The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test used in military enlistment eligibility and job classification. Four subtests (AR, MK, WK, PC) feed the AFQT. Other subtests can contribute to service-specific composites used to help classify applicants for occupations.

Reviewed August 2026

ASVAB & military career guide 2026

Q: What ASVAB score do I need?

Standard non-prior-service high-school AFQT floors: Army: 31; Marines: 31; Navy: 31; Air Force: 31; Space Force: 36; Coast Guard: 32. Standard GED AFQT floors: Army: 31; Marines: 50; Navy: 50; Air Force: 50; Space Force: 50; Coast Guard: 47. Limited preparatory, component, waiver, or eligibility-determination pathways may differ. Job eligibility uses separate service composites and additional requirements.

Q: How is the AFQT score calculated?

Conceptually, AFQT = AR + MK + (2 × VE), using standard scores. VE (Verbal Expression) is a weighted composite derived from WK and PC standard scores, not a simple sum of raw correct answers. The result is converted to a percentile from 1-99.

Q: What are line scores and why do they matter?

Line scores, aptitude areas, and service composites combine ASVAB standard scores in service-specific ways to help classify applicants for occupations. Formulas and job cutoffs vary by service and can change. Applicants should use their official score report and confirm the current job requirement with a recruiter.

Q: Can I retake the ASVAB?

Yes. You can retake one calendar month after your first test, one calendar month after your first retest, and then six calendar months between later retests. ASVAB scores are valid for 2 years.

Q: CAT-ASVAB vs. Paper ASVAB — what is the difference?

The proctored CAT-ASVAB is computer-adaptive and has 135 scored questions with 197 minutes of section limits when no tryout questions appear. Some sessions include unscored tryout questions and extra time. The P&P-ASVAB has 225 questions and 149 minutes of section limits. CAT scores are available immediately.

Q: How long should I study for the ASVAB?

There is no official preparation period or guaranteed score increase. Start early enough to identify weak areas, use comparable practice sets, and choose a schedule you can sustain.

Q: Do all sections matter equally?

AR, MK, WK, and PC feed the AFQT eligibility measure. Other subtests may enter service-specific job composites. Use the official career directory to research the composite and current cutoff for your target occupation.

Everything you need to know about the ASVAB: branch requirements, scoring, all 10 test sections, service composites, military-job research, and practical study strategies.

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What is the ASVAB?All 10 ASVAB sections AFQT score calculation Branch requirements Line scores explained MOS & job exploration Study tips & strategy CAT-ASVAB format FAQ

What is the ASVAB?

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a standardized multiple-choice test administered by the United States Department of Defense. It is required for anyone who wants to enlist in any branch of the U.S. military — Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

The test supports military eligibility decisions and helps services classify applicants for military jobs (MOS, ratings, or AFSCs). It consists of 10 computerized subtests that measure aptitudes in math, verbal, science and technical, and spatial domains.

There are two versions: the CAT-ASVAB (computer-adaptive test) taken at a MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), and the P&P-ASVAB (paper-and-pencil) administered at satellite MET sites. Most recruits take the CAT-ASVAB, which adapts question difficulty based on your performance.

Your AFQT score

A percentile (1–99) derived from AR, MK, WK, and PC standard scores. Services apply current AFQT standards alongside other enlistment requirements.

Your line scores

Service-specific combinations of standard scores used to help classify applicants for jobs. A composite alone does not guarantee a job.

The test format

The CAT-ASVAB has 135 scored questions. Each subtest has its own time limit, and some test sessions include unscored tryout questions with additional time.

All 10 ASVAB test sections

Four sections (marked ★) feed your AFQT score. Other subtests can contribute to service-specific job composites.

Subtest	What it measures	Scored questions	Time limit	AFQT?
AR Arithmetic Reasoning	Word problems requiring mathematical reasoning — percentages, ratios, distance/rate/time, interest, and work-rate calculations.	15	55 min	Yes
MK Mathematics Knowledge	Pure math concepts — algebra, geometry, and number theory. No word problems, just equations and formulas.	15	31 min	Yes
WK Word Knowledge	Vocabulary testing — synonyms, definitions, and word meanings in context. Fast-paced section.	15	9 min	Yes
PC Paragraph Comprehension	Reading comprehension — understand passages, identify main ideas, make inferences, and determine author intent.	10	27 min	Yes
GS General Science	Broad science knowledge from life science, earth science, chemistry, and physics.	15	12 min	No
EI Electronics Information	Electrical concepts, circuits, components, Ohm's Law, and basic electronics.	15	10 min	No
AI Auto Information	Automotive systems, engine components, fuel systems, and vehicle maintenance.	10	7 min	No
SI Shop Information	Tools, materials, fasteners, and workshop safety procedures.	10	6 min	No
MC Mechanical Comprehension	Mechanical and physical principles — simple machines, forces, pressure, and fluid dynamics.	15	22 min	No
AO Assembling Objects	Spatial reasoning — determining how pieces fit together or how shapes connect at specific points.	15	18 min	No

These are the standard scored-question counts and time limits without tryout questions. Tryout questions do not affect your score, and extra time is provided when they appear.

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How the AFQT score is calculated

The AFQT formula

AFQT = AR + MK + (2 × VE)

VE is a weighted composite derived from WK and PC standard scores.

