ASVAB Scores for Dummies: AFQT vs. Line Scores Explained

ASVAB Scores for Dummies: AFQT vs. Line Scores Explained

"I got a 65 on the ASVAB!"

It's a common phrase, but what does it actually mean? If you're starting your military journey, the ASVAB scoring system can feel like a foreign language. You'll hear terms like "AFQT," "line scores," "standard scores," and "percentiles." It's confusing, but understanding your score is the most important step in landing your dream military job.

This guide will break it all down in simple terms. No jargon, no complicated math—just what you need to know.

The Two Scores That Matter Most

When you take the ASVAB, you're actually getting two types of scores that the military cares about:

1. The AFQT Score: This determines if you're qualified to enlist in the military.
2. Line Scores (Composite Scores): These determine which jobs (MOS, AFSC, etc.) you qualify for.

Think of it like this: The AFQT gets you in the door. Line scores tell you which rooms you're allowed to enter.

What is the AFQT Score? (Your "Ticket to Enlist")

The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is the main number everyone talks about. It's a percentile score from 1-99 that compares your performance to a national sample of other test-takers.

• It's NOT a percentage of correct answers. A score of 70 doesn't mean you got 70% right. It means you scored *better than 70%* of the people in the reference group.
• It's calculated from only FOUR of the ten ASVAB subtests:

1. Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) - Math word problems
2. Mathematics Knowledge (MK) - General math concepts
3. Word Knowledge (WK) - Vocabulary
4. Paragraph Comprehension (PC) - Reading comprehension

These four sections are combined into a Verbal Expression (VE) score (WK + PC) and then put through a formula with AR and MK to generate your final AFQT percentile.

#### Minimum AFQT Scores to Enlist (2026)

Key Takeaway: A higher AFQT score makes you a more attractive candidate and may be required for certain enlistment bonuses, but it does NOT determine your job eligibility. That's where line scores come in.

What are Line Scores? (Your "Key to a Career")

While the AFQT gets you into a branch, line scores get you into a specific job. Each branch combines different ASVAB subtests to create composite scores that measure your aptitude for various career fields.

This is why someone with a high AFQT score might not qualify for a specific technical job, while someone with a lower AFQT might.

#### How Line Scores Work: An Army Example

The Army uses 10 different line scores. Let's look at two of the most important ones:

• General Technical (GT): This is one of the most critical scores, required for officer training and many leadership roles.
• Formula: `GT = Verbal Expression (VE) + Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)`
• Skilled Technical (ST): Required for highly technical jobs like intelligence, tech, and medical fields.
• Formula: `ST = General Science (GS) + VE + Mathematics Knowledge (MK) + Mechanical Comprehension (MC)`

Let's say you want to be a Combat Medic (68W). This job requires:

• GT score of 107
• ST score of 101

Even if your AFQT is 85, if your GT or ST score is below the requirement, you won't qualify for that job without a waiver (which is rare). You need to have performed well on the *specific subtests* that make up those line scores.

#### Line Scores for Other Branches

• Air Force & Space Force: Use four composite areas: General (G), Administrative (A), Mechanical (M), and Electrical (E).
• Navy & Coast Guard: Use various combinations of subtests for different job ratings. For example, `VE+AR+MK+MC` is a common combination for technical roles.
• Marines: Use three composite scores: Mechanical (MM), General Technical (GT), and Electronics (EL).

Pro Tip: Before you start studying, look up the line score requirements for the jobs you're interested in. This allows you to focus your efforts on the subtests that matter most for your desired career.

Why You Can't Ignore the Other Subtests

If the AFQT only comes from four sections, why bother with the others?

• Auto Shop Information (AS)
• Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
• Electronics Information (EI)
• General Science (GS)
• Assembling Objects (AO)

Because these "other" subtests are CRITICAL for your line scores.

• Want to work on aircraft engines in the Air Force? You'll need a high Mechanical (M) line score, which relies heavily on the Mechanical Comprehension (MC) and Auto & Shop (AS) subtests.
• Want to be a Cyber Operations Specialist in the Army? You need a high Skilled Technical (ST) score, which includes your General Science (GS) and Mechanical Comprehension (MC) results.

Ignoring these sections is the biggest mistake a recruit can make. It can lock you out of the most exciting and valuable career fields.

Putting It All Together: A Simple Analogy

Imagine you're applying to a sports university.

• Your AFQT score is like your overall GPA. It shows you're a good student and gets you accepted into the university.
• Your line scores are like your tryout performance for a specific team. Your high GPA won't get you on the basketball team if you can't shoot (i.e., your Mechanical line score is too low).

Your Goal: Study for a high AFQT score to get into the branch of your choice, but also study for the specific subtests that will give you the line scores for the job you want.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Don't just focus on the AFQT. It's important, but it's only half the story.
2. Research jobs first. Before you take the ASVAB, identify 3-5 jobs you're interested in and look up their line score requirements.
3. Create a targeted study plan. Focus on the specific ASVAB subtests that feed into the line scores you need.
4. Use a practice test platform. A good platform will not only give you an estimated AFQT score but also break down your performance on each subtest, so you know where to focus.

Ready to see where you stand? Take a free ASVAB practice test today and get a full breakdown of your scores.

> Take a Free Full-Length ASVAB Practice Test <