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Armed Forces Qualification Test Requirements -- Navy

The Armed Forces Qualification Test (ASVAB, PiCAT, and AFCT)

The Armed Forces Qualification Test is a battery of nine tests. The nine tests, also known as sections, are delivered via one of the three versions of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The three different versions are essentially the same with their main difference being the method of delivery. The versions are, Prescreen Internet-Delivered Computer Adaptive Test (PiCAT); the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT), and, of course, the ASVAB.

The results of the ASVAB determine enlistment eligibility for all branches, active duty, guard, and reserve, of the armed forces of the United States (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force).

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the most recognized and administered of the three Armed Forces' tests. The test itself has multiple versions that vary the questions, and can be administered either via a paper or computer-based exam, the Internet Computerized Adaptive Test (iCAT).

The ASVAB is formally administered by a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) test administrator at the MEPS, a Military Entrance Test (MET) site, or during a school test (high school or junior college).

Prescreen Internet-Delivered Computer Adaptive Test (PiCAT)

The Prescreen Internet-Delivered Computer Adaptive Test (PiCAT) is an un-proctored version of the full ASVAB that currently provides recruiters with the ability to effectively determine if applicants are qualified before sending them to a military entrance processing station or military entrance test site. The PiCAT has the same nine sections as the ASVAB and can be taken from anywhere with a high-speed Internet connection and a desktop computer.

The PiCAT must be one's initial ASVAB and can only be taken once. To verify the PiCAT, the applicant must successfully complete a Verification Test at MEPS within 30 days of PiCAT completion.

The Verification Test is a proctored 25-30 minute general question test that is taken either at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), or a Military Entrance Test (MET) site that offers the Internet Computerized Adaptive Test (iCAT). The Verification Test questions are NOT the same questions experienced on the PiCAT.

Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT)

The Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) is a paper-based test that is administered to Servicemembers by a test administrator in the command's Educational Services Office, or a local MEPS if preapproved, for those who desire to increase their score in order to reclassify to a different rating/program.

The AFCT is a version of the paper ASVAB, and it is administered in the same manner as the ASVAB's paper-version (unless taken at a MEPS). For the Navy AFCT testing procedures and authorization, see MILPERSMAN 1236-010, "ARMED FORCES CLASSIFICATION TEST (AFCT) ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES FOR NAVY PERSONNEL."

Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) Score

How is the ASVAB qualification test score (QT) calculated? First, it is important to know the AFQT standard (raw) score is ultimately computed using the results of just four of the nine sections of the ASVAB. Those four sections are Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR). Using the formula, 2VE+AR+MK (Verbal (VE) is a result of adding the PC and WK scores), the qualification test (QT) standard score is derived. The resulting standard score is then compared to a chart for the version of the ASVAB taken to produce your true AFQT. The AFQT is used to determine one's general enlistment eligibility.

For the Navy, both active duty and Reserve, the minimum ASVAB score required is a 31QT with a Tier I education credential.

Effective December 5, 2022: Navy Recruiting Command implemented a pilot program which allows for a minimum ASVAB score of a 10QT. The number of openings are limited and only available for applicants who have completed a Tier I education and who meet the minimum ASVAB line score for a Navy rating. The pilot program will be available through Fiscal Year 2024 at which time will be evaluated for the potential of the program's extension.

For Tier II education credentialed Non-Prior Service applicants, the minimum ASVAB score required is a 50QT.

Effective November 4, 2022: Navy Recruiting Command implemented a pilot program which allows for those with a Tier II education to join the Navy active duty or Reserve component with a minimum score of a 31QT on the ASVAB. Openings are limited. This pilot program will run through Fiscal Year 2024.

UPDATE for Tier III education: Effective, January 22, 2024, recruitment of those with no education credentials, Tier III, are now eligible to join the Navy. The applicants will require a minimum of a 50QT on the ASVAB, completed police record checks (your recruiter will get these), and a completed DD form 370 (your recruiter will also get this filled out) reflecting highest grade completed from the last high school attended). Conduct waivers for Major Misconduct Offenses will not be considered. Tier III Applicants are not eligible for an enlistment bonus.

