A successful, challenging career in the Army all starts with your performance on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
How you perform on this test, which is a series of timed aptitude tests, can make all the difference in whether you have a job you enjoy or one you feel stuck in during your enlistment. In addition to that, your test results can determine whether you make it into the Army at all.
Here’s what you need to know:
Once you’ve taken the ASVAB, you will receive a report with your scores. The scores listed in the report are percentages on a scale of 1 to 99 and indicate not how many questions you answered correctly but rather how you compare to other test takers.
For example, a score of 80 percent would mean that when your results are compared to others who took the test you placed in the 80th percentile, or your scores were in the top 20 percent of those who took the test.
On the report, you will see your Armed Forces Qualification Test score as well as your scores in a number of ASVAB subtest categories, including: General Science; Arithmetic Reasoning; Word Knowledge; Paragraph Comprehension; Mathematics Knowledge; Electronics Information; Auto & Shop Information; Mechanical Comprehension; and Assembling Objects.
AFQT Score
Your AFQT score determines your eligibility to join the Army. The AFQT score is based on your performance in the following ASVAB test areas: Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge, Mathematics Knowledge and Arithmetic Reasoning.
The Army currently requires a minimum AFQT score of 31. However, the Army has been known to occasionally approve waivers for those with scores as low as 26.
To qualify for enlistment incentives, including bonuses, you need to score at least a 50 on the AFQT.
ASVAB Subtest Category Scores
Your score on the nine subtests will determine what jobs you qualify for in the Army.
Here’s why: the Army uses various combinations of those subtest scores to create line scores that are used to determine your eligibility for various Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Here are the line scores that the Army uses:
• Clerical (CL) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning and Mathematics Knowledge.
• Combat (CO) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Auto & Shop and Mechanical Comprehension.
• Electronics (EL) – General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge and Electronic Information.
• Field Artillery (FA) – Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge and Mechanical Comprehension.
• General Maintenance (GM) – General Science, Auto & Shop, Mathematics Knowledge and Electronics Information.
• General Technical (GT) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR).
• Mechanical Maintenance (MM) – Auto & Shop, Mechanical Comprehension and Electronic Information.
• Operators and Food (OF) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Auto & Shop and Mechanical Comprehension.
• Surveillance and Communications (SC) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Auto & Shop and Mechanical Comprehension.
• Skilled Technical (ST) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, General Science, Mechanical Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge.
At this time, the Army is the only service that looks at line scores and offers a guaranteed job to each new recruit. The other branches of the military offer some combination of guaranteed job or guaranteed aptitude/career area.
The Army does not allow recruits to retake the ASVAB in an attempt to increase their aptitude scores – so be sure to prepare for the test and do your best the first time.
ASVAB and Army Jobs
Jobs in the Army are referred to as Military Occupational Specalties (MOS). The Army organizes your ASVAB subtest scores into groups known as line scores to better determine what MOS you qualify for. The ASVAB subtests are: General Science (GS); Arithmetic Reasoning (AR); Word Knowledge (WK); Paragraph Comprehension (PC); Numerical Operations (NO); Coding Speed (CS); Auto and Shop Information (AS); Mathematics Knowledge (MK); Mechanical Comprehension (MC); Electronics Information (EI); and Sum of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE). Note that as Numerical Operations (NO) and Coding Speed (CS) subtests are phased out, some line scores may be changed.
Note: Use the data listed below as a general guide to see how your ASVAB score can impact the job you qualify for. Data is subject to change at anytime.
Army Line Scores:
CL – Clerical: VE+AR+MK
CO – Combat: AR+CS+AS+MC
EL – Electronics: GS+AR+MK+EI
FA – Field Artillery: AR+CS+MK+MC
GM – General Maintenance: GS+AS+MK+EI
GT – General Technical: VE+AR
MM – Mechanical Maintenance: NO+AS+MC+EI
OF – Operators and Food: VE+NO+AS+MC
SC – Surveillance and Communications: VE+AR+AS+MC
ST – Skilled Technical: GS+VE+MK+MC
See the table below for Army jobs and the required minimum ASVAB line scores required for each job.
