The Armed Services Vocational Battery (ASVAB) is a series of tests used by the Military to ensure individuals meet the minimum skill capability requirements for each branch/job.
Each branch of the Armed Forces has a minimum score requirement for entrance along with minimum score requirements for each MOS/rating/AFSC.
The ASVAB test is broken into 10 different sections.
Every person who is joining the Armed Services in an enlisted (not officer) position, must take the ASVAB.
Because the ASVAB test is so important to your overall Military career, you may be wondering what happens if you need to retake it.
Continue reading for more information on the ASVAB, when you can retake it, and when you can’t.
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Table of Contents
1. How long is the ASVAB score good for?
The score on an ASVAB test is good for two years.
After two years, your test results are no longer valid.
If you retake the test within two years, the newest test results will be used for your score.
Once you enlist, your scores stay with you for the duration of your enlistment unless you choose to take it again to qualify for a career change.
2. What happens if you fail the ASVAB?
You cannot “fail” the ASVAB, but you can get lower test results that do not meet the minimum qualifications for your branch of service or desired MOS/AFSC/Rating.
In this case, you can take the test again after 30 calendar days if you do not meet minimum enlistment scores.
You can also be disqualified for several other reasons such as cheating or being unable to complete the test due to a medical issue.
3. When would I need to retake the ASVAB?
There are a few different reasons that could warrant taking the ASVAB test again.
The first is that you did not get a qualifying score.
Each branch has a minimum score requirement on the basic education requirements, called the AFQT score.
The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) is part of the ASVAB and sets a minimum entrance requirement for each service.
Your AFQT score is comprised of four subject areas: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Word Knowledge (WK). These are the basic math and reading skills that you’ll need to learn a new job field.
The minimum requirements are below:
| Branch of Military | H.S. Diploma | GED |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 31 | 50 |
| Army | 31 | 50 |
| Coast Guard | 40 | 50 |
| Marine Corps | 31 | 50 |
| National Guard | 31 | 50 |
| Navy | 31 | 50 |
In the event that you do not meet these minimum requirements, you would retest again after 30 calendar days.
Another reason is that you may be dismissed for cheating or disruptive behavior during the test.
This results in an invalid test and a waiting period of 6 months prior to retesting again.
An individual may need to retake the ASVAB in the event there was a disruption during the test, they are under distress, or when there are administrative errors during the test-taking process.
In the above scenarios, the specific situation will determine either an immediate retest or coming back at a later time.
If you deem that your score is not an accurate representation of your capabilities or need a higher score to qualify for the job you desire most, you can retake the ASVAB test.
That being said, it is very important to take your initial test very seriously, with undivided attention, as retests may not always be granted.
Related Article: ASVAB Scores For Marine Corps Jobs
4. How many times can you take the ASVAB?
There is no limit on the number of times you can take the ASVAB.
However, you may not be able to just retake the test because you do not like your scores.
And it may not be in your best interests to do so. Your last test scores are the scores used to determine your career. And it is possible to score lower the second time around.
You can retest if you do not meet the minimum entrance score requirements, or you if are disqualified.
You may be able to retake the test to qualify for a particular career field, but your recruiter is the best guide on how to accomplish this.
You can retest one calendar month after your first take.
If you need to take the test a third time, you’ll need to wait six months before testing again.
Each subsequent retest can be taken six months from the last test.
Retest schedule:
- Original Test
- Retake 1: Original Test Date + 30 Calendar Days
- Retake 2: 6 Months
- Retake 3: 6 Months
5. How much does it cost to retake the ASVAB?
The military does not charge to take the ASVAB test, during initial testing or during a retest.
You can incur charges if you pay for study material in preparation for the test.
Related Article: ASVAB Scores For Army Jobs
6. Can I retake the ASVAB after enlistment?
Yes, you can retake the ASVAB test after enlistment.
However, each service has different rules on how often or what stipulations need to be in place prior to retesting.
Most branches require there to be a reason for retaking the test (new MOS, attempting to get into an enlisted-to-officer program, or reenlistment options).
Most branches also require appointments and signatures from your commanding officer.
It can be a good idea to retake the test if you are hoping to reenlist into another specialty that requires a higher score as you can compete for reenlistment positions.
Related Article: ASVAB Scores and the Military Jobs That Qualify
Conclusion
The ASVAB test is a series of tests that the military uses as a measurement tool.
This tool can have an impact on which branch you qualify for and which MOS/Rating/AFSC you can enlist into.
While you cannot “fail” the ASVAB, you can receive scores that restrict your ability to join the service branch you want.
Retesting is possible, but it is granted under certain stipulations and situations.
A retest will not cost you any money, but a wait time will take place between your initial test, your retest, and each subsequent test.
Overall, it is extremely important to take your initial ASVAB test seriously the first time to increase your chances of success now and in the future.
Related Article: Coast Guard Jobs List: A List of All 22 Ratings in the Coast Guard (2023)
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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