Crack the Coast Guard ASVAB Score: What You Need to Know

The Coast Guard isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. But before you can wear the uniform, there’s one critical hurdle to clear: the Coast Guard ASVAB score. With the toughest standards in the military, your ASVAB performance doesn’t just decide if you qualify; it shapes your future in the service. This article breaks down how the score is calculated, what minimums you need, and how to position yourself for the most in-demand Coast Guard jobs. If you’re serious about serving, start here.

How Coast Guard ASVAB score calculated?

How Coast Guard ASVAB score calculated?

To join the U.S. Coast Guard, the ASVAB or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test is the first prerequisite. This exam measures your strengths in various areas like math, science, and language. For Coast Guard applicants, the most important part of your ASVAB score is the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score, calculated from four ASVAB subtests out of nine subtests:

• Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
• Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
• Word Knowledge (WK)
• Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

and the others:

• General Science (GS)
• Auto & Shop Information (AS)
• Electronics Information (EI)
• Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
• Assembling Objectives (AO)

The formula to calculate the AFQT score is:

AFQT Score = [2 × (WK + PC) + AR + MK]

Or more precisely:

VE score = WK + PC (first computed and converted to a scaled score)

AFQT formula: AFQT = 2 × VE + AR + MK

Your AFQT score is then converted into a percentile ranking that compares your results to a reference group. For instance, an AFQT of 80 means you performed better than 80% of the reference group.

Unlike other branches of the military, which use line scores (combinations of subtests) to determine job qualification, the Coast Guard, like the Navy, uses the actual standard scores from individual ASVAB subtests.

This means:

• If a Coast Guard rating (job) requires a score of 95 made up of Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Auto & Shop Information (AS), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK), then your combined total from those subtests must equal 95 or more.
• There are no formulas like “EL = AR + MK + EI + GS” as seen in other branches.

This approach gives more transparency to how scores match jobs, but it also means you must score well in specific subtests tied to the rating you want.

Minimum ASVAB score for the Coast Guard

Minimum ASVAB score for the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard has the highest minimum ASVAB score requirement among all branches. To qualify, you must achieve:

• Minimum AFQT score: 40 (for high school graduates)
• Minimum AFQT score: 50 (for those with a GED)

However, meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee enlistment. The Coast Guard is highly selective, so competitive scores are often much higher.

So, why such high standards? The Coast Guard has a smaller force and fewer enlistment slots, making competition more intense. Furthermore, they’re looking for candidates who demonstrate strong academic and problem-solving abilities for specific tasks in this branch.

Coast Guard ASVAB score requirements for jobs

Coast Guard ASVAB score requirements for jobs

Coast Guard ratings & minimum ASVAB score chart

If you’re considering joining the U.S. Coast Guard, your ASVAB score not only determines your eligibility to enlist. It also decides what jobs (called “ratings”) you’re qualified for.

In the Coast Guard, a rating is the official term for a specific job or occupational specialty. Think of it like a job title. For example:

• BM = Boatswain’s Mate
• ET = Electronics Technician
• ME = Maritime Enforcement Specialist

Each rating has its own minimum ASVAB score requirement, often calculated from a specific combination of ASVAB standard scores for each subtest.

Tips to boost Coast Guard ASVAB score & job options

Here’s how to prepare for the Coast Guard ASVAB and boost your job options:

• Identify your target ratings: Find 3–5 Coast Guard jobs you like and note their minimum ASVAB scores (e.g., AR ≥ 52 for AMT).
• Practice properly: Take the full-length ASVAB practice test to simulate real test conditions, score yourself, and spot weak areas to focus on.
• Drill weak subtests daily: Practice math (AR, MK) or reading (PC, WK) skills for 15–20 minutes; track progress weekly. 
• Use trusted study materials: Stick to the ASVAB study guides and the ASVAB practice tests, and avoid outdated books.
• Create a study plan: Study 45-60 minutes daily, 5 days a week, rotating subtests and scheduling weekly reviews.
• Retake if needed: You can retake the ASVAB after 30 days; use your first score to improve and aim higher next time.

Strong ASVAB scores open doors to great Coast Guard careers like Aviation Maintenance Technician or Electronics Technician.

FAQs

1. What is a good ASVAB score for the Coast Guard?

A “good” score depends on your goals:

• Minimum to enlist: 40 (AFQT)
• Competitive score: 60 – 75 or higher
• For top-tier jobs: 80+

High scores open more opportunities and improve your chances of getting your preferred rating.

2. Why is the Coast Guard ASVAB score so high?

Reasons why the Coast Guard ASVAB score is so high are:

• The smallest military branch, with limited spaces
• Highly technical, requiring strong academic skills
• Focused on safety and law enforcement, demanding sharp decision-making

These factors justify their elevated entry standards.

Final thoughts

The ASVAB is your first hurdle in joining the Coast Guard, but also your greatest opportunity. A strong Coast Guard ASVAB score not only qualifies you for enlistment but also opens the door to specialized and high-demand roles. Take the time to prepare strategically and aim for a score well above the minimum. Your future in the Coast Guard depends on it. Start your prep today with our free Coast Guard ASVAB practice tests and job match guides to get one step closer to your Coast Guard career.