MOS | ARMY JOB TITLE | Minimum ASVAB Line Scores |
---|---|---|
02B | Cornet or Trumpet Player | N/A |
02C | Baritone or Euphonium Player | N/A |
02D | French Horn Player | N/A |
02E | Trombone Player | N/A |
02F | Tuba Player | N/A |
02G | Flute or Piccolo Player | N/A |
02H | Oboe Player | N/A |
02J | Clarinet Player | N/A |
02K | Bassoon Player | N/A |
02L | Saxophone Player | N/A |
02M | Percussion Player | N/A |
02N | Keyboard Player | N/A |
02S | Special Band Member | N/A |
02T | Guitar Player | N/A |
02U | Electric Bass Guitar Player | N/A |
02Z | Bands Senior Sergeant | N/A |
11B | class=”shaded” Infantryman | CO:90 |
11C | Indirect Fire Infantryman | CO:90 |
11X | Infantry Enlistment Option | CO:90 |
11Z | Infantry Senior Sergeant | N/A |
13B | Cannon Crewmember | FA:95 |
13C | Tactical Automated Fire Control Systems Specialist | FA:95 |
13D | Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems Specialist | FA:100 |
13E | Cannon Fire Direction Specialist | FA:95 |
13F | Fire Support Specialist | FA:100 |
13M | Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember | OF:105 |
13P | Multiple Launch Rocket System Operations / Fire Direction Specialist | FA:100 |
13R | Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator | SC:100 |
13S | Field Artillery Surveyor | ST:95 |
13W | Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmember | EL:95 |
13Z | Field Artillery Senior Sergeant | N/A |
14E | PATRIOT Missile System Enhanced Operator/Maintainer | MM:105 |
14J | Early Warning System Operator | MM:100 & GT:100 |
14M | Man Portable Air Defense System Crewmember (R) | OF:90 |
14R | Bradley Linebacker Crewmember | OF:100 |
14S | AVENGER Crewmember | OF:90 |
14T | PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer | OF:100 |
14Z | Air Defense Artillery Senior Sergeant | N/A |
15B | Aircraft Powerplant Repairer | MM:105 |
15D | Aircraft Powertrain Repairer | MM:105 |
15F | Aircraft Electrician | MM:105 |
15G | Aircraft Structural Repairer | MM:105 |
15H | Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer | MM:105 |
15J | OH-58D Armament / Electrical / Avionics Systems Repairer | MM:105 & EL:100 |
15K | Aircraft Components Repair Supervisor | N/A |
15M | Utility Helicopter Repairer | MM:105 |
15N | Avionic Mechanic | EL:95 |
15P | Aviation Operations Specialist | ST:95 |
15Q | Air Traffic Control Operator | ST:100 |
15R | AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer | MM:100 |
15S | OH-58D Helicopter Repairer | MM:100 |
15T | UH-60 Helicopter Repairer | MM:105 |
15U | Medium Helicopter Repairer | MM:105 |
15V | Unknown | – |
15X | AH-64A Armament / Electrical Systems Repairer | MM:100 & EL:105 |
15Y | AH-64D Armament / Electrical / Avionics Repairer | MM:105 & EL:100 |
15Z | Aircraft Maintenance Senior Sergeant | N/A |
18B | Special Forces Weapons Sergeant | GT:110 & CO:100 |
18C | Special Forces Engineer Sergeant | GT:110 & CO:100 |
18D | Special Forces Medical Sergeant | GT:110 & ST:100 |
18E | Special Forces Communications Sergeant | GT:110 & SC:100 |
18F | Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant | N/A |
18X | Special Forces Enlistment Option | – |
18Z | Special Forces Senior Sergeant | N/A |
19D | Cavalry Scout | CO:90 |
19E | M48 / M60 Armor Crewman (R) | CO:90 |
19K | M1 Armor Crewman | CO:90 |
19Z | Armor Senior Sergeant | N/A |
21B | Combat Engineer | CO:90 |
21C | Bridge Crewmember | CO:90 |
21D | Diver | GM:100, GT or ST:110 |
21E | Heavy Construction Equipment Operator | GM:90 |
21F | Crane Operator | GM:90 |
21G | Quarrying Specialist | GM:95 |
21H | Construction Engineering Supervisor | GM:95 |
21J | General Construction Equipment Operator | GM:90 |
21K | Plumber | GM:90 |
21L | Lithographer | ST:85 |
21M | Firefighter | GM:90 |
