How to Check Your ASVAB Score: A Comprehensive Guide

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a crucial test for anyone considering a career in the U.S. military. Your ASVAB score not only determines your eligibility for enlistment but also influences the military jobs (Military Occupational Specialties or MOS) you qualify for. Understanding how to access and interpret your ASVAB score is essential for planning your military career. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing detailed steps and instructions to ensure you have a clear understanding of your results.

Understanding the ASVAB and Its Importance

Before delving into how to check your score, let’s briefly discuss what the ASVAB is and why it matters. The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test administered by the Department of Defense to assess your aptitude in various academic and vocational areas. It is not a pass/fail test; rather, it measures your knowledge and skills in different areas, providing a composite score that is used by each branch of the military to determine eligibility for enlistment and specific job roles.

The ASVAB covers the following areas:

• General Science (GS): Basic science concepts.
• Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): Math problems involving word problems.
• Word Knowledge (WK): Understanding of vocabulary and word meanings.
• Paragraph Comprehension (PC): Reading comprehension skills.
• Mathematics Knowledge (MK): Basic math concepts.
• Electronics Information (EI): Understanding of electronics concepts.
• Auto & Shop Information (AS): Knowledge about automobiles and shop mechanics.
• Mechanical Comprehension (MC): Understanding of mechanical and physical principles.

These sections are combined into several composite scores, the most important of which is the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. The AFQT score determines whether you are eligible to enlist. Each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) uses the same ASVAB scores but has its own minimum AFQT requirements and qualifying scores for various MOS/jobs. These scores are typically broken down by percentile, with higher percentiles indicating stronger performance relative to other test-takers. Understanding this percentile is vital in assessing where you stand for your desired military career.

When Will You Receive Your ASVAB Scores?

The timing of when you receive your ASVAB scores varies based on whether you took the test at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or at your high school. Generally:

• MEPS Testing: If you take the ASVAB at MEPS, you will usually receive your preliminary scores immediately after completing the test. You will have the opportunity to discuss these scores with a military counselor.
• High School Testing: If you take the ASVAB at your high school, it generally takes a few weeks for your scores to be processed and made available to the military. Typically, you will receive your scores through your high school counselors.

Regardless of where you took the test, it’s crucial to maintain good communication with your recruiter and/or school counselor to ensure you receive your scores as soon as possible.

Detailed Steps to Check Your ASVAB Score

Now, let’s move on to the specific steps you need to take to access your ASVAB scores. These steps may vary slightly based on your situation, but the general process is outlined below:

Step 1: Gather Your Necessary Information

Before you begin your search for your ASVAB scores, ensure you have the following information handy:

• Your Full Name: The name you used when you registered for the ASVAB.
• Date of Birth: Your accurate date of birth.
• Social Security Number (SSN): Your SSN or other identification number you used when testing.
• Testing Location: The place where you took the ASVAB (MEPS or high school).
• Date of Testing: The exact date you took the ASVAB.

Having this information will expedite the process and make it easier for anyone assisting you to locate your results. It’s also wise to keep a personal record of these details for future reference.

Step 2: Contact Your Recruiter (If Applicable)

If you are working with a military recruiter, they are your primary contact point for ASVAB score information. They will often have access to your scores through the military’s internal systems. Here’s how to approach this step:

1. Reach Out to Your Recruiter: Call, text, or email your recruiter, informing them that you would like to check your ASVAB scores.
2. Provide Information: Be ready to provide the information listed in Step 1 to help your recruiter locate your results quickly.
3. Ask Questions: Feel free to ask your recruiter any questions you may have about your scores, their interpretation, and what they mean for your military options.

Your recruiter will likely explain the percentile ranking and what the different composite scores mean for you. They can also advise on what jobs might be a good fit based on your results.

Step 3: Check with Your High School Counselor (If Applicable)

If you took the ASVAB at your high school, your guidance counselor will typically receive your scores and be able to share them with you. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact your high school’s guidance office to set up an appointment to discuss your ASVAB scores.
2. Provide Information: Have the information listed in Step 1 available for the counselor.
3. Review Your Scores: Discuss your scores with your counselor and ask for clarification on any aspects you find confusing.
4. Get a Copy of Your Score Report: If possible, ask the counselor to provide you with a copy of your official score report for your records.

High school counselors can be incredibly helpful in explaining the implications of your scores and can provide support whether you intend to pursue a military career or other options.

Step 4: Accessing Your Scores Through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) Website

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) website is a helpful resource for managing your ASVAB results. You can potentially access your scores through this website, although the availability of this feature can vary.

