What is the ASVAB?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test used by all branches of the U.S. military to determine qualification for enlistment and to match recruits with military occupations that fit their skills.
The test measures your strengths and potential for success in military training. Your scores help determine which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) you qualify for in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
The AFQT Score
Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)
Your AFQT score is the most important number from your ASVAB. It determines whether you can enlist in the military at all.
The AFQT is calculated from just 4 of the 8 ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK).
| AFQT Category | Score Range | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | 93–99 | Eligible for all branches |
| Category II | 65–92 | Eligible for all branches |
| Category IIIA | 50–64 | Eligible for all branches |
| Category IIIB | 31–49 | Eligible, may have limited options |
| Category IVA | 21–30 | Generally not eligible* |
| Category V | 1–20 | Not eligible for enlistment |
Minimum scores by branch: Army (31), Navy (31), Marines (32), Air Force (36), Coast Guard (40). These minimums can change based on recruiting needs.
*Army Future Soldier Preparatory Course: Applicants with AFQT scores of 24–30 may be eligible for the Army's Future Soldier Preparatory Course, an academic training program that helps candidates improve their scores to meet enlistment requirements.
Test Sections
The CAT-ASVAB (computerized) consists of 10 subtests, with Auto Information (AI) and Shop Information (SI) combined into Auto & Shop (AS) for scoring — effectively 9 scored sections. The four sections used for your AFQT score are marked below.
Note: Question counts below are for the Paper-and-Pencil ASVAB. The CAT-ASVAB uses adaptive testing with fewer questions per section (e.g., AR: 15, WK: 15, PC: 10, MK: 15).
Arithmetic Reasoning
Word problems requiring arithmetic operations
Word Knowledge
Vocabulary and word meaning through synonyms
Paragraph Comprehension
Reading comprehension of short passages
Mathematics Knowledge
Algebra, geometry, and math concepts
General Science
Biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science
Electronics Information
Electrical circuits, devices, and systems
Auto & Shop Information
Automotive maintenance and wood/metal shop
Mechanical Comprehension
Mechanical and physical principles
Assembling Objects
Spatial reasoning and puzzle assembly
Line Scores
Beyond the AFQT, your subtest scores are combined into "line scores" that determine which jobs (MOS) you qualify for. Different military branches use different line score combinations.
For example, the Army's General Technical (GT) score combines your Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension scores. A higher GT score opens doors to more technical and specialized roles.
Each job has minimum line score requirements. The better your overall ASVAB performance, the more career options you'll have.
Test Day Tips
- No calculators allowed — Practice mental math and pencil-and-paper calculations
- Get a good night's sleep — The test is long and requires focus
- Manage your time — Don't spend too long on any single question
- Answer every question — There's no penalty for wrong answers
- Read carefully — Especially on word problems and reading passages