How to Read ASVAB Scores
The ASVAB is made up of 10 tests. The results of four of those sub-tests — Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge — are combined to create the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). The AFQT score is used to determine whether a candidate is eligible to enlist in the military.
AFQT scores range from 1-99 and represent the examinee's percentile. A good ASVAB score is important in securing a position in any military branch.
The following AFQT score chart shows the requirements needed to join a specific military branch:
| Military Branch | High School Diploma | GED |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 36 | 65 |
| Army | 31 | 50 |
| Coast Guard | 40 | 50 |
| Marine Corps | 32 | 50 |
| Navy | 35 | 50 |
The AFQT score is computed as follows:
- First, Work Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension are combined to create Verbal Expression (VE).
- Next, a "weighted score" of Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) and Mechanical Comprehension (MC) is calculated. (This means that the level of difficulty of the questions is taken into consideration.)
- Then, the AFQT score is calculated according to the formula: VE x 2 + AR+ MC. Finally, the AFQT score is converted into a "percentile score," which ranges between 1-99 points (1=lowest, 99=highest).
A candidate who scores a 50 on the AFQT scores in the 50th percentile, which is the average ASVAB score.
ASVAB Norms
The AFQT percentiles are based on a sample of 18-23 year olds who took the ASVAB test as part of a national norming study conducted in 1997. This sample has served as a reference group for all ASVAB scores since 2004.
An ASVAB percentile score indicates the percentage of examinees in a reference group that scored at or below that specific score. For example, an AFQT score of 82 indicates that the examinee's "raw score" is identical or better than 82% of the scores achieved by those who participated in the national representative sample.
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