The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It’s used to determine qualification for enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces and helps identify which military jobs you’re best suited for.
Whether you’re joining the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force, the ASVAB is your gateway to military service.
CAT-ASVAB Test Format
The computerized version (CAT-ASVAB) consists of 145 questions across 10 sections, completed in 168 minutes (2 hours 48 minutes).
The 10 Test Sections:
AFQT Sections (Determine Enlistment Eligibility):
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) – 16 questions, 39 minutes
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK) – 15 questions, 31 minutes
- Word Knowledge (WK) – 16 questions, 8 minutes
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC) – 11 questions, 22 minutes
Technical Sections (Determine Job Qualification):
- General Science (GS) – 15 questions, 11 minutes
- Electronics Information (EI) – 18 questions, 8 minutes
- Auto Information (AI) – 11 questions, 7 minutes
- Shop Information (SI) – 11 questions, 6 minutes
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC) – 16 questions, 20 minutes
- Assembling Objects (AO) – 16 questions, 16 minutes
| Section Name | Questions | Time | AFQT |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 15 | 11 min | No |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 16 | 39 min | Yes |
| Word Knowledge (WK) | 16 | 8 min | Yes |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 11 | 22 min | Yes |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 15 | 31 min | Yes |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 18 | 8 min | No |
| Auto Information (AI) | 11 | 7 min | No |
| Shop Information (SI) | 11 | 6 min | No |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 16 | 20 min | No |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 16 | 16 min | No |
| TOTAL | 145 | 168 min | 4 sections |
Understanding Your AFQT Score
Your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is a percentile score ranging from 1 to 99. It’s calculated using only four sections: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension.
Minimum AFQT Scores by Branch:
High School Diploma Holders:
- Army: 31
- Navy: 35
- Air Force: 31
- Marines: 31
- Coast Guard: 40
- Space Force: 31-36
GED/Equivalency Holders:
- All Branches: 50
AFQT Score Categories:
- Category I (93-99): Top tier – qualifies for nearly all jobs
- Category II (65-92): Above average – most jobs available
- Category IIIA (50-64): Average – good selection of jobs
- Category IIIB (31-49): Below average – limited job selection
- Category IV (21-30): May qualify with waiver/prep course
- Category V (1-20): Not eligible for military service
Important: Meeting the minimum score is just the first step. Competitive jobs often require much higher scores!
Line Scores and Job Qualification
Beyond your AFQT score, each military branch uses your subtest scores to create “line scores” or “composite scores” that determine which specific jobs you qualify for.
Army – 10 Line Scores:
- GT (General Technical): VE + AR – Most important for technical jobs, Special Forces
- CL (Clerical): VE + AR + MK – Administrative positions
- EL (Electronics): GS + AR + MK + EI – Electronics technicians
- MM (Mechanical Maintenance): AS + MC + EI – Mechanics
- CO (Combat): VE + AS + MC – Infantry positions
- Plus 5 more specialized scores
Air Force – MAGE Scores:
- M (Mechanical): GS + MC + AS
- A (Administrative): VE
- G (General): VE + AR
- E (Electronics): AR + MK + EI + GS
Marines – 3 Line Scores:
- GT (General Technical): VE + AR
- EL (Electronics): GS + AR + MK + EI
- MM (Mechanical Maintenance): GS + AS + MK + EI
Navy & Coast Guard:
Use direct subtest scores rather than composite scores. Each job (Rating) has specific score requirements like “AR + MK + EI = 162” or “VE + AR = 103”
What Makes a Competitive Score?
While minimum scores get you in the door, competitive scores open career opportunities:
Competitive AFQT Scores:
- 60+: Good job selection across all branches
- 70+: Strong candidate for most positions
- 80+: Highly competitive for technical and specialized roles
- 90+: Eligible for elite programs and top-tier jobs
Elite Program Requirements:
- Army Special Forces: GT 110+
- Navy Nuclear Field: Very high AR, MK, VE scores
- Air Force Pararescue: High scores across all areas
- Navy SEAL: High AFQT plus physical requirements
- Cyber Operations: Often 110+ GT or equivalent
How to Use This Site
Free Practice Tests
Take full-length practice tests for each of the 10 ASVAB sections. Our questions mirror actual test difficulty and format.
