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?
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 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!
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.
