How to Get Your ASVAB Scores From Years Ago
You’ll need your ASVAB scores from years ago, but you’re not sure where they’ve gone or how to track them down. The good news is that your scores don’t just disappear—they’re stored in multiple military record systems, and you’ve got several proven methods to retrieve them. The key is knowing which channel to use based on your military status and how long ago you tested. Let’s walk through your options.
Understanding ASVAB Score Retention Policies and Time Limits
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) maintains a two-year validity period from your test date. After this window expires, you’ll need to retest if you’re pursuing military enlistment.
However, the military keeps your scores on file indefinitely through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). You can access these historical records even decades later for personal reference, employment verification, or educational purposes.
Your scores remain retrievable regardless of whether you enlisted. The retention policy guarantees you maintain control over your testing history. Submit a formal request through official channels to obtain documentation of your past ASVAB performance, including your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) percentile score.
Requesting Records Through the National Personnel Records Center
When you’re ready to retrieve your old ASVAB scores, you’ll need to contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. This federal archive maintains military personnel records and handles official requests.
The National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis serves as the official federal archive for military personnel records and ASVAB score requests.
Follow these steps to submit your request:
- Complete Standard Form 180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records)
- Provide your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth
- Specify “ASVAB scores” in the information requested section
- Submit via mail, fax, or online through the eVetRecs system
You’ll receive your records within several weeks, depending on current processing times and request volume.
Accessing Your Scores via Military Personnel File (OMPF)
For active-duty service members and certain veterans, your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) offers the most direct route to accessing your ASVAB scores.
You’ll find your scores documented in your enlistment records within the OMPF system. Active-duty personnel can access their OMPF through their service branch’s online portal—Army uses iPERMS, Navy and Marines use NSIPS, and Air Force uses vMPF.
Simply log in using your CAC credentials, navigate to your personnel documents, and locate your enlistment paperwork.
Veterans can request OMPF copies through the National Archives’ eVetRecs system or by submitting Standard Form 180.
Contacting Your Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)
If you can’t access your OMPF or need scores from before you enlisted, reaching out directly to the MEPS where you originally tested provides another reliable option.
Follow these steps:
- Locate your MEPS facility using the official USMEPCOM website directory
- Call during business hours (typically 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays)
- Provide identification details including full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Request official documentation specifying whether you need a certified copy or informal results
MEPS staff typically process requests within 3-5 business days.
They’ll guide you through their specific verification procedures.
Using the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Resources
The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) maintains exhaustive military personnel records and offers direct access to your ASVAB scores through their online portal.
You’ll need to create a milConnect account at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil using your Social Security number and personal information. Once you’ve verified your identity, navigate to the “Personnel Files” section where historical test scores are archived.
The system lets you view, download, and print official score reports without going through intermediaries. This self-service approach puts you in control of your records, eliminating wait times and bureaucratic delays that traditional request methods involve.
Obtaining Scores Through Your Branch’s Personnel Office
Each military branch maintains personnel offices that serve as primary custodians of service members’ records, including ASVAB scores. You’ll need to contact your specific branch‘s office directly to request your documentation.
Your military branch’s personnel office holds your ASVAB records and requires a direct request for official documentation retrieval.
Follow this retrieval process:
- Locate your branch’s personnel office contact information through official military websites
- Submit a formal written request including your full name, service dates, and Social Security number
- Provide proper identification and verify your military service status
- Allow 2-4 weeks for processing and records retrieval
Active-duty members typically receive faster processing than veterans. Your personnel office can provide certified copies for employment or educational purposes.
Retrieving Records for Veterans Through VA Systems
Veterans who’ve separated from active duty can access their ASVAB scores through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ digital records system.
Navigate to the VA’s eBenefits portal or the newer VA.gov platform and log in using your credentials. Select “Records” then “Download My VA Letters and Documents.” Your military personnel file should contain your ASVAB results.
Alternatively, request your complete service records through the National Personnel Records Center. Submit Standard Form 180 online at archives.gov/veterans.
Processing typically takes several weeks, but you’ll receive thorough documentation of your military service, including test scores, discharge papers, and performance evaluations.
Alternative Documentation: DD Form 214 and Service Records
While your DD Form 214 serves as the primary proof of military service, it won’t typically display your ASVAB scores. However, you can use it to access your complete service records, which may contain your scores. Here’s how to leverage your documentation:
- Locate your DD Form 214’s service number and dates of service
- Request your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) through the National Archives
- Check your personnel file for Form 680-3A (ASVAB results)
- Contact your branch’s personnel records center directly with your service information
These alternative routes give you additional pathways to retrieve your scores independently.
What Information You’ll Need Before Making Your Request
Before you submit any request for your old ASVAB scores, gather the essential identifying information that’ll streamline the retrieval process.
Collect your full legal name, Social Security number, birth date, and testing timeframe before requesting your ASVAB scores.
You’ll need your full legal name as it appeared when you tested, along with your Social Security number.
Include your date of birth and the approximate testing date or timeframe.
If you enlisted, provide your service branch and dates of service.
Having your DD Form 214 handy helps verify your identity.
Document any name changes since testing with supporting legal paperwork.
This preparation eliminates delays and gets you access to your records faster, putting control back in your hands.
Timeline Expectations and Follow-Up Procedures
Once you’ve submitted your request with the proper documentation, expect to wait 10-15 business days for standard processing through the National Personnel Records Center.
If you haven’t received a response within this timeframe, take action:
- Call the NPRC at 314-801-0800 during business hours
- Reference your original request date and confirmation number
- Verify they received all required documentation
- Request an estimated completion date for your case
For urgent needs, explain your situation clearly.
They may expedite processing for time-sensitive matters like job applications or educational deadlines. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got multiple pathways to retrieve those old ASVAB scores—whether through NPRC’s Standard Form 180, your OMPF portal, or directly contacting MEPS. Gather your SSN, birth date, and DD-214 before starting. Don’t wait for a carrier pigeon; submit your request electronically via eVetRecs for faster processing. Follow up if you haven’t heard back within the standard timeframe. Keep copies of everything you submit. Your scores are recoverable—you just need to navigate the right channels with the proper documentation in hand.