Study by Section
Focus on specific areas where you need improvement:
- Math sections (AR, MK) for AFQT score
- Technical sections (EI, AI, SI, MC) for mechanical jobs
- Verbal sections (WK, PC) for administrative positions
- Science (GS) for medical and technical fields
Track Your Progress
Monitor your scores over time and identify weak areas. Consistent practice is the key to improvement.
Learn Test-Taking Strategies
- Time management techniques for each section
- Process of elimination methods
- How to handle computerized adaptive testing
- Stress management on test day
Why ASVAB Scores Matter
Your ASVAB scores determine:
- Enlistment Eligibility: Meet minimum AFQT for your chosen branch
- Job Selection: Higher line scores = more career options
- Bonuses: Some high-demand jobs offer enlistment bonuses for qualifying scores
- Advancement: Better foundation for military education and promotion
- Retesting: You can retake after 30 days, but preparation is crucial
The Bottom Line: Score as high as possible! You can’t “over-prepare” for the ASVAB. Every point opens new opportunities.
Test-Taking Tips
Before Test Day:
- Study consistently for 4-8 weeks
- Focus on AFQT sections first (AR, MK, WK, PC)
- Take multiple full-length practice tests
- Review wrong answers to understand mistakes
- Get adequate sleep the night before
On Test Day:
- Arrive early and bring required identification
- Read questions carefully – don’t rush
- Answer every question (no penalty for guessing)
- Use process of elimination on difficult questions
- Manage your time – don’t spend too long on any one question
- Stay calm – the CAT adapts to your ability level
CAT-ASVAB Specifics:
- Questions get harder or easier based on your performance
- You cannot skip and return to questions
- First few questions heavily influence your score
- Take time on early questions to establish a strong baseline
Retesting Policy
If you’re not satisfied with your scores:
- First Retest: Wait 30 days after initial test
- Second Retest: Wait 30 days after first retest
- Additional Retests: Wait 6 months between subsequent tests
- Your most recent score is used for enlistment
Strategy: Don’t take the ASVAB until you’re consistently scoring well on practice tests!
Start Your Preparation Today
Success on the ASVAB requires preparation, practice, and persistence. Whether you’re aiming for the minimum score or shooting for elite programs, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
Ready to begin? Choose a section below and start practicing:
- Practice Tests – Full-length tests for all 10 sections
- Study Guides – Comprehensive content review
- Score Calculator – Estimate your AFQT score
- Job Finder – See which military jobs match your scores
- Study Plan – Customized preparation schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ASVAB valid? ASVAB scores are valid for 2 years for enlistment purposes.
Can I use a calculator? No. Calculators are not permitted on the ASVAB. All math must be done mentally or on scratch paper.
What’s a good ASVAB score? A score of 50 is average. Scores of 60+ are considered good, 70+ very good, and 80+ excellent.
How is the AFQT calculated? AFQT = 2VE + AR + MK, where VE (Verbal Expression) = WK + PC
Do all sections count equally? No. Only AR, MK, WK, and PC count toward your AFQT. Other sections determine job qualification.
What happens if I fail? There’s no “pass” or “fail.” If you don’t meet the minimum AFQT for your chosen branch, you can retake after 30 days.
Military Branch Resources
Army: Uses 10 line scores, offers guaranteed jobs to recruits Navy: Direct subtest scoring, extensive technical training programs Air Force: MAGE composite scores, highly competitive entry Marines: 3 line scores, limited GED acceptance (5% maximum) Coast Guard: Highest minimum AFQT (40), smallest force, very selective Space Force: Newest branch, limited slots, high competition
Talk to your recruiter about specific job requirements and current opportunities in your branch of interest.
Your military career starts here. Begin practicing today and unlock your full potential!