When it comes to understanding how to read ASVAB scores, it's essential to identify the type of ASVAB score chart you're viewing.
The student version of the ASVAB, administered in schools, differs from the enlistment version typically given at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS). The high school ASVAB scores reflect how your abilities compare to those of other students in your grade level.
You may receive something that looks like this:
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Unless you know how to read your ASVAB score chart, it can get very confusing pretty fast so let's break it down into something that we can easily understand.
The image below zooms in on the areas you need to focus on. Let's read it from left to right starting with the highlighted area moving into each section after that.
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The AFQT score represents how well you've done in the core areas compared to a reference group of test-takers. For instance, an AFQT score of 57 means you did better than 57 percent of the people in the norm group.
Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces has set a
minimum AFQT score requirement:
- Army: Usually requires a minimum AFQT score of 31.
- Navy: Typically requires a minimum AFQT score of 35.
- Air Force: Often requires a minimum AFQT score of 36.
- Marine Corps: Generally requires a minimum AFQT score of 32.
- Coast Guard: Requires a higher AFQT score, with a minimum of 40.
It's important to note that these requirements can change based on the needs of the military and are sometimes waived for certain applicants with special skills or aptitudes.
Ultimately, your
AFQT score will be the deciding factor in your qualification for enlistment. While
ASVAB line scores determine the types of jobs you are eligible for, your
AFQT score decides whether you're eligible to serve at all.
This next section is the highlighted columns directly to the right of your AFQT score.
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In this section of the ASVAB score chart, you'll find columns that provide a detailed breakdown of your ASVAB percentile scores. These scores are pivotal in understanding how your results stack up against peers in your same grade level, as well as those of the opposite gender.
Again, it's important to note that these figures don't represent the percentage of questions you answered correctly. Instead, they reflect your standing within a percentile range from 1 to 99.
For instance, looking at Verbal Skills, the male student's score matches or surpasses 97 percent of 10th-grade males, 95 percent of 10th-grade females, and 96 percent of all students in his grade.
This comparative analysis is essential when contemplating what is a good ASVAB score or considering the highest possible ASVAB score one could achieve within their demographic.
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In the next part of your ASVAB score chart, you might observe some gray shading enveloping each of your scores. In this example, it is the section labeled "10th Grade Standard Score Bands".
These shaded areas mark the ASVAB score ranges you are most likely to fall within should you decide to retake the test. This predictive feature offers a strategic insight into how to read ASVAB scores with an estimate of your potential improvement.
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The Standard Score can be found in the far-right column of the
ASVAB score chart. This
ASVAB score is calibrated against the national baseline of young adults within your grade level who have undertaken the
ASVAB test.
When evaluating
ASVAB standard scores, it's observed that a significant portion of test-takers typically achieve scores within the 30 to 70 range.
Consequently, attaining a Standard Score of 50 places you squarely in the average range, signifying your performance aligns with the median of national test results.
On the other hand, securing a score of 65 elevates you into the above-average tier, indicating a stronger aptitude in comparison to the average ASVAB scores of your peers.
