ASVAB scores & the AFQT, explained

The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) isn't a separate test — it's a score built from four of the ten subtests: Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) and Mathematics Knowledge (MK).

It's calculated in three steps:

1. Verbal Expression (VE) combines your Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension scores.
2. The raw AFQT is 2 × VE + AR + MK — notice the verbal half is doubled.
3. That raw score is converted to a percentile from 1 to 99 against a national reference group. An AFQT of 50 means you scored as well as or better than 50% of that group.

Because verbal counts double, don't neglect Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension while chasing the math.

Percentiles are grouped into categories. Higher categories mean higher trainability; Category V applicants are not eligible to enlist.

Each individual subtest is reported as a standard score with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. So 50 is exactly average, 60 is one level above average, and 40 is one below. About two-thirds of test-takers score between 30 and 70. These standard scores are the building blocks for both the AFQT and the line scores.

Each branch sets a minimum AFQT to join. GED holders usually need a higher score than high-school diploma graduates.

The other six subtests, combined with the AFQT ones, form line scores (also called composite or aptitude-area scores). Each branch builds its own — for example the Army's GT (General Technical) = VE + AR, and the Air Force uses four MAGE composites (Mechanical, Administrative, General, Electronic). A specific job requires a minimum on the relevant line score. Pick your branch to see its composites and example jobs: