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
Current public guidance: Army: 31. Navy: 31 is the standard benchmark, with current Future Sailor Preparatory Course pathways for some lower scores. Marine Corps: 31 (50 for GED/nontraditional credentials). Air Force: 31 for high-school seniors/graduates and 50 for GED holders. Coast Guard: 32. Space Force: its public enlistment page requires a qualifying ASVAB score and career-specific aptitude scores rather than publishing one universal cutoff. Always confirm current accession policy with the official recruiter.
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 | 31 | 50 | 50+ |
| Air Force | 31* | 50 | 50+ |
| Coast Guard | 32 | Verify | 50+ |
| Space Force | Qualifying score | Verify | Career-specific |
*Air Force: the current public recruiting page lists 31 for high-school seniors/graduates and 50 for GED holders. Department-level guidance and accession exceptions can be more detailed, so applicants should verify current eligibility with a recruiter. Sources: AirForce.com, GoArmy.com, GoCoastGuard.com, SpaceForce.com.
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 public recruiting page lists a minimum AFQT of 31 for standard enlistment; current preparatory programs can create additional pathways for some applicants below that benchmark. 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 public recruiting guidance lists a minimum AFQT of 31 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 public recruiting page lists AFQT 31 for high-school seniors/graduates and 50 for GED holders. The Air Force also uses MAGE (Mechanical, Administrative, General, Electronics) aptitude-area scores for AFSC qualification; individual jobs can require substantially higher composites.
| 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's current public recruiting page lists a minimum AFQT of 32. Education credentials, waivers, and rating-specific composite requirements can change eligibility, so verify your case with a Coast Guard recruiter.
Space Force Score Requirements
The Space Force public enlistment page does not state one universal AFQT number; it requires a qualifying ASVAB score, while individual Guardian careers publish specific aptitude-area minimums. Confirm your current accession threshold and target career requirements with a Space Force recruiter.
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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