The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the initial assessment that determines eligibility for enlistment into the United States Armed Forces. The score obtained on this multi-aptitude test is foundational to the military application process, directly influencing whether a candidate qualifies to serve and what specific jobs they can be offered. Prospective applicants frequently ask how long their scores remain officially recognized. Understanding the specific period of validity and the conditions that affect this timeline is necessary for anyone planning a military career.
Standard ASVAB Score Validity Period
The Department of Defense (DoD) establishes a standard period for which ASVAB scores are considered current and valid for initial qualification. Generally, an ASVAB score is valid for two years from the date the test was administered. This two-year window applies to the vast majority of first-time applicants.
The military requires this expiration period to ensure a candidate’s aptitude and knowledge accurately reflect their current abilities. If a person does not enlist within 24 months, the scores are considered expired, and they must retake the ASVAB to be eligible to join. This standard validity applies across all branches of the military for basic enlistment eligibility.
Understanding AFQT and Line Scores
The ASVAB is a comprehensive test battery composed of multiple subtests, but not all sections are used to determine basic eligibility. The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is a percentile derived from four specific subtests: Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge. The AFQT score is the single metric used to determine if an applicant meets the minimum mental standards required for enlistment.
Beyond the AFQT, the results from the other subtests are combined into Line Scores, or composite scores. These scores group together aptitudes relevant to specific military occupational fields, such as mechanical, general, administrative, or electronics. Line Scores determine which specific jobs (Military Occupational Specialties, or MOS) a candidate is qualified to perform. The two-year validity period applies to both the AFQT and all associated Line Scores.
Factors Affecting Score Expiration
The two-year validity clock begins ticking the moment the ASVAB is taken, but certain circumstances can effectively extend the utility of the scores. One primary factor is the applicant’s entry into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). When a qualified applicant signs an enlistment contract at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), they are placed into the DEP before they ship to basic training.
Contracting into the DEP essentially “locks in” the applicant’s scores and physical qualification, even if the two-year validity period passes before the actual ship date. The DEP can last for up to 365 days, which means the score’s validity is maintained until the applicant accesses into active duty.
If the applicant leaves the DEP before shipping, however, and the two-year mark has passed, the scores will have expired, requiring a retest for a future enlistment attempt. While the DoD sets the two-year standard, the initial enlistment rule is consistently applied across all branches.
Rules for Retaking the ASVAB
If a person’s scores expire or they want to improve their scores to qualify for a better job, they must adhere to a specific retesting procedure. The military implements mandatory waiting periods between ASVAB attempts to maintain the integrity of the testing process.
After the initial test, an applicant must wait one full calendar month before taking the ASVAB a second time. A third attempt requires another full calendar month wait from the date of the second test. Any subsequent retests beyond the third attempt require a waiting period of six months between each administration.
The “most current score” policy dictates that the most recent score obtained is the one used for official enlistment purposes, even if that score is lower than a previous attempt. In rare cases, if an applicant achieves a substantial gain in their AFQT score (20 points or more within a six-month period), they may be required to take a Confirmation Test (C-Test) to verify the results.