For Prior Service Navy applicants, the ASVAB scores obtained from the previous enlistment, regardless of the AFQT score, provided reenlistment in the same Navy job, or an other line score eligible critical rating available, may be used without having to retest.

Other Service Veteran (OSVET) applicant eligibility for the Navy is based on current (less than two years old) AFQT and ASVAB line scores. The required minimum ASVAB score for an OSVET is a 31QT.

ASVAB Mental Group Categories
AFQT Category ASVAB Score Range
CAT-I93-99 QT
CAT-II65-92 QT
CAT-IIIA50-64 QT
CAT-IIIB31-49 QT
CAT-IVA21-30 QT
CAT-IVB16-20 QT
CAT-IVC10-15 QT
CAT-V1-9 QT

Navy Jobs (Rating) ASVAB Line Score Requirements [1]

The Armed Forces Qualification Tests (ASVAB, PiCAT, and AFCT) are made up of nine sections. Each section's score achieved will produce its own line score used when determining eligibility for specific jobs and programs. The ASVAB section topics are:

Verbal (VE) is not a separate section of the ASVAB. VE is your raw WK+PC scores compared to a table associated with your test version.

The minimum line scores for each rating and program eligibility are determined by the Bureau of Naval Personnel using many factors including the specific "A" school academic drop-out rates.

The line scores defined on this page are for ASVAB tests taken after 2004. The ASVAB was normalized in 2004 based on the results of the Profile of American Youth study conducted in 1997 (PAY97) by the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor.

PAY97 ASVAB line score requirement for each Navy rating and program.
Navy RatingASVAB Score

Aerial Vehicle Operator Warrant Officer

See AVO page for testing details.

Aviation Boatswain Mate ABE, ABF, ABH

VE+AR+MK+AS≥161**

Aviation Machinist's Mate AD

VE+MK+GS≥152**-OR-VE+MK+EI≥152**

Aviation Support Equipment Technician AS

VE+AR+MK+MC≥206-OR-VE+AR+MK+EI≥206-OR-AS+MK+AO≥157

Naval Aircrewman AW

VE+AR+MK+MC≥210-OR-VE+AR+MK+AS≥210

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer (AIRCREW AIRR)

VE+AR+MK+MC≥ 210-OR-VE+AR+MK+AS≥210

Air Traffic Controller AC

VE+AR+MK+MC≥220-OR-PC+AR+MK≥166

Aerographer's Mate AG

VE+MK+GS≥162-OR-VE+MK+GS≥165

Aviation Structural Mechanic AM

VE+AR+MK+AS≥202**-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥202**

Aviation Structural Mechanic AME (Safety Equipment)

VE+AR+MK+AS≥210-OR-VE+AR+MK+AO≥210

Aviation Ordnanceman AO

VE+AR+MK+AS≥173**-OR-MK+AS+AO≥131**

Aviation Avionics AT, AE (AV)

VE+AR+MK+AO≥210**-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥210**

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman PR

VE+AR+MK+AS≥173-OR-MK+AS+AO≥140**

Aviation Maintenance Administration AZ

VE+AR≥102

Boatswain's Mate BM

VE+AR+ MK+AS≥163-OR-MK+AS+AO≥126

Builder BU

AR+MC+AS≥145-OR-VE+AR+MK+AO≥209

Construction Electrician CE

AR+MK+EI+GS≥201

Culinary Specialist CS

VE+AR≥76**

CS Submarine CSS

AR+MK+ EI+GS≥200-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥200

Construction Mechanic CM

AR+MC+AS≥162

Cryptologic Technician Interpretive CTI

VE+MK+GS≥162-AND-DLAB≥110-OR-MK+VE≥126

Cryptologic Technician Technical CTT

AR+2MK+GS≥212
OR
AR+MK+CT≥159 and CT≥60*

Cryptologic Technician Technical Advanced CTT (AEF)

