Understanding your ASVAB scores can be a daunting task, but with a clear guide, you can easily navigate and make sense of the numbers. The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is designed to measure your aptitude in various subjects, which in turn helps determine your qualification for enlistment in the military and identifies the careers you’re most suited for. In this post, we will break down the components of the ASVAB scores and provide a step-by-step guide on how to read them easily.
Components of ASVAB Scores
The ASVAB test is divided into nine individual tests, each measuring your knowledge in specific subjects. These tests are:
- General Science (GS)
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Electronics Information (EI)
- Auto & Shop Information (AS)
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
- Assembling Objects (AO)
How ASVAB Scores Are Calculated
ASVAB scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers you provide in each of the nine individual tests. The scores are then normalized, which means that the scores are adjusted to account for the difficulty of the test and to ensure that the scores are consistent across all versions of the test. This process is called equating.
Understanding Your ASVAB Score Report
Your ASVAB score report will include several types of scores, including:
- Raw Score: The number of correct answers you provided in each test.
- Percentile Score: A score that indicates how well you performed compared to a large sample of people who took the test. Percentile scores range from 1 to 99.
- Standard Score: A score that ranges from 20 to 100, with an average score of 50. This score is used to determine your qualification for enlistment and to identify the careers you’re most suited for.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reading ASVAB Scores
To read your ASVAB scores easily, follow these steps:
- Identify Your Standard Scores: Look for the standard scores in each of the nine individual tests. These scores will range from 20 to 100.
- Determine Your AFQT Score: The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is calculated by combining your scores in four of the individual tests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension. This score is used to determine your qualification for enlistment.
- Identify Your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) Scores: Your MOS scores are used to identify the careers you’re most suited for. These scores are calculated by combining your scores in different individual tests.
- Review Your Percentile Scores: Review your percentile scores to see how well you performed compared to a large sample of people who took the test.
- Understand Your Line Scores: Line scores are used to identify the careers you’re most suited for. These scores are calculated by combining your scores in different individual tests.
Example of ASVAB Score Report
| Test | Standard Score | Percentile Score |
|---|---|---|
| GS | 60 | 70 |
| AR | 55 | 60 |
| WK | 65 | 75 |
| PC | 50 | 55 |
| MK | 70 | 80 |
| EI | 40 | 45 |
| AS | 45 | 50 |
| MC | 50 | 55 |
| AO | 60 | 65 |
In this example, the individual has a standard score of 60 in the General Science test and a percentile score of 70, indicating that they scored better than 70% of the people who took the test.
📝 Note: ASVAB scores are valid for two years from the date of testing.
Conclusion
Reading your ASVAB scores can seem overwhelming, but by following the steps outlined in this post, you can easily navigate and make sense of the numbers. Remember to identify your standard scores, determine your AFQT score, identify your MOS scores, review your percentile scores, and understand your line scores. With a clear understanding of your ASVAB scores, you can make informed decisions about your military career.
What is the ASVAB test?
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The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command to measure your aptitude in various subjects.
How are ASVAB scores calculated?
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ASVAB scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers you provide in each of the nine individual tests. The scores are then normalized to account for the difficulty of the test and to ensure that the scores are consistent across all versions of the test.
What is the AFQT score?
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The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is calculated by combining your scores in four of the individual tests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension. This score is used to determine your qualification for enlistment.
Related Terms:
- ASVAB score chart
- ASVAB practice test
- ASVAB score calculator
- ASVAB test
- Average ASVAB score by branch
