Joining the military can be a rewarding step. There are many positive reasons why someone would want to join the military, such as serving your country while having a sense of patriotism and being a part of something that is bigger than yourself. You’ll also be given the opportunity to learn a new trade.
There are five branches of the US Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force. However, before you join any branch of the military, you’ll need to have a good ASVAB score.
What is the Highest ASVAB Score?
What is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. This test is required to enter into any branch of the military. It is a timed multi-aptitude test that is given to individuals at over 14,000 schools and MEPS around the nation.
The ASVAB measures your strengths weaknesses and potential success in the future. It also gives you information about which careers you would be best suited for in both civilian and military occupations.
What Does the ASVAB Test?
The ASVAB exam tests your knowledge in ten different areas:
- General Science
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Word Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Electronics Information
- Automotive Information
- Shop Information
- Mechanical Comprehension
- Assembling Objects
The computerized version of the ASVAB (called the CAT-ASVAB) contains 135 questions and is timed to be completed in 186 minutes. The paper-and-pencil version of the ASVAB (called the P&P-ASVAB) contains 225 questions and is timed at 149 minutes.
ASVAB Study Guide | Free ASVAB Practice Test
How is the ASVAB Scored?
When your ASVAB exam is scored, you’ll receive ten different scores, one for each section on the exam. Your ASVAB score also includes your AFQT score which is calculated by combining these four sections on the exam:
- Word Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Arithmetic Comprehension
- Mathematics Knowledge
Your AFQT score is very important. This score will determine if you are eligible for enlistment into the military. Your AFQT scores will show on your score report as a percentile ranging from 1 to 99. This percentile is based on the number of questions that you answered correctly compared to others that have taken the ASVAB. If you receive a percentile score of 90, that simply means that you have scored as well or better than 90% of other test-takers.
You’ll also receive a Composite Score, which is used by the military to determine which job you would be best suited for. Certain branches of the military and jobs require certain composite scores. Your Composite Score is a combination of the scores that you received on each subtest of the exam. These scores are called “line scores” which is a combination of the different subtests to determine which military job is best fit for you.
Air Force ASVAB Score
Each branch of the military has its own set of regulations regarding the minimum AFQT score and Composite Score. To be eligible to be enlisted into the Air Force, you’ll need to have a minimum score of 36 if you have a high school diploma. If you have a GED, you’ll need a minimum score of 65 to enlist.