AR+MK+EI+GS≥223
OR
AR+MK+CT≥162 and CT≥60*

Cryptologic Technician Maintenance CTM

AR+MK+EI+VE≥221

Cryptologic Technician Collection CTR

MK+PC≥110-OR-AR+MK+PC≥164

Cyber Warfare Technician CWT

AR+2MK+GS≥255ORVE+AR+MK+MC≥235OR CT+MK+VE≥173 and CT≥60*

Damage Controlman DC

VE+AR+ MK+AS≥193-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥193

Engineering Aid EA

AR+2MK+GS≥207

Electrician's Mate EM

VE+AR+MK+MC≥210-OR-AR+MK+EI+GS≥210

Engineman EN

VE+AR+MK+AS≥188-OR-VE+AR+MK+AO≥193

Explosive Ordnance Disposal EOD

AR+VE≥109 AND MC≥51-OR-GS+MC+EI≥169

Electronics Technician ET (AECF)

AR+MK+EI+GS≥222-OR-AR+2MK+GS≥222

ET Submarine ETS

AR+MK+EI+GS≥218-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥218

Equipment Operator EO

AR+MC+AS≥136**

Fire Controlman FC (AECF)

AR+MK+EI+GS≥222-OR-AR+2MK+GS≥222

Fire Control Technician Submarine FT

AR+MK+EI+GS≥218-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥218

Gas Turbine System Technician Electrical GSE

VE+AR+MK+MC≥210-OR-AR+MK+EI+GS≥210

Gas Turbine System Technician Mechanical GSM

VE+AR+MK+AS≥200-OR-VE+AR+MK+AO≥205

Gunner's Mate GM

AR+MK+EI+GS≥205-OR-GS+AR+2MK≥205

Hospital Corpsman HM

VE+AR+MK+GS≥209-OR-MK+GS+2VE≥209

Hospital Corpsman DA Dental Assistant

VE+AR+MK+GS≥209-OR-MK+GS+2VE≥209

Hospital Corpsman BHT Behavioral Health Technician

VE+AR+MK+GS≥209-OR-MK+GS+2VE≥209

Hospital Corpsman DH Dental Hygienist (DPEP)

VE+AR+MK+GS≥209-OR-MK+GS+2VE≥209

Hospital Corpsman ATF HM-ATF

VE+MK+GS≥156ANDAR+WK≥105ANDVE+AR+MK+GS≥210

Hull Maintenance Technician HT

VE+AR+MK+AS≥193-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥193

Interior Communications Electrician IC

AR+MK+EI+GS≥213-OR-VE+AR+MK+AO=218

Information Systems Technician IT

AR+VE+MK+GS≥222-OR-VE+MK+GS≥162-OR-CT+MK+VE≥162 and CT≥60*

Information Systems Technician IT-ATF

VE+AR+MK+GS≥214**-OR-VE+MK+GS≥156**-OR-CT+MK+VE≥156 and CT≥60*

Information Systems Technician IT Submarines

AR+2MK+GS≥218-OR-AR+MK+EI+GS≥218-OR-CT+MK+VE≥162 and CT≥55**

Intelligence Specialist IS-ATF

VE+AR+MK+GS≥215

Logistics Specialist LS

VE+AR≥92**

LS Submarine LSS

AR+MK+EI+GS≥200-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥200

Legalman LN

VE+MK≥105 and VE≥52-OR-VE+AR≥105 and VE≥52

Master-at-Arms MA

AR+VE+MK+MC≥188**

Mass Communication Specialist MC

VE+AR≥115ANDVE≥55

Machinist's Mate MM

VE+AR+MK+AS≥180**-OR-VE+AR+MK+AO≥185**

MM Submarine MMA/MMS

VE+AR+MK+EI≥207-OR-AR+GS+MC+EI≥207

Mineman MN

VE+AR+MK+MC≥210-OR-VE+AR+MK+AO≥216

Missile Technician Submarine MT

AR+MK+VE+AO≥218-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥218

Musician MU

31 AFQT(no line score criteria)

Machinery Repairman MR

VE+AR+MK+AS≥205-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥205-OR-AS+MK+AO≥148

Navy Counselor
NC

GS+MK+VE≥156

Nuclear Power Program MMN, EMN, ETN

Nuke Test Scores

Navy Diver ND

AR+VE≥105 AND MC≥51 OR AR+2MK+GS≥210 AND MC≥51 OR GS+MC+EI≥157 AND AR+MK≥100

Operations Specialist OS

VE+MK+CS≥148-OR-AR+2MK+GS≥198

Personnel Specialist PS

VE+MK≥103-OR-VE+MK+CS≥148

Quartermaster QM

VE+MC+MK+GS≥196-OR-MK+VE≥100

Religious Program Specialist RP

VE+MK≥105-OR-VE+MK+CS≥157

Retail Services Specialist RS

VE+AR≥83**

Robotics Warfare Specialist RW

AR+MK+EI+GS≥222-OR-AR+MK+VE+MC≥222-OR-AR+MK+VE+AO≥222

Special Warfare Boat Operator SB

AR+VE≥105 and MC≥51-OR-AR+2MK+GS≥210 and MC≥51

Sonar Technicians, Surface STG (AEF)

AR+MK+EI+GS≥222

Sonar Technicians, Surface STG (5YO)

AR+MK+EI+GS≥223-OR-AR+MK+VE+AO≥228

Sonar Technician Submarine STS

AR+MK+EI+GS≥218-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥218

Steelworker SW

AR+MC+AS≥136**

Special Warfare Operator SO

VE+AR≥108-AND-MC≥50-AND-AR+MK≥100--OR--VE+MK+MC+CS≥216-AND-AR+MK≥100--OR--GS+MC+EI≥167-AND-AR+MK≥100--OR--VE+AR+MK+AO≥216-AND-AR+MK≥100

Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF)

AR+MK+EI+GS≥218**-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥218**

Utilitiesman UT

AR+MK+EI+GS≥205-OR-AR+AS+MK≥145

Yeoman (YN)

VE+MK≥99-OR-VE+MK+CS≥148

YN Submarine (YNS)

AR+MK+EI+GS≥200-OR-VE+AR+MK+MC≥200

*Cyber Test requirement is for new accession Sailors entering service in the CTN, CTT, and IT ratings. It is the result of the Cyber Test that determines one's "CT" line score for those ratings.

**ASVAB Lines Scores valid until September 30, 2024.

Standard ASVAB Retest Policy

The retest policy applies to both enlistment and student testing programs without distinction. A mandatory test session in a high school does not waive this policy.

Note 1: When you answer at least one ASVAB question you are considered to have tested, retest date would be computed from that date.

Note 2: AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2012, RETAKING THE ASVAB WHILE IN DEP IS NO LONGER AUTHORIZED.

Authorized ASVAB Test Administration

Non-prior service applicants must be at least 17 years of age. If not 17 years of age or older, you cannot test. If tested by mistake before the age of 17, the test will be suspended for the 17 birthday, scanned and added to your record as invalid for enlistment purposes, and your retest eligibility starts from the date of test.

Whenever possible, military personnel (active duty, National Guard, and reserve) will arrange to take the in-service ASVAB from your service’s Test Control Officer at a military installation; however, on a case-by-case basis, Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) commanders may authorize administration of an ASVAB for in-service purposes at their MEPS. You must submit a memorandum from your unit commander requesting the MEPS to administer an ASVAB. The memorandum must include;

  1. Reason for retest.
  2. State the member’s personnel records indicate eligibility to take the ASVAB test.
  3. Include the address to which the results will be sent.

Page written and maintained by .

Page updated on March 19, 2024.

[1] ASVAB line score data current according to COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8N dated March 18, 2024.

Information contained was gathered from MILPERSMAN 1236-010, "ARMED FORCES CLASSIFICATION TEST (AFCT) ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES FOR NAVY PERSONNEL" dated July 25, 2017, and COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8N dated March 18, 2024. ASVAB Test requirements for Navy ratings and programs are subject to change without notice.

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