What Is a Good AFQT Score? (ASVAB Score Guide)
What your AFQT score means, the score categories, the minimums most branches ask for, and how to raise your score.
The AFQT in one paragraph
When people talk about their "ASVAB score," they usually mean the AFQT score (Armed Forces Qualification Test). It decides whether you can enlist at all. It comes from four of the ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge.
It is a percentile, not a percent
The AFQT goes from 1 to 99, and it is a percentile. A score of 60 does not mean you got 60% right — it means you scored as well as or better than about 60% of a national reference group of young adults. That is why 50 is an average score, and 99 is the top.
AFQT categories
| Category | AFQT score | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| I | 93–99 | Top scores — the most job choices |
| II | 65–92 | Above average — many jobs and bonuses |
| IIIA | 50–64 | Average or a bit above |
| IIIB | 31–49 | Below average, but enough for most branches |
| IVA–IVC | 10–30 | Very limited options; often not accepted |
| V | 1–9 | Not eligible to enlist |
The minimums
- With a high school diploma, most branches ask for an AFQT of at least 31, and some ask for more.
- With a GED, the minimum is often higher (for many branches around 50).
- These numbers change with the needs of each branch, so always confirm the current minimum with a recruiter.
A good goal: aim for 50 or more. It clears the minimum of every branch and opens many more jobs. Many technical jobs also depend on your other subtest scores (the "line scores").
So what is a "good" score?
- 31–49: you can enlist in most branches, but your job choices may be limited.
- 50–64: solid — above the minimum everywhere.
- 65+: strong — more jobs, and some enlistment bonuses and programs ask for it.
How to raise your AFQT
- Focus on the four AFQT subtests first. Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension count double (see how the AFQT is calculated).
- Learn vocabulary a little every day — it is the fastest way to gain points.
- Practice math word problems without a calculator.
- Take timed practice tests to get used to the pace. Try our free ASVAB practice questions.