Understanding Your ASVAB Scores and Military Job Opportunities
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It's a crucial step for anyone considering enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces, as your scores directly influence your eligibility for enlistment and the specific jobs (known as MOS in the Army/Marines, AFSC in the Air Force, and Ratings in the Navy/Coast Guard) you can qualify for.
What is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB consists of ten subtests, each designed to assess different skills and knowledge areas. These subtests include:
General Science (GS): Knowledge of physical and biological sciences.
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): Ability to solve arithmetic word problems.
Word Knowledge (WK): Ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms.
Paragraph Comprehension (PC): Ability to obtain information from written passages.
Numerical Operations (NO): Speed and accuracy in basic arithmetic (often not used for main job composites).
Coding Speed (CS): Speed and accuracy in coding information (often not used for main job composites).
Auto & Shop Information (AS): Knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices.
Mathematics Knowledge (MK): Knowledge of high school level mathematics principles.
Mechanical Comprehension (MC): Understanding of mechanical principles, structural support, and simple machines.
Electronics Information (EI): Knowledge of electrical principles and electronic devices.
AFQT Score vs. Composite Scores
Your ASVAB results are presented in two main ways:
AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) Score: This is a percentile score (1-99) derived from four core subtests: Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge. The AFQT score determines your basic eligibility for enlistment into the military. A higher AFQT score generally opens more doors.
Composite Scores: These are combinations of scores from various ASVAB subtests, grouped together to predict success in specific occupational areas. Different branches and different jobs within those branches have minimum requirements for these composite scores. Common composite scores include:
GT (General Technical): Often used for administrative, technical, and leadership roles.
EL (Electronics): Important for jobs involving electronics, communications, and computer systems.
MM (Mechanical Maintenance): Essential for roles in vehicle maintenance, machinery repair, and aviation.
CL (Clerical): Relevant for administrative and office support positions.
And many others like CO (Combat), FA (Field Artillery), OF (Operators and Food), SC (Skilled Technical), ST (Skilled Technical), etc.
How This Calculator Works
This ASVAB Job Qualification Calculator helps you understand which military jobs you might qualify for based on your ASVAB scores. You'll input your AFQT percentile and your raw scores for several key ASVAB subtests. The calculator then:
Calculates your estimated composite scores: Using simplified formulas, it generates scores for General Technical (GT), Electronics (EL), Mechanical Maintenance (MM), and Clerical (CL). Please note: These composite score calculations are illustrative and simplified for demonstration purposes. Official military composite scores are derived using complex, proprietary formulas.
Compares your scores to example job requirements: It then checks your AFQT and calculated composite scores against a list of common, illustrative minimum requirements for various military jobs across different branches.
Lists potential job qualifications: The result will show you a list of example jobs for which your scores meet or exceed the specified minimums.
Important Considerations
This calculator is for illustrative purposes only. The job requirements and composite score calculations used here are simplified examples. Actual military job qualifications can vary by branch, specific job, current needs, and may include additional factors like physical fitness, medical history, and background checks.
Official scores are paramount. Always refer to your official ASVAB score report and consult with a military recruiter for the most accurate and up-to-date information on job qualifications.
Scores are not the only factor. While ASVAB scores are critical, your interests, physical capabilities, and personal preferences also play a significant role in finding the right military career path.
Use this tool as a guide to explore potential opportunities and better understand the impact of your ASVAB performance on your military career options.