If you’re considering joining the U.S. Army, one of the first hurdles you’ll face is the ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This standardized test is designed to assess your skills and help determine your qualifications for military service. used by all branches of the U.S. military to measure a recruit’s potential in various skills and areas of knowledge. So, what ASVAB score do you need for the Army? In this article, we’ll break down the minimum ASVAB score requirements and explain what it means for your future in the Army.
Understanding the AFQT Score
When people talk about the ASVAB score required for enlistment, they’re usually referring to the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score. This score is derived from four specific ASVAB subtests:
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
The AFQT score is a percentile ranking that compares your performance with that of others. For example, if you score 60, it means you performed better than 60% of test-takers. The AFQT score is the most important factor in determining whether you qualify for enlistment in the U.S. Army.
What ASVAB Score Do You Need for the Army?
To enlist in the U.S. Army, you need a minimum AFQT score of 31 if you have a high school diploma. However, if you hold a GED (General Educational Development) certificate instead of a diploma, the Army typically requires a higher score—usually around 50, though this can fluctuate depending on recruiting needs.
The Army periodically adjusts score requirements based on recruitment levels. During times when more recruits are needed, the minimum scores may be lowered. But in general, the benchmark of 31 for high school graduates and 50 for GED holders remains a consistent standard.
ASVAB Scores for Specific Army Jobs (MOS)
Beyond qualifying for enlistment, your ASVAB scores can also determine which specific Army jobs, or Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), you qualify for. Each MOS has different requirements in terms of ASVAB subtest scores, often referred to as “line scores.”
| MOS Category | Example MOS | Line Score Required | Subtests Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Clerical Jobs | 42A Human Resources Specialist | Clerical (CL) 90 | WK, PC, AR, MK |
| Combat Arms Jobs | 11B Infantryman | Combat (CO) 87 | AS, CS, MC, WK, PC |
| Mechanical Maintenance Jobs | 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic | Mechanical Maintenance (MM) 92 | AS, MC, EI |
| Electronic Maintenance Jobs | 25B Information Technology Specialist | Electronics (EL) 93 | GS, AR, MK, EI |
| Field Artillery Jobs | 13B Cannon Crewmember | Field Artillery (FA) 93 | AR, MK, MC |
| Surveillance and Communications Jobs | 35F Intelligence Analyst | Surveillance and Communications (SC) 101 | WK, PC, AR, AS |
| General Maintenance Jobs | 91D Power-Generation Equipment Repairer | General Maintenance (GM) 98 | AS, EI, GS, MC |
| Operators and Food Service Jobs | 92G Culinary Specialist | Operators and Food (OF) 85 | AS, MC, WK, PC |
| Skilled Technical Jobs | 68W Combat Medic Specialist | Skilled Technical (ST) 101 | GS, WK, PC, MK, MC |
| Aviation Jobs | 15T UH-60 Helicopter Repairer | Mechanical Maintenance (MM) 104 | GS, MC, AS |
| Cyber and Signal Jobs | 17C Cyber Operations Specialist | Electronics (EL) 115, Skilled Technical (ST) 112 | GS, EI, MC |
If you’re aiming for a more technical or specialized job in the Army, such as intelligence or electronics positions, you’ll need to focus on boosting your scores in specific subtests.
How to Prepare for the ASVAB
Preparation is key to achieving the ASVAB score you need. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Take practice tests: Familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions you’ll encounter is crucial. Many resources offer free ASVAB practice tests.
- Focus on weak areas: Whether it’s math, science, or reading comprehension, identifying and strengthening your weak points can significantly boost your overall score.
- Use ASVAB study guides: There are plenty of study guides available online and in bookstores that can help you review key concepts and practice sample questions.
The better you prepare, the higher your chances of not only meeting the minimum score requirements but also qualifying for the job you want.
Conclusion
In summary, the minimum ASVAB score for the Army is an AFQT score of 31 if you have a high school diploma, and 50 if you have a GED. However, aiming higher can open up more opportunities, both in terms of Army job selection and career advancement.
If you’re serious about enlisting, start preparing early by taking practice tests, identifying weak areas, and using study materials designed to improve your scores. For personalized advice on how to meet your goals, it’s always a good idea to consult with a recruiter. Good luck with your journey to joining the Army!