21N | Construction Equipment Supervisor | GM:90 |
21P | Prime Power Production Specialist | ST:110 |
21Q | Transmission & Distribution Specialist | EL:95 |
21R | Interior Electrician | EL:95 |
21S | Topographic Surveyor | ST:95 |
21T | Technical Engineering Specialist | ST:95 |
21U | Topographic Analyst | ST:100 |
21V | Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator | GM:90 |
21W | Carpentry and Masonry Specialist | GM:90 |
21X | General Engineering Supervisor | N/A |
21Y | Topographic Engineering Supervisor | N/A |
21Z | Combat Engineering Senior Sergeant | N/A |
25M | Multimedia Illustrator | ST:95 & EL:95 |
25R | Visual Information Equipment Operator – Maintainer | EL:110 |
25V | Combat Documentation / Production Specialist | ST:95 & EL:95 |
25Z | Visual Information Operations Chief | N/A |
27E | Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer | EL:110 |
27G | CHAPARRAL and REDEYE Repairer | EL:95 |
27M | Multiple Launch Rocket System Repairer | EL:95 |
27T | AVENGER System Repairer | EL:100 |
27X | PATRIOT System Repairer | EL:110 |
31B | Military Police | ST:95 |
31C | Radio Operator – Maintainer | SC:100 & EL:100 |
31D | Criminal Investigation Special Agent | ST:110 |
31E | Corrections Specialist | ST:100 |
31F | Network Switching Systems Operator – Maintainer | SC:105 & EL:105 |
31L | Cable Systems lnstaller – Maintainer | SC:90 & EL:90 |
31P | Microwave Systems Operator – Maintainer | EL:110 |
31R | Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator – Maintainer | SC:100 & EL:100 |
31S | Satellite Communication Systems Operator – Maintainer | EL:120 |
31T | Satellite/Microwave Systems Chief | N/A |
31U | Signal Support Systems Specialist | SC:95 & EL:95 |
31W | Telecommunications Operations Chief | N/A |
31Z | Senior Signal Sergeant | N/A |
33W | Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer / Integrator | ST:115 |
35B | Land Combat Support System Test Specialist | EL:110 |
35D | Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer | EL:105 |
35E | Radio and Communications Security Repairer | EL:110 |
35F | Special Electronic Devices Repairer | EL:105 |
35H | Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Specialist | EL:110 |
35J | Telecommunication Terminal Device Repairer | EL:110 |
35L | Avionic Communications Equipment Repairer | EL:100 |
35M | Radar Repairer | EL:110 |
35N | Wire Systems Equipment Repairer | EL:100 |
35R | Avionic Radar Repairer | EL:100 |
35W | Electronic Maintenance Chief | N/A |
35Y | Integrated Family of Test Equipment Operator and Maintainer | EL:110 |
35Z | Senior Electronic Maintenance Chief | N/A |
37F | Psychological Operations Specialist | ST:105 |
38A | Civil Affairs Specialist | ST:100 |
39B | Automatic Test Equipment Operator and Maintainer | EL:110 |
44B | Metal Worker | GM:90 |
44E | Machinist | GM:100 |
45B | Small Arms / Artillery Repairer | GM:90 |
45D | Self-propelled Field Artillery Turret Mechanic | GM:100 |
45G | Fire Control System Repairer | EL:95 |
45K | Armament Repairer | GM:100 |
45N | M60A1/A3 Tank Turret Mechanic (R) | MM:100 |
46Q | Journalist | GT:110 |
46R | Broadcast Journalist | GT:110 |
46Z | Public Affairs Chief | N/A |
52C | Utilities Equipment Repairer | GM:100 |
52D | Power-Generation Equipment Repairer | GM:100 |
52F | Turbine Engine Driven Generator Repairer | GM:100 |
52X | Special Purpose Equipment Repairer | N/A |
55B | Ammunition Specialist | ST:100 |
55D | Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist | GM:105 |
56M | Chaplain Assistant | CL:95 |
57E | Laundry and Shower Specialist | GM:85 |
62B | Construction Equipment Repairer | MM:90 |
63A | M1 ABRAMS Systems Maintainer | MM:100 |
63B | Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic | MM:90 |
63D | Artillery Mechanic | MM:105 |
