How many times can you take the ASVAB? Retake rules and wait times
A career in the U.S. military begins with a crucial step: taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This multi-part exam is more than just a test of what you know; it determines the opportunities available to you, from enlistment eligibility to the types of jobs you can pursue. If you don’t get the score you’re aiming for the first time, your path doesn’t have to end there. You can take the ASVAB again, giving yourself another shot at unlocking more opportunities, securing bonuses, and landing the role you really want. Understanding the rules and timelines for retesting can turn a setback into a second chance, giving you a stepping stone toward your goals.
How many times can you take the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is a standardized assessment administered by the U.S. Department of Defense to determine military eligibility and future career prospects. Specific retesting policies are put in place to ensure fairness and clarity:
- First retest: After your initial ASVAB attempt, you must wait one calendar month before retaking the exam. Many candidates use this time to study for the ASVAB and improve their scores.
- Second retest: If you choose to take the ASVAB a third time, you are required to wait an additional calendar month following your second attempt. This rule applies whether you’re attempting to qualify for a different military branch or aiming for a higher score.
- Subsequent retests: For any further attempts beyond your third, a mandatory six-calendar-month waiting period applies before you can retake the ASVAB. A test invalidated for cheating also means a six-month wait, while a test invalidated for an administrative reason, such as a fire drill, doesn’t count as an attempt. This ensures all test-takers have ample time for targeted ASVAB study and preparation.
There’s no lifetime restriction on the total number of times you can take the ASVAB, so you can take the exam more than once as needed. For those wondering, “Can I retake the ASVAB while enlisted?” the answer is yes, but not at MEPS. Service members retest by taking the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT), a retired form of the ASVAB given through their base education or test control office, usually to qualify for a new job. The in-service wait is generally six months between AFCT attempts, with exceptions set by each service, and your new AFCT scores replace your old ones. Each of your ASVAB scores will be recorded, and the military will always use your most recent result rather than your highest score on record.
Why retaking might make sense
Many people retake the ASVAB to improve their Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score, which determines overall enlistment eligibility. Higher scores can also unlock a wider variety of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or job options, as well as possible enlistment bonuses. If you didn’t prepare the first time or struggled in a certain section, retesting can be a smart choice.
Below are five popular jobs and the minimum line scores they require, according to Military.com’s Army and Navy job lists and, for the Air Force, airforce.com, so you can pinpoint your preparation and improve your score in specific subtests. Line scores change; confirm the current requirement with a recruiter. For branch minimums, see what ASVAB score you need.
Intelligence Analyst (35F): Army
- Minimum line score: Skilled Technical (ST) 101*
- Responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting intelligence to support missions. Strong performance in Arithmetic Reasoning and Word Knowledge is key.
*In the Army, ST combines General Science (GS), Verbal Expression (VE), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK). VE is a weighted combination of Word Knowledge (WK) and Paragraph Comprehension (PC).
Cyber Operations Specialist (17C): Army
- Minimum line scores: ST 112 and General Technical (GT) 110 (in the Army, GT is Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) plus VE)
- Focuses on cybersecurity, network defense, and offensive digital operations. High technical aptitude and computer skills are necessary.
Aircraft Mechanic (15N / 2A5X1): Army/Air Force
- Minimum line score: Electronics (EL) 93* for the Army’s 15N (Avionic Mechanic), or Mechanical (M) 47 for the Air Force’s 2A5X1 (Airlift/Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance)
- Maintains and repairs aircraft systems. Requires a solid understanding of mechanical concepts and attention to detail.
*In the Army, EL combines General Science (GS), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Electronics Information (EI). The Air Force uses its own Mechanical (M) score, a percentile built from AR, Auto and Shop Information (AS), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), and VE.
Nuclear Operations Technician (NF): Navy
- Minimum line score: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Electronics Information (EI), and General Science (GS) adding up to 252, or AR, MK, VE, and MC adding up to 252
- One of the Navy’s most selective programs, involving advanced training in nuclear propulsion systems and physics.
Combat Medic Specialist (68W): Army
- Minimum line score: ST 101*
- Provides emergency medical care in combat and field environments. Requires strong general science and technical skills.
*Combines scores from the GS, WK, PC, MK, and MC subtests.
General guide for future test-takers
1. Understand the test structure
The ASVAB covers a wide range of subjects, and effective ASVAB study and preparation require an understanding of the test’s structure and scoring. Your AFQT score, which determines enlistment eligibility, is calculated specifically from the WK, PC, AR, and MK subtests. Focusing your review and taking targeted ASVAB practice tests on these sections is crucial for boosting your overall score and maximizing your military career opportunities.
2. Study smart, not just hard
To maximize your preparation strategies, follow these ASVAB study tips:
- Use practice tests that match the real ASVAB’s subtests and timing.
- Mix up and enhance your preparation with trusted third-party materials.
- Focus on weak areas, but don’t neglect your strengths.
- Develop good test-taking habits, such as pacing and eliminating incorrect answers.
The ASVAB is a long and wide-ranging test, so it’s good practice to regularly review each section and identify areas for improvement.
3. Take practice tests regularly
Timed practice exams, like Achievable’s free ASVAB practice exam, help you become comfortable with the format and determine areas that need extra review.
4. Maintain healthy habits
Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can improve focus and test performance.
5. Work with a recruiter
A military recruiter can provide valuable insights into how your ASVAB scores impact your career paths in the armed forces, as well as guidance regarding whether ASVAB retesting may enhance your enlistment options.
Key takeaways
You can participate in multiple ASVAB tests, but success starts with a strategic approach. Before you decide to retake the ASVAB while enlisted or as a civilian, ensure you have taken time to prepare for each subtest. A solid study plan structured around the exam format will greatly improve your chances of attaining the score needed for your preferred military specialty.
For those committed to joining the military, consider rigorous ASVAB study and strategic retesting if needed as your initial mission. Excelling on the ASVAB lays a strong foundation for your military career, opening greater long-term opportunities within the armed forces.
