ASVAB Line Scores – Access and Unlock All Branches

Are you preparing for the ASVAB and wondering how your scores impact your military career options? Understanding ASVAB line scores is crucial for unlocking the doors to your desired military occupational specialty (MOS). These scores determine which roles you qualify for in different branches and how competitive your application is. This guide breaks down what ASVAB line scores are, how they’re calculated, and what you need to know about key components. Whether you aim for the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, knowing how line scores work can be your game-changer.

What are ASVAB line scores?

What are ASVAB line scores?

Line scores, also known as composite scores, are combinations of your ASVAB subtest results, grouped together to match specific job requirements within the U.S. military. While your AFQT score determines general enlistment eligibility, Line Scores determine what specific jobs you’re qualified for. 

The ASVAB consists of nine subtests, which are combined in various ways to create composite scores used by each military branch to determine job eligibility.

• Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
• Word Knowledge (WK)
• Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
• Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
• General Science (GS)
• Electronics Information (EI)
• Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
• Auto & Shop Information (AS)
• Assembling Objects (AO)

One special part of this is the Verbal Expression (VE) score, which combines your Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension scores.
What makes line scores interesting is that each military branch uses its own unique formula to combine these subtests into composite scores. This means the same raw score on a subtest might be valued differently depending on the branch. With that in mind, let’s explore how ASVAB line scores vary across the different branches of the U.S. military.

ASVAB line scores by branch

For a quick review of how each branch handles ASVAB line scores, here’s a comparison chart:

Army ASVAB line scores

In the Army, ASVB line scores are used to qualify recruits for specific job fields. Each job category, such as mechanics, field artillery, or administration, is associated with a particular grouping of subtests. There are a total of 10 Army line scores:

Focus your preparation on the subtests that align with the career field you’re targeting.

Want to explore which Army jobs your scores qualify you for? Check out our full list of Army ASVAB score and its MOS options.

National Guard ASVAB line scores

The National Guard uses the Army’s line score system but may adjust score requirements based on state-specific roles and demands. Your eligibility for an MOS depends on hitting the required line scores for that job, and those may differ slightly from active duty requirements.

Check out the National Guard ASVAB score to see how your scores match local needs.

Marine Corps line scores

The Marines use line scores to decide if you’re suited for specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). These scores are created by combining subtests relevant to various fields such as technical, clerical, mechanical, and electronics.

Each MOS comes with a required minimum line score. Knowing these targets can help you study more strategically.

See the full breakdown of Marine ASVAB score and required line scores to better target your prep.

Coast Guard ASVAB line scores

The Coast Guard takes a more transparent route by using your actual subtest standard scores, not composite line scores. If a specific rating (job) needs a score of 95 from MC, AS, and MK, your combined scores from those must meet or exceed that number. No formulas, just straight math.

Discover Coast Guard ASVAB score can verify what jobs are in our detailed chart.

Navy ASVAB line scores

The Navy shares the same similar feature with the Coast Guard ASVAB when it does not use line scores as references. Instead of fixed line scores, it uses custom combinations of subtest scores tailored to each rating (job). Each Navy rating comes with its own eligibility criteria.

Browse our complete guide to Navy ASVAB score requirements to plan ahead.

Air Force ASVAB line scores

Each Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) requires its own line score, which is made by grouping subtests into categories. Here’s a breakdown:

• G (General): Verbal Expression (VE) + Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) – typically used for general intelligence and problem-solving roles, such as administration and management.
• M (Mechanical): Mechanical Comprehension (MC) + Auto & Shop Information (AS) – used for mechanical and technical fields like aircraft maintenance, vehicle repair, and other mechanical trades.
• A (Administrative): Verbal Expression (VE) – applied to clerical, administrative, and customer service positions requiring strong communication skills.
• E (Electronics): Electronics Information (EI) + Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) + Mathematics Knowledge (MK) + General Science (GS) – essential for technical jobs in electronics, avionics, and engineering specialties.

Understanding which line scores correspond to your target AFSC helps you focus your preparation on the relevant skills and subtests, increasing your chances of qualifying for the desired Air Force career.

Learn more about Air Force ASVAB scores and their job groups to set smarter study goals.

Space Force ASVAB line scores

These determine your qualifications for specific jobs within the Space Force. Since the Space Force shares its recruiting system with the Air Force, it applies the Air Force’s line score categories.

Review the Space Force ASVAB score and job requirements to prepare with precision

FAQs

1. What is a good ASVAB line score?

A good ASVAB line score depends on your career goals and the military branch you plan to join. In general, scores above 50 are considered competitive for many technical and specialized roles, while some elite or highly technical positions may require line scores in the 60s or higher. To ensure you qualify for the job you want, it’s important to check the most up-to-date line score requirements for your desired branch and role.

2. What does a line score determine?

A line score determines your eligibility for specific military jobs by combining relevant ASVAB subtest scores. It reflects your aptitude in targeted skill areas and directly influences the range and level of roles you qualify for. Strong line scores not only expand your job options but also enhance your chances for advanced training and long-term career progression across all branches.

3. What is the highest line score you can get?

ASVAB line scores are calculated by combining multiple subtest scores, each ranging up to 100. So, the maximum possible line score depends on how many subtests are included in the formula. In practice, scores above 250–270 are rare and considered exceptional, and most competitive military jobs require line scores in the 110–140+ range, depending on the role and branch.

4. What does VE mean on the ASVAB line scores?

VE stands for Verbal Expression, a composite score derived from:

• Word Knowledge (WK)
• Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

It measures your ability to understand and use written language, crucial for many military roles. VE combined with Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) forms the General Technical (GT) score, often key for technical and intelligence positions.

Final thoughts

Mastering your ASVAB line scores is a powerful step toward a rewarding military career. Knowing what each branch values and understanding critical components like VE ASVAB’s meaning will help you focus your preparation efficiently. Don’t just aim to pass the ASVAB, aim to excel in the line scores that open the doors to your dream job. Start practicing with our ASVAB practice test now, review your strengths, and consult official branch resources to confirm score requirements. Your future in the military depends on it!