I'm considering joining the military but am concerned. How hard is the asvab?

Jon Carper — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 03:58:05 -0400

I dropped out of high school but I'm not unintelligent, I just had to take care of myself. I know you have to score above a 61 but I'm not sure how good of a score that is. Does anybody have any tips or advice on what to study?

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Mar 11 at 2020 6:31 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 06:31:59 -0400

There are plenty of study guides available for purchase. Good luck.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 11 at 2020 11:01 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:01:16 -0400

I did a Google search for ASVAB Practice Test. Lots of listings for practice test and sample test questions. Looks like there's lots of on-line free help in preparing for the test. http://www.todaysmilitary.com looked good. The Air Force and Navy also have on line resources.

As far as ASVAB score goes, the higher the better. I couldn't find a minimum score to enlist for the Army. I did find this on the USAF web page, "To join the Air Force as an enlisted Airman, you must achieve a minimum overall qualifying ASVAB score of 31 if you are a high school senior or have a high school diploma, and 50 if you are a GED holder." The Air Force, and I expect the other Services, have minimum ASVAB scores for some specialties. More technical specialties, such as Information Technology or aircraft maintenance, will require higher ASVAB scores. Recruits with lower or near-minimum scores may be sent to less skilled or less desirable specialties.

Jon Carper, what you didn't mention was whether you have a GED or not. It will be more difficult for you to enlist in any service without a high school diploma or GED. Many public school systems and some Community Colleges provide free or low-cost GED preparation classes. I strongly advise you to get a least a GED before you try to enlist. It might increase your chances of being accepted for enlistment.

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Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 11:13 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:13:06 -0400

Jon Carper As others have mentioned, obtain a study guide and practice, and get your GED if you do not have it. Have you researched the military branches and career fields to see what you are interested in?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 11:34 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:34:15 -0400

I don't recall the ASVAB being hard, but it has been a while. It is multiple choice. There are practice tests online as well as books. Depending on what kind of job you want in the military will determine what areas you may need to focus on; math, science, mechanics, etc. The ASVAB scores each of the areas. The higher score you, the more job opportunities are available to you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 11:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:52:17 -0400

The ASVAB is easy. But you are going to need your diploma or a GED to enlist

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Mar 11 at 2020 12:05 PM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:05:25 -0400

If you just finished school within a year or two, there's no reason why you can't score in the 50s. And all you need is a 50 to get the job you want, except for nuclear jobs where you must score high. Most of those Navy's MM(Nuke)/ET(Nuke) rating that I have talked to scored in the high 90s, like 98/99.

Response by CSM Danny S. made Mar 11 at 2020 2:29 PM

CSM Danny S. — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 14:29:25 -0400

As SFC Boyd said you will need a GED to get in these days. As for the ASVAB you can get a book or find online sources that can help you get it done.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 2:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 14:32:34 -0400

minimum ASVAB score is a 31. If your IQ is above room temperature that should be a piece of cake. A brain damaged chimpanzee marking answers randomly could score a 25.....

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Mar 11 at 2020 3:54 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:54:27 -0400

I will never be a MENSA candidate and many here can attest to this, but back in the day I signed up as a HS drop out with a waiver, it was easier in the late 70's. As soon as I reported to my unit I was "ENCOURAGED" to get my good enough diploma (GED) and I did just that in less than 6 months. I highly recommend attempting get your GED before you enlist it just makes it a tad bit easier for you and your recruiters. As for the ASVAB you young folks have it easier with actual books on the ASVAB, videos etc. You should try your very best to score as high as you can so you can qualify for more occupational specialties. Its always best to have more paths forward rather that just one or two. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 11 at 2020 5:14 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:14:49 -0400

Go take it and find out, it is a free test.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Mar 12 at 2020 7:34 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 07:34:21 -0400

Just remember, Forrest Gump passed the ASVAB...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 11:07 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:07:12 -0400

If you are concerned about how you will do, there are practice tests you can take. You will need to get your diploma or GED in order to get very far in the military, so I would advise you to do that first.
The ASVAB is not hard, but that is my perception and is of course relative.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 3:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 15:38:37 -0400

It's not hard there is a practice asvab test you can take to help you get ready for it and I believe there's a app on smartphones for it as well although I can't recall the name of it

Response by Thomas Perez made Jun 5 at 2025 4:36 AM

Thomas Perez — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:36:13 -0400

Hey Jon, the ASVAB can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable with the right prep—even if you didn’t finish high school. Scoring above 61 on the AFQT is pretty solid and opens up lots of options.

Focus on studying the core areas: Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Math Knowledge. Use free practice tests to get familiar with the question types and timing. Flashcards for vocabulary and math formulas help a lot too.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect but improving step-by-step. Here is a website that can help you prepare good for your test:
https://easy-prep.org/blog/asvab-practice-test

ASVAB Practice Test 2025 - Easy Prep

Try our free ASVAB practice test. Practice real questions to prepare effectively and feel confident for your certification exam.