How Do ASVAB Scores Affect Army Jobs?

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success within the military. Administered by the U.S. Department of Defense, the ASVAB test is available in over 14,000 schools nationwide and is taken by over a million military applicants annually.

Primarily, high school students in their sophomore, junior, or senior years take the ASVAB, but it's open to anyone eligible for enlistment. For those aspiring to join the U.S. military, understanding ASVAB scores is crucial.

The ASVAB comprises two main sections:

AFQT scores are presented as percentiles between 1 and 99. This score is relative, meaning it compares your performance to a reference group. For instance, a score of 71 indicates you performed as well or better than 71 percent of the test takers in the reference group.

The average ASVAB score is 50. The Army states that about half the population scores 50 or above, while approximately 16 percent score 60 or above.

If your initial score doesn't meet the minimum ASVAB score requirements for a particular military branch, don't fret. You can retake the test after waiting one month. For a third attempt, a six-month wait is mandatory. Remember, your scores are valid for up to two years from the test date.

Your ASVAB scores, especially the line scores from ASVAB subtests, play a pivotal role in determining the Army jobs or MOS you qualify for. For instance, a role like a combat engineer might require proficiency in mechanical comprehension, while a clothing repair specialist might look at your scores in general technical areas.