The ASVAB
Getting a Good Score
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, tests individuals' knowledge and skill in multiple areas.
Your test scores determine your eligibility to enlist in each of the military services as well as the MOS contracts you're eligible for.
The minimum score to qualify for the Marines is a 32, but you'll want to do better to have more MOS options available.
Testing Format and Prep
The ASVAB is offered at MEPS, however it may be administered at high schools and a few other locations as required.
It is a three hour long multiple choice test. Your recruiters should help you prepare by providing practice tests.
Scores earned on this test are critical to the Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS, future Marines will be eligible to select.
To prepare for the ASVAB, follow these steps:
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Take a practice test and see how you score
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If you don't get the scores you need for your desired MOS, grab an ASVAB Prep Book
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Work through the book to identify areas for improvement
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If you are struggling with a section, schedule a tutoring session to get up to speed on the subject
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Repeat process from Step 1 until you get the score you need for your goals
How Does It Get Scored?
The ASVAB consists of several different subject areas or subtests. The nine subtests are:
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General Science (GS)
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Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
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Word Knowledge (WK)
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Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
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Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
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Electronics Information (EI)
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Auto and Shop Information (AS)
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Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
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Assembling Objects (AO)
When candidates complete the ASVAB, they will receive a raw score for each of the subtests.
These raw scores are added together to create various composite scores. These composite scores show your potential in each potential functional area.
The first and most important composite score is the Armed Forces Qualification Test, or AFQT. This score is calculated by adding combining your scores in math and verbal disciplines; AR, MK, WK, and PC.
The AFQT calculation is displayed on a 1-99 scale.
To enlist in the Marines you must score at least 32 points. Individuals who posses a GED instead of a High School Diploma must score a minimum of 50 points.
The ASVAB and MOS Selection
**This Information will only remain on this page until the MOS Library is completed**
The additional composite scores are known as Line Scores. These Line Scores are utilized to identify eligibility for specific MOSs. Marine Corps Line Score computations are composed as follows:
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CL - Clerical: VE+AR+MK
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EL - Electronics: GS+AR+MK+EI
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GT - General Technical: VE+AR
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MM - Mechanical Maintenance: NO+AS+MC+EI
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ST - Skilled Technical: GS+VE+MK+MC
Each Marine Corps MOS has a minimum line score requirement to qualify for enlistment into that MOS. The list below shows the different required line scores for each MOS.
Administration
MOS MOS Description
0121 Personnel Clerk CL=100
0151 Administrative Clerk CL=100
0161 Postal Clerk CL=90
Intelligence, Cyberintelligence, Linguists Operations and Planning
MOS MOS Description
0231 Intelligence Specialist GT=100
0261 Geographic Intelligence Specialist EL=100
0511 MAGTF Planning Specialist GT=110
2542 Communication Center Operator GT=110
2621 Communications Signal Collection/Manual Morse Operator/Analyst GT=100
2631 Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Intercept Operator/Analyst GT=100
2651 Special Intelligence System Administrator/Communicator GT=100
2671 Arabic Cryptologic Linguist GT=105
2673 Korean Cryptologic Linguist GT=105
2674 Spanish Cryptologic Linguist GT=105
2676 Russian Cryptologic Linguist GT=105
Infantry, Reconnaissance, and Security Guard
MOS MOS Description
0311 Rifleman GT=80
0313 LAV Crewman GT=90
0321 Reconnaissance Man GT=105
0331 Machine Gunner GT=80
0341 Mortarman CT=80
0351 Assaultman GT=80
0352 Antitank Assault Guided Missileman GT=90
Logistics
MOS MOS Description
0411 Maintenance Management Specialist GT=100
0431 Logistics/Embarkation and Combat Service Support (CSS) Specialist GT=100
0451 Air Delivery Specialist GT=100
0481 Landing Support Specialist GT=95
Communications
MOS MOS Description
0612 Field Wireman GT=90
0613 Construction Wireman EL=90
0614 Unit Level Circuit Switch (ULCS) Operator/Maintainer EL=100
0621 Field Radio Operator EL=90
0622 Mobile Multichannel Equipment Operator EL=100
0624 High Frequency Communication Central Operator EL=100
0626 Fleet SATCOM Terminal Operator EL=100
0627 Ground Mobile Forces SATCOM Operator EL=100
Artillery
MOS MOS Description
0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer GT=90
0842 Field Artillery Radar Operator GT=105
0844 Field Artillery Fire Control Man GT=105
0847 Artillery Meteorological Man GT=105
0861 Fire Support Man GT=100
Utilities and Engineering
MOS MOS Description
1141 Electrician EL=90
