How ASVAB line scores work
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) consists of 10 subtests. Your raw scores on these subtests are combined into 10 Army-specific line scores, each used by USAREC to determine MOS eligibility:
- GT — General Technical: Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension + Arithmetic Reasoning
- CL — Clerical: Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension + Arithmetic Reasoning + Mathematics Knowledge
- CO — Combat: Auto and Shop Information + Mechanical Comprehension + Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension
- EL — Electronics: General Science + Arithmetic Reasoning + Mathematics Knowledge + Electronics Information
- FA — Field Artillery: Arithmetic Reasoning + Mathematics Knowledge + Mechanical Comprehension
- GM — General Maintenance: General Science + Auto and Shop + Mathematics Knowledge + Electronics Information
- MM — Mechanical Maintenance: Auto and Shop + Mechanical Comprehension + Electronics Information
- OF — Operators and Food: Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension + Auto and Shop + Mechanical Comprehension
- SC — Surveillance and Communications: Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension + Auto and Shop + Mechanical Comprehension
- ST — Skilled Technical: Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension + General Science + Mechanical Comprehension + Mathematics Knowledge
Line scores typically range from 40 to 160. The mean is 100, with a standard deviation of about 20. A score of 120+ in any line is considered competitive for technical MOS.
AFQT vs Line Scores
You'll see both AFQT and line scores from ASVAB:
- AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test): A single 1-99 percentile based on Arithmetic Reasoning + Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension + Mathematics Knowledge. This is what determines whether you can ENLIST in the Army at all. Minimum AFQT for Army enlistment is 31 (recruits with HS diploma) or 50(GED recruits).
- Line Scores: Specific to MOS qualification. Even with an AFQT of 80, you might not qualify for a specific MOS if your relevant line score is too low. For example, 92A (Automated Logistical Specialist) needs CL≥90; if you have AFQT 80 but CL 85, you don't qualify until CL improves.
Strategies to maximize your options
- Study before your first ASVAB. Free prep resources include Khan Academy (math sections), the official ASVAB sample tests at officialasvab.com, and military.com/ASVAB. Quality prep can lift line scores by 15-30 points.
- Identify your target MOS BEFORE testing. Some MOS need GT scores (administrative, intelligence, cyber); others need MM (mechanic, aviation); others need EL (electronics, signal). Focus prep on the subtests that build YOUR target line score.
- Don't accept a low first score. If you score below your target, you can retake ASVAB after a 1-month waiting period (and again after 1 more month). Three attempts in a row are allowed; beyond that, requires 6-month wait.
- Verify with a recruiter BEFORE signing. military.com line scores are from a commercial source. The authoritative source is your USAREC recruiter who has access to current MOS prerequisites and any waivers.
- Consider DLAB if interested in language. Several intelligence MOS (35M, 35P) require DLAB (Defense Language Aptitude Battery) score, which is a separate test from ASVAB. Score ≥107 opens up linguist careers.
High-impact MOS to consider
Based on civilian career portability after service:
- Cyber (17C, 25D, 35Q): ST≥112 and GT≥110 required. Translates to $80k-$150k civilian cybersecurity jobs.
- Aviation Repair (15B-Y): MM≥99-105. Strong civilian aviation maintenance / FAA A&P licensing pathway.
- Medical (68W, 68C, 68F): ST≥101, GT≥107. Combat medic / nursing translates well to civilian healthcare.
- Intelligence Analyst (35F, 35G): ST≥101. Government and contractor analyst roles post-service.
- EOD (89D): GM≥105. Highest-paying civilian explosives careers; high deployment bonus history.
- Linguist (35P, 35M): DLAB≥107. Defense contractor roles; CIA/FBI/DEA opportunities.
- Information Technology (25B, 25N): ST≥95-102, EL≥102+. Strong civilian IT crossover with TS clearance bonus.
MOS with strong civilian-portability tend to require higher ST or EL scores. Investing in math + electronics study before ASVAB pays dividends across the rest of your career.
Important caveats
- Quotas vary by month. Even if you qualify line-score-wise, your USAREC office must have a slot available in that MOS in that month. Some MOS are perpetually full; others rotate through periods of need.
- Special programs add requirements. Airborne, Ranger, Special Forces, EOD, etc. have physical and medical requirements beyond ASVAB. Eligibility flowchart varies.
- Security clearance. Intelligence, cyber, and certain technical MOS require Secret or Top Secret clearance — your background investigation determines if you can fill the slot, separate from ASVAB.
- Medical disqualifications. Color vision (electronics MOS), height/weight, certain medical history can disqualify even high-scorers from specific MOS.
- This data is from military.com. While generally accurate, it's not the primary authoritative source. Final eligibility comes from your enlistment contract and USAREC.
