ASVAB and Military Recruitment: What's a Good Score?

Hey! I've been looking into taking the ASVAB as part of my preparations for joining the military. I'm quite concerned about how much I need to score for it's acceptance. What's considered a good or minimum acceptable ASVAB score for enlistment purposes? Any insight on this would be really appreciated!

Hello! When you take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), it actually covers a lot of different areas and results in a series of scores, including your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score which is the most critical one for enlistment. The AFQT score is a percentile score, so you'll rank compared to others.

The minimum acceptable AFQT score for enlistment fluctuates based on the needs of the military. For the Army, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard, the minimum AFQT score is typically around 31, while the Navy typically requires a minimum score of about 35. The Marines usually also require a score of 31, but at times, they hire applicants with scores as low as 25 depending on their workforce needs.

Now, that's just the minimum score for being considered. To really stand out and give yourself the best chance at getting the military job you want, a higher score is desirable. For example, if you score above 50, you'll be eligible for more enlistment incentives such as bonuses and special assignment opportunities.

It's also important to consider the individual subtest scores, as these will be used to qualify for particular jobs within the military. Different military occupations have different cut-off scores on these subtests. For instance, someone planning to be a cryptologic technician in the Navy needs high Arithmetic Reasoning, Verbal Expression, and Coding Speed scores.

Remember, preparing well for the ASVAB is quite crucial and a good score not only ensures your enlistment into the military but also paves the way for a better selection of roles within the military. Good luck with your test preparations!