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How Navy ASVAB Scores Open Doors to Your Career

Thanh Nguyen

Created at May 30, 2025

Think you’re ready for the Navy? Prove it with your Navy ASVAB score. It’s more than a number; it’s your tactical clearance to enlist, qualify for a job, and start your military journey. It all begins here, whether aiming for a high-tech rating, a special ops role, or just trying to pass the gate. This guide reveals what your Navy ASVAB score really means, how it’s calculated, and what jobs it can unlock.

How Navy ASVAB score calculated?

ASVAB subtests that contribute to Navy scoring

The ASVAB test consists of 9 subtests, each designed to assess a different area of aptitude. However, not all subtests are used when calculating scores for Navy enlistment or job qualification.
The key subtests that are most often used in Navy scoring include:

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

Navy AFQT Score

ASVAB scores include several different types of scores, each serving a unique purpose in enlistment and job qualification. The Navy uses your AFQT score (Armed Forces Qualification Test score) to determine if you can enlist. This score is calculated from only four subtests:

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

These four subtests are used to calculate your AFQT score using the following formula:

AFQT = (2 × VE) + AR + MK

VE (Verbal Expression) is the sum of your scaled Word Knowledge (WK) and Paragraph Comprehension (PC) scores.

The result is then converted into a percentile (1–99), indicating how you performed compared to a reference group. For example, a percentile of 70 means you scored better than 70% of the sample population. The percentile score falls into one of the following categories, which help determine enlistment eligibility:

Category	Score Range	Description
I	93 – 99	Opens doors to top-tier positions
II	65 – 92	Eligible for most branches and advanced job options.
IIIA	50 – 64	Competent, wider job selection.
IIIB	31 – 49	Minimum score to enlist Navy (HS diploma)
IVA	21 – 30	Rarely accepted; may qualify under special programs.
IVB	16 – 20	Very low ability
IVC	10 – 15	Poor performance
V	1 – 9	Ineligible

Navy rating score

The Navy does not use line scores like the Army or Marine Corps; instead, it develops its own subtest score combinations to evaluate eligibility for each rating. In the Navy, a “rating” refers to a specific job or occupational specialty.

For example: HM – Hospital Corpsman.

Minimum ASVAB score for the Navy

Before you can explore specific Navy jobs based on ASVAB scores, it’s important to understand the minimum Navy ASVAB score required just to qualify for enlistment. These scores vary depending on your education level and applicant category. Here’s a breakdown:

Category	Applicant	Minimum ASVAB Score	Notes
Tier I	High school diploma or equivalent	31	Applicants with scores between 26–30QT may be eligible through the Future Sailor Preparatory Course – Academic (FSPC-A) if they meet line score requirements. Effective April 1, 2025, the minimum QT score for FSPC-A increased from 21 to 26.
Tier II	GED or alternative credential	50	A pilot program (effective November 4, 2022 – FY2025) allows a limited number of Tier II applicants to enlist with a 31QT, but openings are limited.
Tier III	No education credentials	50	Applicants must complete a police record check and DD Form 370 documenting the highest grade completed. Not eligible for enlistment bonuses. Major Misconduct waivers are not allowed.
Prior Service	Former Navy personnel	No minimum specified	Previous ASVAB scores may be reused without retesting if reentering the same Navy rating or a critical rating requiring similar line scores.
OSVET	Veterans from other services	31	ASVAB and AFQT scores must be current (less than 2 years old).

Navy jobs and ASVAB score requirements

Navy ASVAB scores and jobs chart

Each Navy job has its own minimum ASVAB subtest score requirements, so knowing where you stand can help you set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your future in the military.
To make things easier, here’s a clear overview of the ASVAB scores needed for different Navy career paths.

