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How Many Times Can You Take the ASVAB? Retake Guide

Tina Tran

Created at June 4, 2025

How many times can you take the ASVAB? Understanding the official retake policy is crucial if you’re planning to improve your score for better military career options. Whether you missed your target score or simply want to qualify for a more competitive MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, accurately and without fluff.

Can you retake the ASVAB?

The answer is yes. The ASVAB test is designed to allow individuals to improve their scores if their initial results don’t align with their goals.

When should you retake the ASVAB?

You should consider retaking the ASVAB if:

You didn’t meet the minimum Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score for enlistment.
You want to improve your line scores to qualify for a better or more technical job within the military.
Your original score is over two years old and no longer valid.
Your recruiter recommends a retake to boost your ASVAB scores and improve your chances of meeting branch-specific cutoffs.

Important ASVAB retake conditions

You can’t just walk in and retake the test, you’ll need approval from your recruiter or test coordinator.
Retakes are not always guaranteed and may be denied if there’s no compelling reason (e.g., fraudulent attempt, testing abuse, etc.).
If you’re in a school program (Student Testing Program or Career Exploration Program), you’ll need to test again through a military recruiter if you want your score to count for enlistment.
Your most recent score typically replaces your previous score, even if it’s lower. There’s no “best-of” policy, the latest result is what counts.

How many times can you take the ASVAB?

While there is no limit to how many times you can take the ASVAB, you must follow mandatory waiting periods between each attempt as outlined in the ASVAB retest policy.

Applicant	Retest Policy	Notes
Initial test	No wait required.	N/A
First retest	Must wait 1 month after initial test.	N/A
Second retest	Must wait 1 month after first retest.	N/A
Third or later retest	Must wait 6 months after the last retest.	The 6-month rule applies to all future retests.
AFQT gain ≥ 20 points in 6 months	Must take a Confirmation Test (C-Test) immediately. No need 1-month wait.	If you skip C-Test → Must wait 6 months.
After C-Test	May take standard retest 6 months after C-Test date.	N/A
Initial test invalidated (admin reason)	Doesn’t count as a real attempt. Can retest as scheduled by MEPS.	Fire drills, technical errors, etc.
Any test invalidated (cheating)	Must wait 6 months to retest.	Applies to initial test or retests.
Any test invalidated (admin reason)	The test doesn’t count. Can retake 1 month after the last valid test.	Must use a different form.

FAQs

1. Can I retake the ASVAB while enlisted?

Yes, enlisted personnel can retake the ASVAB under specific conditions:

Must have a valid reason, such as qualifying for reclassification
Requires command approval
No civilian waiting periods apply if retaking the AFCT
Civilian ASVAB retake rules (30/6/6 days) only apply if testing at MEPS, which is rare for active duty.

2. Can you retake the ASVAB while in active duty?

Yes, you can retake the ASVAB while in active duty, but it’s typically done through the AFCT (Armed Forces Classification Test), which is the in-service version of the ASVAB.

Final thoughts

If you’re not satisfied with your ASVAB score, retaking the test is a smart move. While there’s no strict limit to how many times you can take the ASVAB, you must follow mandatory waiting periods. Keep in mind that your most recent score will replace the previous one, even if it’s lower. Whether you’re retaking the ASVAB to qualify for a better job or meet enlistment standards, preparation is key. Ace it with our ASVAB practice tests.