Here’s how to try:

1. Visit the Website: Go to the official ASVAB CEP website ([https://www.asvabprogram.com/](https://www.asvabprogram.com/)).
2. Create an Account: If you don’t already have one, create an account. You will likely need your name, date of birth, and SSN.
3. Look for a Score Retrieval Option: Navigate through the website to find an option to view or retrieve your scores. This might be under an area like “My Scores” or “Test Results.”
4. Follow the Instructions: Input your details as requested by the website. Ensure you have the information you compiled in Step 1.
5. View Your Scores: If successful, your scores should be displayed on the screen. Take note of both your individual subtest scores and your composite AFQT score.

Note: Not all users may have online access to their scores via this method, particularly if your testing date was not recent or if you have not previously created an account. In that case, contacting your recruiter or school counselor is crucial. The ASVAB website provides many different features to help you explore careers and this will be helpful after you get your scores.

Step 5: Contact the ASVAB Help Desk (If Needed)

If you encounter significant problems accessing your scores, or if you took the test some time ago and can’t locate your results through your recruiter, counselor, or the ASVAB website, you might consider contacting the ASVAB Help Desk. Their information is available on the ASVAB program website ([https://www.asvabprogram.com/](https://www.asvabprogram.com/)).

Here’s how to approach this:

1. Visit the ASVAB Program Website: Refer to the ASVAB program website for contact details. Usually, this is under a ‘Contact Us’ or ‘Help’ section.
2. Prepare Your Information: Have the information listed in Step 1 readily available to provide to the support staff.
3. Explain Your Situation: Clearly explain that you need assistance locating your ASVAB scores and describe the steps you’ve already taken to try and obtain them.
4. Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by the support staff. They may need additional details or guide you through further steps.

The help desk is typically equipped to address unique situations, including lost scores or issues with accessing the online database. They may ask you to provide proof of identity.

Understanding Your ASVAB Score Report

Once you’ve successfully retrieved your ASVAB scores, it’s crucial to understand what the different numbers mean. Your score report usually includes the following:

• Subtest Scores: These scores reflect your performance on each of the individual sections (GS, AR, WK, PC, MK, EI, AS, MC).
• Composite Scores: These are combinations of subtest scores that are relevant to particular job fields. For instance, the CL (Clerical) score is derived from word knowledge, paragraph comprehension and numerical operations. The EL (Electrical) score comes from arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge and electronics information. There is also the mechanical (MM) and combat (CO) composite scores.
• Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) Score: This is the most important score. It is composed of your scores from the Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK) sections and is used to determine your eligibility to enlist in the military. It is not an average of all the composite scores and is scored on a percentile scale.
• Percentiles: The AFQT score is presented as a percentile score ranging from 1 to 99. A higher percentile indicates better performance compared to other test-takers.

Each branch of the military has its own minimum AFQT score requirements for enlistment. These requirements change so consult with a recruiter for the current minimum score requirements. Also, your scores for individual sections of the test contribute to the specific military jobs (MOS) you qualify for, so consider looking at this breakdown. A high score in the mechanical section could qualify you for mechanic-based jobs, and a high electronics score could qualify you for technology-based jobs. The ASVAB career exploration program also provides tools to explore various jobs based on your scores.

Tips for Interpreting Your ASVAB Scores

Here are a few tips to help you interpret your ASVAB results effectively:

• Focus on the AFQT Score: Prioritize understanding your AFQT score, as this determines your overall enlistment eligibility.
• Analyze Subtest Scores: Pay close attention to your individual subtest scores to identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Consider Your Desired MOS: Research the specific score requirements for the military jobs that interest you.
• Consult with Experts: Don’t hesitate to discuss your scores with your recruiter or counselor to gain a better understanding of your options.
• Use the ASVAB Career Exploration Program: Use the free tools provided on the ASVAB website to explore potential career paths.

What to Do if You’re Not Satisfied with Your Scores

If you’re not satisfied with your initial ASVAB scores, you do have options:

• Retake the ASVAB: In most cases, you can retake the ASVAB. There are time restrictions between tests so be sure to ask about the wait period for retakes. You are usually given a maximum of three tries for the ASVAB.
• Prepare for a Retake: Spend time studying and focus on areas where you scored lower. Consider using resources like practice tests and study guides. Focus on the sections that make up the AFQT score to boost that number, if needed.
• Explore Other Options: If retaking the ASVAB doesn’t appeal to you, you can explore other career paths both within and outside of the military.

Conclusion

Checking and understanding your ASVAB score is a crucial step in your journey toward military service. By following these detailed steps and understanding how to interpret your results, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your future career. Remember to utilize the resources available to you, including your recruiter, counselor, and the ASVAB program website. Your ASVAB score is a vital tool that helps the military find the right fit for the right person. Don’t hesitate to review your scores with your chosen military branch representative to make the best decision. Good luck on your military journey!