Let’s break it all down: what makes a “good” ASVAB score, how it affects your military opportunities, and what scores different branches are looking for. This way, you can figure out exactly what you need to aim for, whether you’re just trying to qualify or you want a specific military job (MOS).
1. First Things First: What Is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is the test the military uses to decide if you’re eligible to enlist and what jobs you qualify for. It’s not just one test—it’s actually a bunch of different subject tests covering things like math, science, mechanics, and even word knowledge.
Depending on where you take it, you’ll either do a computerized version (CAT-ASVAB) or a paper-and-pencil version (P&P-ASVAB), but both are designed to measure your strengths in different areas.
ASVAB Sections:
- General Science (GS) – Basic science knowledge
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) – Word problems and basic math logic
- Word Knowledge (WK) – Vocabulary skills
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC) – Reading comprehension
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK) – Algebra and geometry
- Electronics Information (EI) – Basic electrical knowledge
- Automotive & Shop Information (AS) – Car and shop basics
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC) – Understanding mechanical principles
- Assembling Objects (AO) – Spatial awareness (used mostly for certain jobs)
2. What Score Actually Matters?
AFQT Score: The One That Gets You In
Your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is the most important part of the ASVAB. It’s a percentile score, meaning it tells you how well you did compared to other test-takers.
The formula to calculate your AFQT score:
AFQT = AR + MK + (2 × VE)
(*VE = WK + PC, aka Verbal Expression Score*)
The AFQT score determines if you can even enlist. If your score is too low, you won’t be eligible for the military—period. Each branch has its own minimum required AFQT score:
| Branch | HS Diploma Minimum | GED Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 31 | 50 |
| Marines | 31 | 50 |
| Air Force | 31 | 50 |
| Navy | 31 | 50 |
| Coast Guard | 40 | 50 (or 15 college credits) |
| Air National Guard | 50 | 50 |
If you have a GED, you’ll need a higher score unless you’ve got 15+ college credits, which lets you qualify with the lower HS diploma minimum.
What’s Considered a “Good” AFQT Score?
AFQT scores are broken into percentile categories, meaning where you stand compared to other test-takers.
| AFQT Category | Score Range | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | 93-99 | You crushed it! Top 7% of test-takers. |
| Category II | 65-92 | Really strong score—lots of job options. |
| Category IIIA | 50-64 | Above average—eligible for more roles. |
| Category IIIB | 31-49 | You qualify, but not for all jobs. |
| Category IVA | 21-30 | You barely made the cut. |
| Category IVB | 16-20 | Below enlistment minimum for most branches. |
| Category IVC | 10-15 | Very low—not eligible. |
| Category V | 0-9 | Too low to qualify. |
So basically:
- 50+ is a solid score (you’re above average).
- 65+ is really good (you’ll have more job options).
- 85+ is amazing (you’ll qualify for nearly any job).
- 93-99 means you completely dominated the ASVAB.
If you just want to enlist, a 31 (or 40 for Coast Guard) will do. But if you want the best jobs, bonuses, or special programs, you’ll need to aim higher.
3. MOS (Military Jobs) and Line Scores
Your AFQT score gets you in the door, but your MOS (job) eligibility is based on line scores. These are combinations of different ASVAB section scores, and each branch has its own system.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Army
| Composite Score | Relevant Sections |
|---|---|
| Clerical (CL) | VE + AR + MK |
| Combat (CO) | VE + AS + MC |
| Electronics (EL) | GS + AR + MK + EI |
| Mechanical (MM) | AS + MC + EI |
| Special Forces (SF) | GT ≥ 110, CO ≥ 100 |
If you’re eyeing Special Forces, that GT (General Technical) score needs to be at least 110—which means scoring well on Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR).
Navy
| Composite Score | Relevant Sections |
|---|---|
| General Technical (GT) | AR + VE |
| Electronics (EL) | AR + EI + GS + MK |
| SEALs (Special Ops) | GS + MC + EI ≥ 165 or VE + MK + MC + CS ≥ 220 |
Want to be a Navy SEAL? You need a high Electronics and Mechanical score OR a combined Verbal and Math score of at least 220.
Air Force
| Composite Score | Relevant Sections |
|---|---|
| Mechanical (M) | GS + MC + AS |
| Administrative (A) | VE |
| Electrical (E) | AR + MK + EI + GS |
The Air Force has stricter standards. Most recruits need an AFQT of 50+, and the best jobs (like Intelligence or Cyber Security) require even higher scores.
4. What Score Should You Aim For?
- If you just want to enlist? → 31+ (40 for Coast Guard)
- If you want more MOS/job options? → 50+
- If you want bonuses, special programs, or elite jobs? → 65-85+
- If you want Air Force, Intelligence, or Special Forces? → 85-99
5. Final Thoughts
A “good” ASVAB score really depends on your goals. If you just want to qualify, 31 is your magic number (or 40 for Coast Guard). But if you want to choose from better jobs, get higher enlistment bonuses, or join an elite unit, you should aim for at least 50-65+—and higher if possible.
If you’re not happy with your score, you can retake the ASVAB after a 30-day wait (and again after 6 months if needed). So if your score isn’t where you want it to be, study up and give it another shot!
Want to maximize your score? Practice word knowledge, arithmetic reasoning, and math knowledge—those sections impact both your AFQT and your job eligibility.
So, what are you aiming for? Let me know, and I can help you figure out a game plan! 🚀