63G | Fuel and Electrical Systems Repairer | MM:105 |
63H | Track Vehicle Repairer | MM:90 |
63J | Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer | MM:90 |
63M | M2/3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer | MM:105 |
63N | M60A1/A3 Tank System Mechanic (R) | MM:100 |
63S | Heavy-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic | MM:105 |
63W | Wheel Vehicle Repairer | MM:90 |
63Y | Track Vehicle Mechanic | MM:105 |
63Z | Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor | N/A |
67G | Utility Airplane Repairer | MM:105 |
68J | Aircraft Armament / Missile Systems Repairer | MM:100 & EL:95 |
71D | Legal Specialist | CL:110 |
71L | Administrative Specialist | CL:95 |
73C | Finance Specialist | CL:95 |
73D | Accounting Specialist | CL:105 |
73Z | Finance Senior Sergeant | N/A |
74B | Information Systems Operator – Analyst | ST:100 |
74C | Telecommunications Operator – Maintainer | SC:90 & EL:90 |
74D | Chemical Operations Specialist | ST:95 |
74Z | Information Systems Chief | N/A |
75B | Personnel Administration Specialist | CL:95 |
75H | Personnel Services Specialist | CL:95 |
77F | Petroleum Supply Specialist | CL:90 & OF:90 |
77L | Petroleum Laboratory Specialist | ST:95 |
77W | Water Treatment Specialist | GM:90 |
79R | Recruiter NCO | GT:110 |
79S | Retention NCO (Active Component) | GT:110 |
79T | Recruiting and Retention NCO (Army National Guard) | GT:110 |
79V | Retention and Transition NCO (R) | GT:110 |
88H | Cargo Specialist | GM:90 |
88K | Watercraft Operator | MM:100 |
88L | Watercraft Engineer | MM:105 |
88M | Motor Transport Operator | OF:90 |
88N | Transportation Management Coordinator | CL:100 |
88P | Railway Equipment Repairer (R) | MM:100 |
88T | Railway Section Repairer (R) | MM:90 |
88U | Railway Operations Crewmember (R) | MM:95 |
88X | Railway Senior Sergeant (R) | N/A |
88Z | Transportation Senior Sergeant | N/A |
91A | Medical Equipment Repairer | EL:110 |
91D | Operating Room Specialist | ST:95 |
91E | Dental Specialist | ST:95 |
91G | Patient Administration Specialist | CL:95 |
91H | Optical Laboratory Specialist | GM:100 |
91J | Medical Supply Specialist | CL:95 |
91K | Medical Laboratory Specialist | ST:110 |
91M | Hospital Food Service Specialist | OF:100 |
91P | Radiology Specialist | ST:110 |
91Q | Pharmacy Specialist | ST:95 |
91R | Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist | ST:100 |
91S | Preventive Medicine Specialist | ST:105 |
91T | Animal Care Specialist | ST:95 |
91V | Respiratory Specialist | ST:105 |
91W | Health Care Specialist | ST:95 |
91X | Mental Health Specialist | ST:105 |
92A | Automated Logistical Specialist | CL:95 |
92G | Food Service Specialist | OF:90 |
92M | Mortuary Affairs Specialist | GM:90 |
92R | Parachute Rigger | GM:90 & CO:90 |
92S | Fabric Repair Specialist | GM:85 |
92Y | Unit Supply Specialist | CL:95 |
92Z | Senior Noncommissioned Logistician | N/A |
96B | Intelligence Analyst | ST:105 |
96D | Imagery Analyst | ST:95 |
96H | Common Ground Station Operator | SC:95 & ST:105 |
96R | Ground Surveillance Systems Operator | EL:85 & SC:95 |
96U | Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator | SC:105 |
96Z | Intelligence Senior Sergeant | N/A |
97B | Counterintelligence Agent | ST:105 |
97E | Human Intelligence Collector | ST:95 |
97L | Translator/Interpreter (R) | ST:95 |
97Z | Counterintelligence / Human Intelligence Senior Sergeant | N/A |
98C | Signals Intelligence Analyst | ST:105 |
98G | Cryptologic Linguist | ST:95 |
98H | Communications Locator / Interceptor | ST:95 |
98J | Electronic Intelligence Interceptor / Analyst | ST:105 |
98K | Signals Collection / Identification Analyst | ST:95 |
98XL | Signals / Foreign Language Enlistment Option | – |
98Z | Signals Intelligence Senior Sergeant | N/A |