1142 Electrical Equipment Repair Specialist EL=100
1161 Refrigeration Mechanic MM=105
1171 Hygiene Equipment Operator MM=85
1181 Fabric Repair Specialist MM=85
1316 Metal Worker MM=95
1341 Engineer Equipment Mechanic MM=95
1345 Engineer Equipment Operator MM=95
1361 Engineer Assistant GT=100
1371 Combat Engineer MM=95
1391 Bulk Fuel Specialist MM=85
Tanks and AAVs
MOS MOS Description
1833 Assault Amphibious Vehicle GT=90
Maintenance
MOS MOS Description
2111 Small Arms Repairer/Technician MM=95
2131 Towed Artillery Systems Technician MM=95
2141 Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Repairer/Technician MM=105
2146 Main Battle Tank (MBT) Repairer/Technician MM=105
2147 Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Repairer/Technician MM=105
2161 Machinist MM=105
2171 Electro-Optical Ordnance Repairer MM=105
2311 Ammunition Technician GT=100
Electronics Maintenance
MOS MOS Description
2811 Telephone Technician EL=115
2818 Personal Computer (PC)/Tactical Office Machine Repairer EL=115
2822 Electronic Switching Equipment Technician EL=115
2831 Multichannel Equipment Repairer EL=115
2841 Ground Radio Repairer EL=115
2844 Ground Communications Organizational Repairer EL=115
2846 Ground Radio Intermediate Repairer EL=115
2847 Telephone Systems/Personal Computer Intermediate Repairer EL=115
2871 Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Technician EL=115
2881 Communication Security Equipment Technician EL=115
2887 Counter Mortar Radar Repairer EL=115
Supply, Accounting, and Legal
MOS MOS Description
3043 Supply Administration and Operations Clerk CL=110
3051 Warehouse Clerk CL=90
3052 Packaging Specialist CL=80
3112 Traffic Management Specialist CL=90
3361 Subsistence Supply Clerk CL=90
3381 Food Service Specialist GT=90
3432 Finance Technician CL=110
3451 Fiscal/Budget Technician CL=110
4421 Legal Services Specialist CL=100
6672 Aviation Supply Clerk CL=100
6673 Automated Information Systems (AIS) Computer Operator CL=100
Motor Transport
MOS MOS Description
3521 Organizational Automotive Mechanic MM=95
3531 Motor Vehicle Operator MM=85
3533 Logistics Vehicle System Operator MM=85
Combat Imagery and Media Operations
MOS MOS Description
4341 Combat Correspondent GT=105
4611 Combat Illustrator GT=100
4612 Combat Lithographer GT=100
4641 Combat Photographer GT=100
4671 Combat Videographer GT=100
Military Police and Corrections
MOS MOS Description
5811 Military Police GT=100
5831 Correctional Specialist GT=100
Aviation Electronics Technician
MOS MOS Description
5937 Aviation Radio Repairer EL=105
5942 Aviation Radar Repairer EL=105
5952 Air Traffic Control Navigational Aids Technician EL=105
5953 Air Traffic Control Radar Technician EL=105
5954 Air Traffic Control Communications Technician EL=105
5962 Tactical Data Systems Equipment (TDSE) Repairer EL=105
5963 Tactical Air Operations Module Repairer EL=105
6311 Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical/Weapon Systems Technician EL=105
6312 Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Weapon Systems Technician – AV-8 EL=105
6314 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Avionics Technician EL=105
6316 Aircraft Communications/Navigation Systems Technician – KC-130 EL=105
6317 Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Weapon Systems Technician – F/A-18 EL=105
6322 Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical Systems Technician – CH-46 EL=105
6323 Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical Systems Technician – CH-53 EL=105
6324 Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical/Weapon Systems Technician – U/AH-1 EL=105
6326 Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical/Weapon Systems Technician – V-22 EL=105
6331 Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician-Trainee EL=105
6332 Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician – AV-8 EL=105
6333 Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician – EA-6 EL=105
6336 Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician – KC-130 EL=105
6337 Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician – F/A-18 EL=105
6386 Aircraft Electronic Countermeasures Systems Technician – EA-6B EL=105
Aviation Mechanic
MOS MOS Description
6046 Aircraft Maintenance Administration Specialist CL=100
6048 Flight Equipment Technician MM=105
6061 Aircraft Intermediate Level Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic MM=105
6071 Aircraft Maintenance Support Equipment (SE) Mechanic MM=105
6072 Aircraft Maintenance Support Equipment Hydraulic/ Pneumatic Structures Mechanic MM=105
6073 Aircraft Maintenance Support Equipment Electrician/ Refrigeration Mechanic MM=105
6074 Cryogenics Equipment Operator MM=105
6091 Aircraft Intermediate Level Structures Mechanic MM=105
6092 Aircraft Intermediate Level Structures Mechanic MM=105
Aviation Support
MOS MOS Description
6511 Aviation Ordnance Technician GT=105
6531 Aircraft Ordnance Technician GT=105
6541 Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician GT=105
7011 Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician MM=9
7051 Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue Specialist MM=95
7041 Aviation Operations Specialist CL=100
7234 Air Control Electronics Operator GT=105
7242 Air Support Operations Operator GT=100
Air Control and Navigation
MOS MOS Description
7251 Air Traffic Controller GT=105
7257 Air Traffic Controller GT=105
7314 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Air Vehicle Operator GT=105
7371 Aerial Navigator GT=110
6821 Weather Observer GT=105
7381 Airborne Radio Operator/Inflight Refueling Observer/ Loadmaster GT=110
Miscellaneous
MOS MOS Description
5526 Musician AFQT=50
5711 Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) Defense Specialist GT=110
7212 Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Gunner GT=90
4066 Small Computer Systems Specialist GT=110
4067 Programmer – ADA GT=110