NEC	Navy Job Title	ASVAB Subtest Score(s)
AG	Aerographer’s Mate	PC + WK + MK + GS = 162
PR	Aircrew Survival Equipmentman	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 185 or MK + AS + AO = 140
AW	Aircrewman	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 210 or PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 210
AN	Airman	AR + AS + MK + PC + WK = 185
AC	Air Traffic Controller	PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 220 or PC + WK + MK + MC + CS = 220
AB	Aviation Boatswain’s Mate	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 184
AE	Aviation Electrician’s Mate	AR + MK + EI + GS = 222 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 222
AT	Aviation Electronics Technician	MK + EI + GS + AR = 222 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 222
AD	Aviation Machinist’s Mate	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 210 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 210
AZ	Aviation Maintenance Administration Man	PC + WK + AR = 102
AO	Aviation Ordnanceman	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 185 or MK + AS + AO = 140
AM	Aviation Structural Mechanic	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 210 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 210
AME	Aviation Structural Mechanic – Equipment	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 210 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 210
AS	Aviation Support Equipment Technician	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 210 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 210
BM	Boatswain’s Mate	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 175 or MK + AS + AO = 135
BU	Builder	AR + MC + AS = 145
CE	Construction Electrician	AR + MK + EI + GS = 201
CM	Construction Mechanic	AR + MC + AS = 162
CTT	Cryptologic Technician – Technical	PC + WK + MK + GS = 162
CTR	Cryptologic Technician – Collection	PC + WK + AR = 109
CTI	Cryptologic Technician Interpretive	PC + WK + MK + GS = 162
CTM	Cryptologic Technician – Maintenance	MK + EI + GS + AR = 223
CTN	Cryptologic Technician – Networks	AR + MK + GS = 235 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 235
CS	Culinary Specialist	PC + WK + AR = 88
DC	Damage Controlman	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 205 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 205
EM	Electrician’s Mate	PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 210 or AR + MK + EI + GS = 210
ET	Electronics Technician	AR + MK + EI + GS = 223
NUC	Electronics Technician (Nuclear) ET	PC + WK + AR + MK + MC + NAPT = 290 or AR + MK + EI + GS + NAPT = 290 or AR + MK + EI + GS = 252 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 252
EA	Engineering Aide	AR + MK + GS = 207
EN	Engineman	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 200 or PC + WK + AR + MK + AO = 205
EO	Equipment Operator	AR + MK + AS = 145
EOD	Explosive Ordnance Disposal	PC + WK + AR = 109 or MC = 51 or GS + MC + EI = 169, AR + PC + WK = 110, or MC = 50 or GS + MC + EI = 165
FT	Fire Control Technician	AR + MK + EI + GS = 222 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 222
FC	Fire Controlman	AR + MK + EI + GS = 223
GSE	Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical	PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 210 or AR + MK + EI + GS = 210
GSM	Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Mechanical	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 200 or PC + WK + AR + MK + AO = 205
GM	Gunner’s Mate	AR + MK + EI + GS = 205
HM	Hospital Corpsman	PC + WK + MK + GS = 156
HT	Hull Maintenance Technician	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 205 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 205
IT	Information Systems Technician	AR + MK + GS = 222 or AR + MK + EI + GS = 222
IS	Intelligence Specialist	PC + WK + AR = 107
IC	Interior Communications Electrician	AR + MK + EI + GS = 213
LN	Legalman	PC + WK + MK = 105 or PC + WK + MK + CS = 157
LS	Logistics Specialist	PC + WK + AR = 102
LS (SS)	Logistics Specialist – Submarines	AR + MK + EI + GS = 200 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 200
MR	Machinery Repairman	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 205 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 205
MM	Machinist’s Mate	PC + WK + AR + MK + AS = 200 or PC + WK + AR + MK + AO = 205
MC	Mass Communication Specialist	PC + WK + AR = 115
MA	Master-At-Arms	WK + AR = 98
MN	Mineman	PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 210 or AR + MK + EI + GS = 210
MT	Missile Technician	AR + MK + EI + GS = 222 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 222
MU	Musician	N/A
NC	Navy Counselor	PC + WK + AR = 104
ND	Navy Diver	PC + WK + AR = 103
OS	Operations Specialist	AR + MK + GS = 210 or PC + WK + MK + CS = 157
PS	Personnel Specialist	PC + WK + MK = 105 or PC + WK + MK + CS = 157
QM	Quartermaster	PC + WK + AR = 96
RP	Religious Program Specialist	PC + WK + MK = 105 or PC + WK + MK + CS = 157
SH	Ship’s Serviceman	PC + WK + AR = 95
ST	Sonar Technician	AR + MK + EI + GS = 223
SB	Special Warfare Boat Operator	PC + WK + AR = 103
SO	Special Warfare Operator	GS + MC + EI = 170 or PC + WK + MK + MC + CS = 220 or AR + PC + WK = 110
SW	Steelworker	AR + MC + AS = 145
SECF	Submarine Electronics/Computer Field	AR + MK + EI + GS = 222 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 222
UCT	Underwater Construction Team	PC + WK + AR = 103 or MC = 51
UT	Utilitiesman	AR + MK + EI + GS = 201
YN	Yeoman	AR + MK + EI + GS = 200 or PC + WK + AR + MK + MC = 200

Tips to expand your Navy career opportunities

Want more career choices in the Navy? Improving your ASVAB scores is the key. Start with these tips:

Identify your target rating: Use the table above to find the Navy job you’re interested in and check the required ASVAB line scores for that role.
Focus on relevant subtests: Prioritize studying the ASVAB sections that directly impact the line scores needed for your desired rating. You can find all the subtest practice in our ASVAB Practice Test!
Use trusted study resources: Prepare with materials like the ASVAB Study Guide, Navy ASVAB practice tests, and other reliable prep tools.
Take full-length, timed practice tests: Simulate real exam conditions with our free full-length ASVAB practice test to improve your accuracy, pacing, and familiarity with the test format.
Review and retake: Don’t hesitate to take the ASVAB again; higher scores can lead to more job options, enlistment bonuses, and long-term advancement in your Navy career.

FAQs

1. What is a good Navy ASVAB score?

A good ASVAB score for the Navy depends on the specific job (rating) you’re targeting, as each has its own score requirements. The first step is to achieve at least a 31 on the AFQT to qualify for enlistment. From there, aim for a score of 50 or higher, which meets the cutoff for many Navy entry-level roles. The higher you score, the more competitive you become and the more career opportunities you’ll have access to.

2. What is the minimum ASVAB score for the Navy?

The minimum score you need to enlist in the Navy depends on your educational background:

Tier I (High School Diploma or Equivalent): 31
Tier II (GED or Alternative Credential): 50
Tier III (No Education Credentials): 50
Prior Service (Former Navy): No minimum specified
OSVET (Veterans from Other Services): 31

Final thoughts

Navy ASVAB score is more than a number, it’s a doorway. Behind it are careers, challenges, and chances you haven’t yet imagined. Don’t approach the test as a hurdle to clear, but as the first step toward something greater. Study with purpose, aim with clarity, and trust that every point you earn is a brick in the foundation of your future in the Navy.