You qualify for
17 of 65 ratings
Navy uses SUM of specific ASVAB subtests rather than line scores. Each rating accepts one or more formula combinations.
Source: military.com (republished service data). Authority: NAVPERS 18068F. Verify with a Navy recruiter before signing.
Your ASVAB subtest scores
Navy uses raw standard scores from individual ASVAB subtests (typically 30-80 each). Sum the relevant subtests to meet the threshold for each rating. VE = Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension combined.
Subtests: VE (Verbal Expression), AR (Arithmetic Reasoning), MK (Math Knowledge), AS (Auto & Shop), MC (Mechanical Comprehension), EI (Electronics Info), GS (General Science), AO (Assembling Objects), CS (Coding Speed)
How Navy ASVAB scoring works
Unlike the Army (which uses 10 composite line scores) and Air Force (4 MAGE scores), the Navy uses direct sums of ASVAB subtest standard scores for each rating. The most common formula is VE+AR+MK+AS (verbal + arithmetic + math + auto/shop), but technical ratings use AR+MK+EI+GS (arithmetic + math + electronics + general science). Most subtest scores range 30-80 with a mean of 50.
Many ratings accept multiple formula paths. For example, AC (Air Traffic Controller) accepts VE+AR+MK+MC=220 OR VE+MK+MC+CS=220 — either combination qualifies you. Computer Speed (CS) was retired from the modern ASVAB; older recruits who took the legacy ASVAB may have CS scores.
Special Navy programs require more than ASVAB
- Nuclear Field (NF): EM-NUC, MM-NUC, ET-NUC require the highest ASVAB sums (252+) PLUS the Navy Advanced Programs Test (NAPT) for high school candidates. Nuclear ratings have $50k-$100k+ bonus pipelines.
- Linguist (CTI): VE+MK+GS=162 AND DLAB≥100. DLAB is a separate test from ASVAB. Higher DLAB opens harder language categories (4=Arabic, Mandarin, Korean; 3=Russian, Vietnamese; 1=Spanish, French).
- Special Warfare (SO/SEAL): GS+MC+EI=170 OR VE+MK+MC+CS=220. Plus PST (Physical Screening Test) and medical screening.
- EOD: Multiple combinations available; physical and dive screening required.
- Navy Diver (ND): VE+AR=103 AND MC=51. Plus dive physical exam.
FAQ
Navy ASVAB — FAQs
- How is Navy ASVAB scoring different?
- Navy uses direct sums of ASVAB subtest standard scores rather than composite line scores. For example, AC (Air Traffic Controller) requires VE+AR+MK+MC=220. Many ratings accept multiple formula paths so improving any contributing subtest helps. Authority: NAVPERS 18068F.
- What is the Nuclear Field?
- Navy Nuclear Field (NF) — EM-NUC, MM-NUC, ET-NUC — requires the highest ASVAB sums (252+) plus the Navy Advanced Programs Test (NAPT). Nuclear sailors receive substantial enlistment bonuses ($50k-$100k+) and accelerated promotion. Training pipeline is rigorous (Nuclear Power School at Goose Creek, SC).
- What test does the Navy linguist (CTI) require?
- CTI requires VE+MK+GS=162 on ASVAB PLUS DLAB (Defense Language Aptitude Battery) score of 100+. DLAB is a separate test that predicts language-learning aptitude. Higher DLAB opens harder languages (Cat 4 = Arabic, Mandarin, Korean; Cat 3 = Russian, Vietnamese; Cat 1 = Spanish, French).
- Can I be a SEAL with average ASVAB scores?
- SO (SEAL) requires GS+MC+EI=170 OR VE+MK+MC+CS=220 — competitive but not extreme. The harder filter is the PST (Physical Screening Test), medical screening, and BUD/S attrition. ASVAB is the easy part.
- What is VE on Navy ASVAB?
- Verbal Expression = Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC). VE typically ranges 30-70+ on the Navy standard scale. Many Navy formulas use VE so verbal skills affect almost every rating.