This is a conceptual formula using standard scores—not raw numbers of correct answers. The resulting standard score is converted to an AFQT percentile from 1–99.

AR — Arithmetic Reasoning (word problems)
MK — Mathematics Knowledge (algebra/geometry)
WK — Word Knowledge (vocabulary)
PC — Paragraph Comprehension (reading)

AFQT categories

Category	Score	Percentile	Meaning
I	93–99	93rd–99th	Official reporting band; service and job standards still apply.
II	65–92	65th–92nd	Official reporting band; it does not guarantee a job.
IIIA	50–64	50th–64th	Official reporting band; compare it with the service minimums below.
IIIB	31–49	31st–49th	Official reporting band; eligibility varies by service and applicant.
IVA	21–30	21st–30th	Official reporting band; limited exception pathways may apply.
IVB	16–20	16th–20th	Official reporting band; below the standard floors shown below.
IVC	10–15	10th–15th	Official reporting band; below the standard floors shown below.
V	1–9	1st–9th	Official reporting band; services apply current eligibility rules.

These are the eight official AFQT reporting bands. They do not guarantee enlistment or a military job. Review the official ASVAB score categories.

Military branch ASVAB requirements

These cards show the current standard high-school and GED AFQT floors for every service. Limited exception pathways may differ, and AFQT does not guarantee a job or bonus.

U.S. Army

HS minimum: 31GED minimum: 31

Land-based careers span combat, intelligence, medical, engineering, and logistics fields.

NoteThe Army lists 31 as its enlistment minimum and accepts either a high-school diploma or GED. Applicants scoring 21–30 may be eligible for its academic preparatory course.

Current official guidance

Army aptitude-area scores vary by MOS

31 standard; 21–30 may enter the academic preparatory course

U.S. Army ASVAB requirements

U.S. Navy

HS minimum: 31GED minimum: 50

Maritime careers support ships, submarines, aviation, healthcare, engineering, and information systems.

NoteThe Navy recruiting manual uses 31 for Tier 1 applicants and 50 for a test-based GED or other Tier 2 credential. Limited Category IV accessions use separate policy.

Current official guidance

Navy composite requirements vary by rating

31 for Tier 1; 50 for a test-based GED or Tier 2 credential

U.S. Navy joining requirements

U.S. Air Force

HS minimum: 31GED minimum: 50

Career fields include aviation, maintenance, cyber, intelligence, logistics, and support operations.

NoteThe Air Force currently publishes 31 for high-school graduates and 50 for GED holders.

Current official guidance

MAGE career-area scores vary by career

31 with a diploma; 50 with a GED

U.S. Air Force ASVAB requirements

U.S. Marines

HS minimum: 31GED minimum: 50

Expeditionary careers include combat, aviation, logistics, communications, intelligence, and support fields.

NoteThe Marine Corps currently publishes 31 for applicants with a high-school diploma and 50 or higher for a GED or nontraditional credential.

Current official guidance

Marine Corps composite requirements vary by MOS

31 with a diploma; 50 with a GED or nontraditional diploma

Marine Corps eligibility requirements

U.S. Coast Guard

HS minimum: 32GED minimum: 47

Maritime careers support law enforcement, search and rescue, coastal security, engineering, and operations.

NoteCoast Guard Recruiting Instruction 1100.2I sets 32 for most Tier 1 applicants and 47 for GED or other Tier 2 applicants.

Current official guidance

Rating requirements vary by Coast Guard career

32 for Tier 1; 47 for a GED or Tier 2 credential

Coast Guard Recruiting Instruction 1100.2I

U.S. Space Force

HS minimum: 36GED minimum: 50

Guardian careers focus on space operations, satellite systems, missile warning, cyber, and intelligence.

NoteDAFMAN 36-2032 applies to the Space Force and sets 36 for Tier 1 applicants and 50 for GED or other Tier 2 applicants. A component may authorize 31 for an otherwise-qualified Tier 1 applicant.

Current official guidance

Qualifying composites vary by Guardian career

36 Tier 1 standard; 50 with a GED

DAFMAN 36-2032 aptitude standards

Reviewed August 22, 2026 against current official recruiting pages and service policy. These are standard non-prior-service AFQT floors; limited preparatory, component, waiver, or eligibility-determination pathways may differ. Job eligibility uses separate service composites and additional requirements.

For a safe way to research occupations without relying on stale cutoffs, use the military jobs and ASVAB scores guide.

See which branches align with your current level

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Free ASVAB formula cheat sheet

Core study formulas and an AFQT scoring overview in one printable PDF.

Line scores for military jobs

Services combine ASVAB standard scores in different ways to help classify applicants for occupations. Use the exact occupational code when checking a current cutoff.

Army

Uses service-defined aptitude areas for MOS classification. Names, formulas, and cutoffs can change.

Air & Space Forces

Use MAGE composites: Mechanical, Administrative, General, and Electronics.

Navy, Marines & Coast Guard

Use their own service-specific combinations of ASVAB standard scores for ratings and specialties.

Important: Composite formulas and job cutoffs are service-specific and can change. Use the composites on your official score sheet and the current formulas in the official ASVAB service-composite overview, and confirm the current job cutoff with a recruiter.

MOS & military job exploration

ASVAB composites are one part of military job classification. Requirements and availability vary by service, occupation, and recruiting policy.

Combat & Infantry

Combat, reconnaissance, operations, and force-protection career families.