ASVAB Line Scores Explained
What line scores and composites are, how each branch computes them, and how they address specialty score requirements without deciding eligibility.
Two kinds of score requirements
The ASVAB produces two different kinds of results. The AFQT percentile (1 to 99) addresses enlistment score requirements. Line scores address specialty score requirements. Each branch combines subtests differently. Neither score alone determines overall enlistment or specialty eligibility.
Specialty pages quote score routes from official classification publications. Check the source, named program, effective interval, and coverage next to the numbers. Partial coverage means documented routes are omitted; unknown means coverage has not been reviewed. CT and other non-ASVAB instruments are not inputs to this tool.
Already have your scores? Compare your scores with shown routes. Still studying? Try the free practice questions.
The subtests behind the scores
Nine scored sections feed every composite. The AFQT percentile is computed from four of them (AR, MK, WK, PC); WK and PC together form the VE (Verbal Expression) score that many composites use. A few Navy ratings also name CS (Coding Speed), a separate Navy-administered add-on test rather than a standard ASVAB section.
GS · General Science
Life, earth, and physical science basics.
AR · Arithmetic Reasoning
Word problems solved with arithmetic. Counts toward the AFQT.
WK · Word Knowledge
Vocabulary and synonyms. Counts toward the AFQT.
PC · Paragraph Comprehension
Reading short passages for meaning. Counts toward the AFQT.
MK · Mathematics Knowledge
High school algebra and geometry. Counts toward the AFQT.
EI · Electronics Information
Circuits, currents, and electrical devices.
AS · Auto and Shop Information
Engines, tools, and shop practices. Delivered as two short sections on the computer test, combined into one AS score.
MC · Mechanical Comprehension
Levers, gears, pulleys, and applied physics.
AO · Assembling Objects
Spatial puzzles about how parts fit together.
How each branch scores jobs
Same test, five different composite systems.
Army · Aptitude areas
The Army combines subtests into ten aptitude areas: CL (Clerical), CO (Combat), EL (Electronics), FA (Field Artillery), GM (General Maintenance), GT (General Technical), MM (Mechanical Maintenance), OF (Operators and Food), SC (Surveillance and Communications), and ST (Skilled Technical). Each MOS names the area and minimum it requires, like GT 110.
Air Force · MAGE composites
The Air Force scores four composites: Mechanical (M), Administrative (A), General (G), and Electronics (E), together called MAGE. Each enlisted AFSC lists the letter and minimum it requires, like G 64. Some cyber AFSCs accept alternate cutoffs based on the Air Force Cyber Test or EDPT.
Navy · Summed subtest scores
The Navy states rating requirements as sums of individual subtest standard scores, like VE+MK 105 or AR+MK+EI+GS 222. The letters are the subtests themselves (VE Verbal Expression, AR Arithmetic Reasoning, MK Mathematics Knowledge, EI Electronics Information, GS General Science, and so on), added together.
Marine Corps · Composites
The Marine Corps uses four composites: MM (Mechanical Maintenance), GT (General Technical), CL (Clerical), and EL (Electronics). Each MOS lists its composite minimum, like GT 110, and some accept an AFQT alternative.
Coast Guard · Composites per rating
The Coast Guard qualifies applicants for ratings using combinations of ASVAB subtest scores. Rating minimums are set by the recruiting command; where no official public document states a per-rating value, this site shows nothing rather than an estimate.
Studying for a target score
If a job you want sits above your current line score, you can retest. March2Success is a free, Army-sponsored study program with ASVAB practice tests and lessons, open to future members of any branch. Find your target job in the directory to see its published minimum.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about ASVAB scores and job qualification.
What is the ASVAB?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) measures knowledge and aptitude across subtests like Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Electronics Information, and Mechanical Comprehension. Subtest results feed the AFQT percentile and branch-specific line scores. These address score requirements, not complete enlistment or job eligibility.
What are ASVAB line scores or composites?
Line scores, also called composites or aptitude areas, combine ASVAB subtest scores differently by branch. Published specialty requirements name score areas and minimums, sometimes with alternative routes. An Army MOS might list GT 110, an Air Force specialty G 64, and a Navy rating VE+MK 105.
How is the AFQT different from line scores?
The AFQT is a percentile from 1 to 99 computed from four subtests and used for enlistment score requirements. Line scores use other subtest combinations for specialty score requirements. Neither establishes overall eligibility. A high AFQT does not guarantee that you meet a specialty's shown line-score routes.
Where do the minimum scores on this site come from?
Shown minimums come from branch classification publications, including the Army Smartbook, Air Force DAFECD, Navy MILPERSMAN rating entry list, and Marine Corps MOS manual. Source publication dates are not policy effective dates. Reviewed records identify the program, applicable interval, and route coverage. Unreviewed coverage is unknown, not complete; expired or conflicting policy cannot establish a current comparison.
Can I retake the ASVAB to qualify for a different job?
Yes. Retake policies vary by branch and recruiter, but typically you can retest after one month, again after another month, and then after six-month waits. Scores are valid for two years. If your line score is close to the minimum for the job you want, studying and retesting is a common path.
What jobs can I get with my ASVAB scores?
The ASVAB Scores page compares entered official scores with the score routes shown for specialties. Results distinguish a shown route met, close to a shown route, below shown routes, more scores needed, and unavailable current policy. They do not list jobs you are fully eligible for. A source may document additional routes involving CT or other instruments this tool does not evaluate; program-specific requirements must not be applied to a different program.
How can I study for the ASVAB for free?
March2Success is a free, Army-sponsored study platform with ASVAB practice tests and lessons, open to anyone regardless of which branch you plan to join. Official practice questions are also available on the ASVAB program site.