Coast Guard: ASVAB scores & line scores
To enlist in the Coast Guard you need a minimum AFQT score, and then your line scores decide which jobs you qualify for. Here's how it works.
Minimum AFQT to enlist
The widest spread of any branch — cited from 32 (military.com 2026) up to 40; commonly ~36+. The Coast Guard is the most selective service; competitive applicants aim for AFQT 50+.
Line (composite) scores
The Coast Guard builds these composite scores from the ASVAB subtests. A job qualifies you by a minimum on the relevant one.
| Composite | Built from |
|---|---|
| GT — General Technical | VE + AR |
| (Ratings use direct subtest-sum thresholds — no named composites) | e.g. AR + MK + EI + GS |
Unlike the other services the Coast Guard mostly qualifies ratings by summing specific subtest standard scores against a threshold, rather than named composites. It sets the highest AFQT bar and it moves with recruiting needs — confirm the current numbers with a recruiter.
Example job requirements
A sample of Coast Guard jobs and the line score each one needs. Many jobs require two line scores — you have to clear both.
| Job | Requires |
|---|---|
| Gunner's Mate (GM) | AR + MK + EI + GS ≥ 208 |
| Machinery Technician (MK) | mechanical/electronics sum ~150–171 (AR ≥ 52) |
| Electronics Tech (ET) / IT | electronics sum ~150–171 (AR ≥ 52) |
Example cut scores for illustration, drawn from 2025–26 sources; exact requirements vary by job and change with demand — confirm with a recruiter.
Practise the four AFQT subtests free to lift your score, then work the technical subtests for the job you want.
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