ASVAB Score Requirements by Military Branch (2026)
A complete guide to the minimum AFQT scores, composite line scores, and qualification requirements for every branch of the U.S. military. Updated for 2026.
Quick Answer
The minimum AFQT scores for enlistment are: Army: 31, Navy: 31, Marines: 32, Air Force: 36, Coast Guard: 40, Space Force: 36. However, most competitive jobs require scores of 50 or higher.
Table of Contents
Score Requirements Overview
Each branch of the U.S. military has its own minimum AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score for enlistment. The AFQT is a percentile score ranging from 1 to 99, calculated from four ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Word Knowledge (WK), and Paragraph Comprehension (PC).
| Branch | Minimum AFQT (HS Diploma) | Minimum AFQT (GED) | Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 31 | 50 | 50+ |
| Navy | 31 | 50 | 50+ |
| Marines | 32 | 50 | 50+ |
| Air Force | 36 | 65 | 65+ |
| Coast Guard | 40 | 50 | 50+ |
| Space Force | 36 | 65 | 70+ |
Understanding the AFQT Score
The AFQT score is the most important score on the ASVAB because it determines whether you are eligible to enlist. The formula is:
AFQT = AR + MK + 2 × (WK + PC)
This raw score is then converted to a percentile based on a national reference group (the 1997 ASVAB norming study). A score of 50 means you scored better than 50% of the reference population.
AFQT Categories
| Category | Percentile Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I | 93-99 | Well above average |
| II | 65-92 | Above average |
| IIIA | 50-64 | Average |
| IIIB | 31-49 | Below average |
| IV | 10-30 | Well below average (limited eligibility) |
| V | 1-9 | Not eligible for enlistment |
Army Score Requirements
The Army has the lowest minimum AFQT requirement among all branches. However, specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) require higher scores and specific composite line scores. Popular Army jobs and their approximate line score requirements:
| MOS | Job Title | Key Line Score | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68W | Combat Medic | ST (Skilled Technical) | 101 |
| 25B | IT Specialist | ST | 95 |
| 35F | Intelligence Analyst | ST | 101 |
| 11B | Infantryman | CO (Combat) | 87 |
| 15T | Helicopter Mechanic | MM (Mechanical Maintenance) | 99 |
Navy Score Requirements
The Navy uses ASVAB composite scores to determine eligibility for specific ratings (jobs). Navy composite scores include AR+MK+EI+GS for Electronics, and VE+AR+MK+MC for Nuclear Field.
| Rating | Job Title | Key Composite | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| HM | Hospital Corpsman | VE+MK+GS | 149 |
| IT | Information Systems | AR+MK+EI+GS | 222 |
| CTN | Cryptologic Technician | AR+MK+EI+GS | 222 |
| MA | Master-at-Arms | AR+WK+PC | 100 |
| NUC | Nuclear Field | VE+AR+MK+MC | 252 |
Marines Score Requirements
The Marine Corps requires a minimum AFQT of 32 and uses composite line scores (GT, EL, MM, CL) to determine MOS eligibility.
| MOS | Job Title | Key Line Score | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0311 | Rifleman | GT | 80 |
| 0621 | Radio Operator | EL | 100 |
| 0231 | Intelligence Specialist | GT | 110 |
| 0861 | Fire Support | GT | 100 |
| 2621 | SIGINT | GT | 105 |
Air Force Score Requirements
The Air Force has higher minimum requirements and uses MAGE (Mechanical, Administrative, General, Electronics) composite scores for AFSC (job) qualification.
| AFSC | Job Title | Key Composite | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1N0X1 | Intelligence Operations | General (G) | 57 |
| 3D0X2 | Cyber Systems | General (G) | 64 |
| 4N0X1 | Aerospace Medical | General (G) | 44 |
| 2A6X1 | Aerospace Propulsion | Mechanical (M) | 47 |
| 1C1X1 | Air Traffic Control | General (G) | 55 |
Coast Guard Score Requirements
The Coast Guard has the highest minimum AFQT requirement among the traditional branches. It is the most selective in terms of enlistment scores.
Space Force Score Requirements
The Space Force, the newest branch, shares the Air Force's minimum AFQT requirement of 36. However, most Space Force positions are highly technical and competitive, often requiring scores well above the minimum.
Understanding Line Scores (Composite Scores)
Beyond the AFQT, your ASVAB results generate composite "line scores" that determine which specific jobs you qualify for. These are calculated by combining different ASVAB subtest scores:
| Composite | Full Name | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| GT | General Technical | AR + WK + PC |
| CL | Clerical | WK + PC + AR + MK |
| CO | Combat | AR + AS + MC + WK |
| EL | Electronics | GS + AR + MK + EI |
| FA | Field Artillery | AR + MK + MC |
| GM | General Maintenance | GS + AS + MK + EI |
| MM | Mechanical Maintenance | AS + MC + EI + GS |
| OF | Operators & Food | WK + PC + AS + MC |
| SC | Surveillance & Communications | WK + PC + AR + AS + MC |
| ST | Skilled Technical | WK + PC + GS + MK |
Tips for Meeting Score Requirements
If your target job requires a specific line score, focus your study efforts on the subtests that contribute to that composite. Here is our recommended approach:
- Identify your target MOS/AFSC/Rating and the required composite scores.
- Take a diagnostic test to establish your baseline scores.
- Focus on the AFQT subtests first (AR, MK, WK, PC) since these determine basic eligibility.
- Use our section-specific practice tests to target your weak areas.
- Track your progress and aim for scores 10-15 points above the minimum requirement.
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