |
| Marine Corps | 35 | 50 |
| Navy | 35 | 50 |
As shown, the minimum ASVAB scores required for enlistment differ somewhat across the various military branches. The Air Force and Army have the lowest minimum AFQT score (31) for high school diploma holders, while the Coast Guard has the highest (40).
For all military branches, an AFQT score of at least 50 is required for those with a GED.
In essence, a good ASVAB score for you is one that equals or exceeds the minimum score required for your desired military branch. If you’re applying to the Army, you’ll need a minimum AFQT score of 31 (equivalent to the 31st percentile).
4 Tips for Getting Great ASVAB Scores
Performing well on the ASVAB is crucial for enlisting in the military. Here are four key strategies to aid your preparation and help you achieve the ASVAB scores you need.
#1: Prioritize Your AFQT Score
Remember, your AFQT score is the score that determines your eligibility for military enlistment. It’s a combination of your scores on the following subtests:
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Word Knowledge
Focus your study efforts on these four subtests over the other six, as they directly contribute to your AFQT score. In other words, emphasize your math and verbal skills above all else as you prepare for the ASVAB.
#2: Practice With Real Sample Questions
The most effective way to prepare for any test, including the ASVAB, is to practice with genuine test questions. This provides a clearer understanding of how questions are typically phrased and the type of content covered.
Prioritize questions and practice tests developed by the creators of the ASVAB. This ensures you receive an accurate representation of what to expect on test day.
Start with the sample ASVAB questions on the official ASVAB site and Today’s Military before consulting our comprehensive guide to the best ASVAB practice tests.
#3: Make a Study Schedule—and Stick With It!
Consistent studying is essential for success on the ASVAB.
Ideally, begin preparing around two months in advance. This provides ample time to refine both your verbal and math skills and familiarize yourself with the test format through practice questions.
Also, stagger your ASVAB practice tests, taking one at the beginning of your preparation, one near the middle, and one just before the actual test.
Consider purchasing one or two ASVAB prep books. Popular options on Amazon include:
#4: Focus on Your Weaknesses
When studying for the ASVAB, dedicate more time to strengthening your areas of greatest weakness (within verbal and math). Addressing your weaknesses allows for faster improvement and, ultimately, a higher AFQT score.
For instance, if you consistently miss Word Knowledge questions but excel on Math Knowledge questions, allocate more study time to verbal skills. Specifically, spend more time on improving your vocabulary.
Maintain a notebook or journal to track the practice ASVAB questions you miss to gain a clear understanding of the subtests and content areas you find most challenging.
Conclusion: What Is a Good ASVAB Score?
The ASVAB provides three types of scores:
- Standard Scores: Provided for each subtest; 50 is average and 60 is above average
- Composite (Line) Scores: Various combinations of your subtest scores that help determine suitable military jobs
- Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) Score: A combination of the AR, MK, PC, and WK subtest scores that determines eligibility for military enlistment
Your AFQT score is the most important, as it dictates your eligibility to join the military.
Each branch of the military has its own minimum required AFQT score, with slightly higher requirements for GED holders compared to high school diploma holders. Therefore, a good ASVAB score for you is one that meets or exceeds the minimum AFQT score for your chosen branch.
Preparing for the ASVAB can help ensure you achieve the necessary score for military service. Remember, our top four tips are:
- Prioritize your AFQT score
- Practice with real sample questions
- Create a study schedule—and stick to it!
- Focus on your weaknesses during preparation
Now, go out there and ace the ASVAB!
What’s Next?
Want to learn more about the ASVAB? Check out our complete guide to the ASVAB to learn about the different versions of the exam and the content it covers.
Need some help prepping for the ASVAB? Start by reviewing our compilation of real ASVAB practice tests.
